Exodus, a Novel by Geoff Livingston

August 13, 2013 — 4 Comments

I had the pleasure of interviewing Geoff about his process writing his new novel, Exodus.  My brand new Skype recording software may have been the reason our call was frozen a couple of times.  We then proceeded without the recording since the new software has not been tested and it seemed the likely culprit.

Geoff grew up with two journalist parents writing in different styles.  He said the only criticism he has heard so far on his novel came from his dad, who was the editor of the Philadelphia Enquirer.  I wanted to know how he came up with a drama set in Kansas, USA, starring  Jason of the Argonuat fame, in a post apocalyptic world dominated by fundamentalist religious persons.  It must be said that he is a sci fi fan as well as a justice freak.  His use of an historical character from Greek literature is part of a story that was in his head.  He studied European history as a minor in college, so his knowledge of the various forms of fundamentalism that swept through Europe (Inquisition, Crusades, etc) is extensive.  His story is not about race, but about religious fanaticism.  Setting it 300 years into the future makes it clear that the story is fiction.  Using themes that have filled human history with war and drama, Geoff examines how society could totally break bad if the intolerance is not contained.  I am not a fiction reader, but I like Geoff both in print and in person, so I might break the 30 year fiction fast to read Exodus when it comes out August 26 .  Those of you who like steampunk and fiction with a side of political ethics will probably love this book: