Noah's Wife

Debut author Starck inventively imagines Old Testament stories within a contemporary setting. Noah and his photographer wife swap his city parish for ministry in an unnamed coastal town where it won't stop raining. The former reverend of the town committed suicide, but the remaining townspeople are a resilient, quirky bunch, including Mrs. McGinn, the outspoken diner owner and de facto mayor, and Mauro, a shopkeeper. Sometimes the naming is a bit obvious: Adam is the zookeeper, and Jonas is the weatherman who foresees doom. Noah begins the thankless tasks of restoring the dilapidated church and encouraging his parishioners, but doubts he is making any difference. His dutiful wife%E2%80%94never named%E2%80%94serves the community on his behalf, tending to displaced zoo animals and concocting a flood evacuation plan. The novel's 40 chapters cleverly reflect the 40 days of the Genesis flood. Minor characters, such as a widower who performs magic tricks, take on more and more significance, until eventually their sermonizing supplants Noah's former role. Meanwhile, his wife largely remains a cipher. Still, the biblical motifs of pairs, exodus, exile, prophecy, and hope echo strongly. Starck's bright voice should hold particular appeal for fans of Barbara Kingsolver and Sara Gruen. Agent: Laura Langlie, Laura Langlie Agency. (Jan.)