The Lawgiver

The doubts Back to Blood prompted about an old writer's ability to connect with contemporary life have been overturned, at least for today, by this epistolary novel by Herman Wouk, age 97. Consisting of faxes, e-mails, Skype transcripts, notes, and text messages, The Lawgiver revolves around an Australian billionaire's attempt to produce an epic film of the life of Moses. Wouk places himself in the cast of characters, struggling in Palm Springs to write his own long-desired novel on the subject. The workings of Hollywood, religion, and love are mashed together in a funny, vibrant stew.