Book of Dreams: A Chevron Ross Book Review

Does God care about the world’s financial problems? You might think so if you read Book of Dreams, an intriguing novel of faith and high finance set in the post-recession world of 2011.

Elena Burroughs, a celebrated dream expert, is mourning for her deceased husband when her mentor gives her an ancient book which has spiritual properties. The book seems to suggest that Elena must involve herself with two important people who have been having repeated nightmares. It soon becomes apparent that the dreams are linked to an international banking plot that will bring worldwide ruin upon innocent investors and poor people.

One of the dreamers is the wife of Lawrence Harwood, America’s ambassador to England. He is in line to become the next Vice President of the United States. The other is Antonio d’Alba, financial advisor to the Vatican. Both men must decide whether to protect their own interests or risk them to expose the bankers. Elena’s interpretation of the dreams leads them and other characters into a series of prayer vigils in hopes that God will direct their decisions.

Published in 2011, Book of Dreams is obviously a result of the 2008 financial crisis in which bank and business failures plunged the western world into a deep recession. That foundation lends urgency to the fear that the powerful banking consortium is a money-hungry monster that will stop at nothing to keep gorging itself.

Davis Bunn has used his impressive knowledge of Hebrew history and the Bible to pen a strongly faith-based novel. Elena and the people in her circle face disgrace and ruined careers for making righteous decisions for the sake of a better world. There is also a budding romance between two of the characters and an assassination plot that leads to a dramatic climax. Most of the action takes place against the time-honored backdrop of Oxford, with its many schools and churches.

I rate this book at four stars for its engaging plot and its Christian theme that is too often absent from modern literature.