The quest for knowledge and the desire to make a difference in the world has been a universal theme throughout the history of literature. When society faces great challenges such as abortion, the question often arises, “What can one man do?”

Donald S. Smith’s new self-published novel INNOCENT BLOOD America’s Final Trial shows that in God’s hands, one man can indeed make a difference. An 800-page novel about abortion may not be at the top of most people’s reading lists—but if it were, the world might be a better place. Perhaps, however, it may best be understood not as a novel about abortion, but as a personal story about the survival of America in the face of our greatest challenge. While it is comfortable reading for those of us who are familiar with the Bible, it is written in such a way that it is accessible even to individuals who have never read scripture.

Surprisingly lacking the gruesome details one might expect from a pro-life novel, INNOCENT BLOOD America’s Final Trial instead embodies an upbeat, positive vision, often focusing on the simple joys of life, including the joy of sex (which some may find to be out of place in a pro-life novel, although it is actually essential to a holistic pro-life perspective).

The story takes place in the modern-day world, while many aspects of the past decade or two of our history are fictionalized; nevertheless, they often seem to be “ripped from the headlines.” Jefferson Davis Maddox, the central figure of the novel, possesses a thirst for knowledge reminiscent of the hero in Apuleius’ ancient novel (who said “I want to know everything in the world, or at least a good part of it”) yet Maddox’s life is characterized by an upward spiral, in contrast to the asinine descent of Apuleius’ protagonist. Maddox is a multi-dimensional figure who seems to be defined by divergent character traits, which he embodies without the difficulties one might expect: he is a Renaissance man yet a practical businessman, a visionary yet a pragmatist, an economist yet a humanitarian.

Like the cartoonish hero of Klise’s Last Western (another self-published epic), Maddox possesses a virtual Midas touch throughout most of the story, envisioning and carrying out amazing plans—but like any real man, his shortcomings sometimes bring him back down to earth. Early in his life he catches a vision for ending abortion, but that vision is incomplete at best. At times he seems content to simply throw money at the problem. It is obvious to Maddox and to those around him that he has a unique destiny; but even before he experiences a personal encounter with God, it is evident that his destiny is wrapped up in God’s glory, not his own. However, Maddox does not seem to allow his destiny to feed his ego, as he humbly acknowledges that without divine guidance, he is helpless to accomplish anything.

The monumental challenges Maddox overcomes seem to pale in comparison to the satisfaction he experiences in the arms of the beautiful woman with whom God blessed him. Nevertheless, even a virtuous man like Maddox may find his sexuality to be his greatest threat, even in the midst of his times of greatest success.

While the story makes no attempt to hide the ultimate destiny of Maddox as President of the United States, the road that leads him to the presidency is not always what one would expect. As the prospects of presidency loom on the horizon, Maddox finds himself needing to come to grips with key economic principles, but one of the most important lessons he learns is that “America’s problems cannot be solved by economic means alone.”

The presidency is never a one-man show, even with a noble man like Maddox at the helm. Maddox is never portrayed as the only man who can make a difference. The phenomenal success of the Maddox Presidency is experienced in large part through a network of “mighty men” who seem to find in him the realization of their own uniquely amazing divine destinies. Throughout his life, great men and women seem to be drawn to Maddox, and these colorful characters at times seem to shine even more brightly than the star of the story. In some cases, their monologues could stand alone as treatises on some of the most important themes of religion, economics and politics.

If the story seems to oversimplify the process of what it would take for a man to rise to the presidency, perhaps the author can be forgiven after 800 pages. But could it be possible for God’s hand of blessing to be experienced to the degree that Maddox experienced it? While I would tend to doubt that such a scenario is possible, 2 Chronicles 16:9 seems to suggest that I am wrong: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him.” But if such a man were to truly focus wholeheartedly on following God, would the nation rally behind him, or crucify him?

The anti-Faustian protagonist of INNOCENT BLOOD America’s Final Trial reaffirms Marlowe’s conclusion that true greatness can only be achieved with God’s blessing. That truth applies not only to the man J.D. Maddox, but also to the nation he is chosen to lead.

Readers who persevere to the last third of the novel are rewarded appropriately, as it contains much of the most valuable content. Although they comprise only a small fraction of the overall content, some of the most poignant passages deal with abortion not as an issue, but as a personal life story.

The fictional biography is difficult to classify at times. Is it a comedy or a tragedy? At times it reads like a mystery, science fiction, or even a steamy romance novel. The author, best known as the producer of the film The Silent Scream, even includes some thinly-veiled autobiographical vignettes.

In truth, INNOCENT BLOOD America’s Final Trial is radically different from a typical novel, because its readers find themselves becoming more attuned to the real world rather than escaping from it, as within the fiction they discover the non-fictional seeds of not only political but spiritual transformation of our nation. Those who persevere to the end of the story may also find themselves with a greater understanding of some of the key points of scripture (such as the Great Commission and the Great Commandment) than many modern pastors, even if they formerly possessed no understanding of scripture.

Ultimately, the strategy Maddox employs to end our nation’s Abortion Holocaust is not fictional, but is deeply rooted within the real-life heritage of one of our nation’s greatest presidents. But in the final analysis, what proves to be good for the nation finally eclipses what is good for Maddox, as readers close the book with the realization that even the great passions of a man like Maddox are less important than what God accomplishes through him.