By: Daniel Fusch

The Story and Characters of The Color of Miracles

What happens when an artist who doesn’t strongly believe in miracles is asked to paint one? In The Color of Miracles, Kieth Merrill, an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, crafts a story that is as vibrant as a canvas and as human as the people who fill it. Set in San Francisco, this novel follows Thomas Hall, a painter who is caught between his craft, his doubts, and the lives that encourage him to look beyond the brush. With a cast of characters who feel as though they could walk off the page, the book explores themes of art, faith, and redemption in ways that are both grounded and meaningful.

The Story: A Clash of Art and Belief

The hospital job, championed by Susan “Cass” Cassidy, isn’t just about art. It’s a request to depict Jesus’s miracles, a challenge for an agnostic like Thomas. As he grapples with this, he meets Christina, a young girl recovering from a car accident that killed her mother, and begins to recognize the human side of healing. Guided by pastors Reverend Mike and Jing-Wei, Thomas researches biblical miracles, sketching scenes that emphasize hope rather than divine intervention. Meanwhile, tensions at the museum—where the new director, Silas Hawker, pushes a Darwinian agenda—and a strained relationship with an elderly man, Alexander, possibly his father, force Thomas to confront both his past and his purpose. Merrill, with his filmmaker’s perspective, weaves these threads into a story about seeking meaning through art and connection.

The Characters: Flawed, Real, and Relatable

Thomas Hall: A talented but conflicted artist, Thomas is at the heart of the story. His love for color drives his fantasy murals, but his agnosticism and impulsive choices—such as purchasing the sailboat—create tensions with Frank and others. His growth, shaped by Christina and Cass, feels natural, reflecting Merrill’s skill in creating complex, human characters.

Susan “Cass” Cassidy: With a Master’s in Communications, Cass is a passionate advocate for the hospital mural. Her bond with Christina, whom she temporarily cares for, gives her mission personal importance. Merrill infuses Cass with a warmth that makes her a memorable and empathetic character.

Christina: A young violinist injured in a tragic accident, Christina’s resilience and love for music form the emotional core of the story. Her interactions with Thomas, particularly when he sketches for her in the ICU, are central, showcasing Merrill’s ability to humanize even minor characters.

Frank Berger: Thomas’s agent is all business, frustrated by his client’s risky decisions. Their tense dynamic adds a layer of realism, grounding the story in the professional pressures many readers may recognize.

Silas Hawker: The museum’s new director, Hawker, is a passionate Darwinist who challenges Thomas to align his art with science. His intensity, especially during a press conference for the Darwin Pavilion, mirrors the broader debate between faith and science.

Miss Von Horn: A hospital benefactor with deep ties to St. Mark’s, she insists that the mural reflect faith and hope. Her influence pushes Thomas out of his comfort zone, adding depth to the story’s exploration of belief.

Reverend Mike and Jing-Wei: These houseboat-dwelling pastors offer contrasting views on miracles—Mike’s skepticism versus Jing-Wei’s faith—helping Thomas shape his mural. Their debates, rooted in Merrill’s community engagement, feel authentic and thought-provoking.

Alexander: An elderly man at Oakridge Manor, possibly Thomas’s father, carries the weight of a fractured past. His conversations with resident Patricia Benning reveal regrets that parallel Thomas’s own struggles, adding emotional weight to the narrative.

Why It Resonates

Merrill, whose 60-year career includes founding a private school and raising a large family in Northern California, brings a storyteller’s finesse to The Color of Miracles. The novel’s strength lies in its characters, each flawed yet striving for something more—whether it’s Cass’s commitment to the hospital mural, Christina’s quiet courage, or Thomas’s search for meaning. The story touches on timely issues like workplace politics, environmental activism, and the science-faith divide, making it particularly relevant to readers in today’s world. For those who enjoy character-driven narratives, this book offers an exploration of art and human connection that can leave a lasting impression. If you’re interested in experiencing these lives for yourself, grab the book from Amazon and Goodreads and reflect on what resonates with you.