Coming Home: Forgiveness, Community, and the Heart of Prodigal with Phyllis Gobbell (E151)
In today’s episode, I’m joined by author Phyllis Gobbell, who brings a rich blend of literary insight and Southern storytelling charm. A retired college English professor, Phyllis has written across genres—from gripping true crime (An Unfinished Canvas, A Season of Darkness) to immersive mystery fiction. Her latest novel, Prodigal, released in November 2024, is a contemporary retelling of the biblical parable The Prodigal Son. Set in a small Southern town much like the one she grew up in, Prodigal explores themes of homecoming, community and forgiveness—not only of others, but of oneself. Phyllis speaks about the importance of place as a character and how community shapes story. We also discuss her book flight—stories that inspired Prodigal—and how her background in true crime shaped her fiction writing in unexpected ways.
Episode Highlights:
What compelled her to write Prodigal.
The small-town dynamics that breathe life into the novel.
How “place” can become its own character.
The emotional complexity of forgiveness and redemption.
A book flight inspired by Prodigal’s themes and tone.
Connect with Phyllis:
Show Notes
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Books and authors mentioned in the episode:
The River We Remember by William Kent Kreuger
This Tender Land by William Kent Kreuger
The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver
The Gray Wolf by Louise Penny
Book Flight
Ordinary Grace by William Kent Kreuger
Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver
An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin
Dessert Pairing
Ladder of Years by Anne Tyler
Be sure to join the Bookish Flights community on social media. Happy listening!
