An example of Christian historical fiction at its finest.
A debut novel that tells the story of the life of Jesus Christ as seen through the eyes of those around him.
The tale of Jesus is known the world over, and whether you’re a believer, an admirer or a skeptic, you’re sure to know his story. This latest work to detail Jesus’ life opens in King Herod’s castle as the king considers the prophecy of the next Messiah, before he orders the killing of every male child in Bethlehem. As the work progresses, it runs parallel to the Gospels, but is told through the points of view of Jesus’ peers, friends and followers; Nicodemus and Caiaphas, for example, discuss Jesus’ growing influence. The story carries all the way through Jesus’ life, from his birth to his time in the temple, and finally, to the Crucifixion, adding new life to Bible stories along the way. Several of the main players of Jesus’ life, including Pontius Pilate, John the Baptist and Lazarus, are present in the text, adding validity and heft to the work. Lee uses imagination and historical research to flesh out his story, going so far as to include a bibliography of consulted works and a list of books for further reading. Some readers may find the actual Bible somewhat dry, and it’s not easy for some to get through; Lee paints a more enticing, more readable picture of what it was like to live in the time of Jesus, with vivid descriptions (“There had been unleavened bread dipped in sweet sauce, wine, and rice with leeks; there had been the music of pipe and lyre; there had been laughter and the singing of psalms”) and engaging dialogue. With this book, readers can watch Jesus Christ evolve in his teachings and practices, from his time as a young scholar in the temple to his martyrdom. It may encourage further reading of the original text by Christians seeking deeper meaning, or by newcomers hoping to learn more about Jesus Christ, the man. The original music in the back of the book, composed by Aran Lee, adds a lovely touch.
An example of Christian historical fiction at its finest.Pub Date: Aug. 5, 2013
ISBN: 978-1490800219
Page Count: 144
Publisher: Westbow Press
Review Posted Online: March 21, 2014
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
These letters from some important executive Down Below, to one of the junior devils here on earth, whose job is to corrupt mortals, are witty and written in a breezy style seldom found in religious literature. The author quotes Luther, who said: "The best way to drive out the devil, if he will not yield to texts of Scripture, is to jeer and flout him, for he cannot bear scorn." This the author does most successfully, for by presenting some of our modern and not-so-modern beliefs as emanating from the devil's headquarters, he succeeds in making his reader feel like an ass for ever having believed in such ideas. This kind of presentation gives the author a tremendous advantage over the reader, however, for the more timid reader may feel a sense of guilt after putting down this book. It is a clever book, and for the clever reader, rather than the too-earnest soul.
Pub Date: Jan. 1, 1942
ISBN: 0060652934
Page Count: 53
Publisher: Macmillan
Review Posted Online: Oct. 17, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 15, 1943
Hoffman (The Red Garden, 2011, etc.) births literature from tragedy: the destruction of Jerusalem's Temple, the siege of Masada and the loss of Zion.
This is a feminist tale, a story of strong, intelligent women wedded to destiny by love and sacrifice. Told in four parts, the first comes from Yael, daughter of Yosef bar Elhanan, a Sicarii Zealot assassin, rejected by her father because of her mother's death in childbirth. It is 70 CE, and the Temple is destroyed. Yael, her father, and another Sicarii assassin, Jachim ben Simon, and his family flee Jerusalem. Hoffman's research renders the ancient world real as the group treks into Judea's desert, where they encounter Essenes, search for sustenance and burn under the sun. There too Jachim and Yael begin a tragic love affair. At Masada, Yael is sent to work in the dovecote, gathering eggs and fertilizer. She meets Shirah, her daughters, and Revka, who narrates part two. Revka's husband was killed when Romans sacked their village. Later, her daughter was murdered. At Masada, caring for grandsons turned mute by tragedy, Revka worries over her scholarly son-in-law, Yoav, now consumed by vengeance. Aziza, daughter of Shirah, carries the story onward. Born out of wedlock, Aziza grew up in Moab, among the people of the blue tunic. Her passion and curse is that she was raised as a warrior by her foster father. In part four, Shirah tells of her Alexandrian youth, the cherished daughter of a consort of the high priests. Shirah is a keshaphim, a woman of amulets, spells and medicine, and a woman connected to Shechinah, the feminine aspect of God. The women are irretrievably bound to Eleazar ben Ya'ir, Masada's charismatic leader; Amram, Yael's brother; and Yoav, Aziza's companion and protector in battle. The plot is intriguingly complex, with only a single element unresolved. An enthralling tale rendered with consummate literary skill.
Pub Date: Oct. 4, 2011
ISBN: 978-1-4516-1747-4
Page Count: 512
Publisher: Scribner
Review Posted Online: April 5, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 15, 2011
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