Explore the life of Jesus from the perspective of those who knew him most intimately. Narrated by Mary, his mother, and his disciple John, Wangerin's deeply moving imagining shines new understanding on the humanity of Christ---and on the struggles and joys of those who loved him during his time on Earth. 240 pages, hardcover from Zondervan.
Falling solidly within the genre of Wangerin's previous novels, this book
often feels more like a Eugene Peterson-style paraphrase of the New Testament
than an actual work of fiction. While Wangerin invents dialogue, events and
characters that go beyond the biblical text, these inventions do little more
than provide context for his retelling of the bulk of the four Gospel
accounts. As always, Wangerin writes beautiful, descriptive prose, evoking the
sights, sounds, smells, sensibilities and politics of the world in which Jesus
lived. He nicely develops the character of Jesus' mother, but most of the
other characters-including Jesus himself-are not adequately fleshed out, as
Wangerin tends to use physical descriptions and one or two trademark
mannerisms in lieu of full characterization. Judas Iscariot is tall, thin,
young and manic; Simon Peter is burly and gregarious; and Mary Magdalene is a
strong but tiny wisp of a woman whom everyone refers to as a child. Wangerin
innovates a bit by alternating between third- and first-person narration,
sharing Jesus' mother's perspective in the third person and the gospel writer
John's in the first. Readers looking for a well-written novel that rarely
veers from an entirely orthodox depiction of Jesus will appreciate this
effort. (Nov.) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
Average Rating: 4 out of 5 stars(4 out of 5 stars)
8 of 10 Reviews Showing:(View All Reviews)
4.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by David Tucker (Ilminster Ta19 9jg,), November 11, 2009
It was refreshing to read the story of Jesus from His Mother's and John's viewpoint. Obviously some poetic licence has to be given, and that is understood. Interesting slant on Judas' betrayal ..... but I won't ruin this for others. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it, I have bought a couple more copies to give as gifts at Christmas, you could give this book to non-believing friends who may not thank you if you have them a bible! Probably more of a women's book than a man as it has that touching, caring style. If you haven't read 'Paul' and 'The Book of God', then read this one first and then then the other two.
3.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Irene Tomchik (Auburn, PA), November 05, 2009
At first I wasn't sure that this book brought anything fresh to my perspective on the life of Christ but then I had an occasion to read a Bible passage about Jesus in the Temple when he was 12 years old. I was pleasantly surprised how richer the story was after having read Walter Wangerin's book. That's much the way I have found all of Pastor Wangerin's works to impress me....subtley yet profoundly.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Raynola Dominguez Dazley (Draper, UT), November 04, 2009
A Great novel written by a wonderful author. this novel is worth having in your library.
2.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Candi Stager (Wellsboro, PA), April 09, 2009
I enjoy ordering the bargain boxes. The only complaint I have is the selection in those boxes. I have ordered several over time and 1/2 of each box is repeats that I get each time I order. I'm not wanting to order anymore because I keep getting all of the repeats, so it doesn't make it worth the bargain. Title examples are: Maryland, Jesus: the Novel; A treasure Deep, Time Lottery and Fire of Heaven. I have several of each of these?????
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Glenda Sinclair (Mccomb, MS), January 22, 2009
Great book. Arrived timely and in good condition. This is a book that is Biblically correct but written in a smooth and easy reading novel style. Great for a deeper study of Jesus' life and times when he walked on earth.
5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Patricia Epperly (Salem, OR), June 09, 2008
Wonderful novel that gives you a glimpse of the humanity of the life of Jesus and those around him.
4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Patricia Williams (Russellville, KY), May 16, 2008
A must read. Once I started reading it I could not put it down. There is not enough out there telling Mary's side of the life of Jesus.
0.5 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by Dale Johnson (Galesburg, IL), April 09, 2008
I thought he could of used his imagination more, after it is a novel. I would have rather read the new testament.
View all 10 Reviews
Write a review of Jesus: A Novel
Catalog Shopping
Membership
