Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)I was not sure what to expect of this book when I saw it; but I enjoy historical fiction with an intriguing plot, and this certainly is it! The title leads one to believe that it is a mystery, a fantasy or a thriller. It is, in fact, a real page-turner with elements of these other genre deftly woven around the Gospels and the destruction of Pompei and Herculaneum. It is not just "historical fiction". It aims to ask questions about the message of the Gospels and early Christianity through the anonymous scribe - a fictional young man who follows Christ intent on recording his words - so they could be used as evidence against him. I will not spoil the plot by saying anything further. This is a very satisfying read and is appropriate for readers from middle school age (6th grade)to adult, although the younger reader may require an explanation of the history of the period to appreciate it fully.
John I. Rigoli writes as one who knows the Gospels and the history and teachings of Christianity. (The book is dedicated to his brother, Anthony, an Oblate priest.) His characters are not caricatures, but reflections of his own facile and questioning mind: raising issues, asking questions and discerning if there is more to the message of the Gospels than we receive in homilies or sermons every Sunday or see acted out in our daily lives. The anonymous scribe could well be his own alter ego!
I recommend this book highly for Religious Educators, Church groups, Religious Education students from 6th grade and above and anyone else who would like to see the life and teachings of Christ presented anew with interest and respect. With the Holidays soon upon us, it would make an excellent and timely gift. This is a book worthy of a broad audience. Rigoli has done a very fine job in his first effort.
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