Overview
Continuing his unparalleled literary quest to explore the immediate human fallout surrounding the crucifixion, D. S. Llliteras's latest novel follows Addan, a young boy searching for his father, a disciple of Jesus. Along the way, Addan encounters bandits, lepers, and con men before teaming up with Jeshua, an entertainer and opportunist, who protects the boy while at the same time using him to help swindle unsuspecting strangers. Like all of the best fiction characters, Addan's story mirrors our own search for a faith to help us understand and see us through our turbulent and troubled times.Synopsis
Continuing his unparalleled literary quest to explore the immediate human fallout surrounding the crucifixion, D. S. Llliteras's latest novel follows Addan, a young boy searching for his father, a disciple of Jesus. Along the way, Addan encounters bandits, lepers, and con men before teaming up with Jeshua, an entertainer and opportunist, who protects the boy while at the same time using him to help swindle unsuspecting strangers. Like all of the best fiction characters, Addan's story mirrors our own search for a faith to help us understand and see us through our turbulent and troubled times.
Publishers Weekly
Acclaimed for his religiously themed novels Judas the Gentileand The Silence of John, Lliteras again delivers an imaginatively gripping story of faith, doubt and ultimate redemption. In the frenetic opening chapters, the young boy Addan is sent stumbling into the chaos of postcrucifixion Golgatha to find his father, a disciple of the recently slain Rabbi Jesus. Wending his way through a maze of danger and deceit, he finds comfort, shelter and some very good wine in the company of the wily Jeshua. A showman not unlike the Wizard of Oz's Professor Marvel, Jeshua has an almost endearing moral paucity, and using his considerable wit and charm, he alternately spars with, encourages, corrupts and protects his young companion. Addan's character shows an admirable balance of naïveté with bravado, blind faith with common sense and even a bit of unexpected wisdom. Together the two wreak, flee and try to survive a particular kind of havoc before coming face to face with their own mortality and issues of faith. Lliteras's brand of biblical fiction is heart-racing; it's messy, bloody and honest. Deftly crafted, the rich layers of darkness emotional, physical and political give this tale an unusual depth. (Mar.)
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.Editorials
Publishers Weekly
Acclaimed for his religiously themed novels Judas the Gentileand The Silence of John, Lliteras again delivers an imaginatively gripping story of faith, doubt and ultimate redemption. In the frenetic opening chapters, the young boy Addan is sent stumbling into the chaos of postcrucifixion Golgatha to find his father, a disciple of the recently slain Rabbi Jesus. Wending his way through a maze of danger and deceit, he finds comfort, shelter and some very good wine in the company of the wily Jeshua. A showman not unlike the Wizard of Oz's Professor Marvel, Jeshua has an almost endearing moral paucity, and using his considerable wit and charm, he alternately spars with, encourages, corrupts and protects his young companion. Addan's character shows an admirable balance of naïveté with bravado, blind faith with common sense and even a bit of unexpected wisdom. Together the two wreak, flee and try to survive a particular kind of havoc before coming face to face with their own mortality and issues of faith. Lliteras's brand of biblical fiction is heart-racing; it's messy, bloody and honest. Deftly crafted, the rich layers of darkness —emotional, physical and political—give this tale an unusual depth. (Mar.)
Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.Library Journal
Easily one of the best authors of biblical fiction today, Lliteras here takes the reader back to the birth of Christianity and the events surrounding the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ. As he did in previous novels (Jerusalem's Rain; The Thieves of Golgotha), Lliteras enters the mind of one character and tells the story from his point of view. A young boy named Addan has just witnessed Jesus's death and is confused by what is happening. He sets off to find his father, a disciple of Jesus, and, along the way, falls prey to bandits. A mesmerizing charlatan named Jeshua rescues him and lures him into working together to fleece the crowds during magic shows. Addan is charmed by Jeshua's influence even though he knows it goes against everything Jesus taught. Lliteras has woven an equally mesmerizing story about faith and purpose in an enchanting tale that readers will not want to put down. This tight, suspenseful story moves quickly toward a satisfying conclusion. Highly recommended for all collections. The author lives in Virginia. [See the Q&A with Lliteras on p. 58.—Ed.]
—Tamara Butler Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information