Jesus Book

3.5 Rounded up to 4 stars.

I am not crazy about Wangerin's characterizations of Christ, Peter, Mary (mother of Christ), Judas Iscariot or Mary Magdalene (called Maryam of Magdala in the book). Kudos for his take on John, the Beloved Disciple - beautifully done.

Peter is characterized as a lommox of a man, a big bumbling buffoon (sorry for the alliteration) - at least that is what I took from the book. Nothing like the rugged, forthright and intentional man I find in the scriptures. Mary is just plain annoying, almost a parody of the Jewish mother found in books and movies. My heart softened toward her during the crucifixion portion of the book, and because of her relationship with John post resurrection. Maryam of Magdala never became a real person to me, and was overly much described as wraithlike and beautifully unusual. Never did get a handle on her. And Judas Iscariot? He is characterized as a giddy, hyena-like teenager, annoying, childish and ultimately deluded. Where is the greed, the sly and serpentine personality who held himself apart, devising his own role in the downfall of his Master?

Jesus? My advice is go to the scriptures to parse out this enigmatic being where by turns he is harsh and uncompromising, strong yet gentle, loving, compassionate, and above all else, committed to his God and to speaking out truth - even when his audience didn't want to hear it. His is the most compelling personality you will ever encounter. Better to encounter him in scripture than in this book.

So, why 3.5 stars? Because in the reading of this novel, you sense Wangerin's great love and fascination with the story of Christ. While my brain can't quite wrap itself around the way he has written these famous people of the Bible, it doesn't detract from the essence of the timeless, beautiful story of Jesus Christ. The story is still there, and it is powerful.