 |
'Barabbas' by Par Lagerkvist is by far one of my favorite novels. The story is moving, with a wide range of Biblical and fictional characters, settings in multiple towns and cities in the ancient Roman Empire, and an acute sense of the inner struggle of faith in one man caught between a God he wants to believe in and an Empire he is bound to serve. The literary technique is terrific, focusing on repeated phrases (both within Barabbas's inner thoughts and by different characters) for emphasis. The story revolves around Barabbas, the man set free in the place of Jesus of Nazareth. It opens on Barabbas following the condemned man to the Cruxifiction, and continues as Barabbas tries to reintegrate himself into his past life with a band of robbers. He cannot shake his questions about Jesus, though, and eventually goes in search of people who knew him to hear about what he taught. His search leads him to Lazarus, several of the Apostles, and into the underground Church. The Empire becomes involved, and Barabbas faces many trials as he tries to decide whether or not he believes what these followers of Jesus believe. The book ends on a beautifully vague statement, leaving one to wonder, "What did he decide? What did he believe?" I bought this book online for a friend because you can't find it in stores (neither Barnes and Noble or Borders carry it). Now I'm wishing I bought it for myself! If you loved 'The Bronze Bow' (Elizabeth George Speare, 1962 Newberry Winner), this is the adult version you have been looking for.Read full review
Great book, wrote a 10pg paper on the human condition regarding faith and this book was the star. Really makes you think about deconstructing what you know about faith and building it up from scratch. Gives much insight to how we can be indifferent and how that affects our lives and decisions. A good, "what does it all mean?" book.
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Save on Books
Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like
