THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS:
A Novel by Simon Mawer
Little Brown & Company - May 2001
ISBN: 0316097500 - Hardcover
Reviewed by Nancy
Marie, MyShelf.Com
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Father Leo Newman is a man in search of answers. In fact, he has spent
the entirety of his adult life searching the Scriptures and ancient papyrus
for those answers. And, up until an ancient first century scroll is discovered
in a hidden cave in Israel, a scroll which predates the earliest existing
Gospel documents, Newman was completely satisfied with the answers he
had uncovered. The scroll changes everything. His faith is shaken, and
his dedication to the Catholic Church dissolves beneath the scroll's explosive
revelations. So deeply is Newman's faith rattled, that he breaks his vow
of chastity. A break that results in disastrous consequences both for
the priest and his lover.
THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS
is an extremely well-written novel. Mawer's extensive command of not only
the English language but German. Latin, and Italian as well shines in
every paragraph. His knowledge of Biblical exegesis also shows through
with well placed references to some of the more obscure aspects of Biblical
hermeneutics. References like the one to the Quelle or the "Q"
source or to the books of the Apocrypha lend a level of technical expertise
that gives credence and believability to the novel. These bits and pieces
of credibility peak the interest and helps the reader overcome some of
the more lengthy, descriptive passages.
Anyone interested in
understanding the reasons why someone will leave behind their life-long
faith, fall into temptation, and/or destroy their lives for the fleeting
pleasures of love, will certainly enjoy reading THE GOSPEL OF JUDAS.
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Nancy Marie is the
author of When You Wish Upon A Star.
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