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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Too drawn out. The long descriptions of thing and the endless speeches just make it unreadable.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This book helps put the author of the book of Luke in the Bible into a more human context. However he, and many of the persons who are also included from the Bible are often described as holier or more pure than surrounding humans, which couldn't have really been the case. It also paints Jesus and Mary as whiter that they really were- it shows its age in that way. But it was a lovely read, though not a light one, and I enjoyed the unique prose.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content, Alcohol
Minor: Sexual harassment
There is a chapter where there is a party with a orgy. It's not super detailed, and most of it happens when the MC is black out drunk, but it's very obvious what happened.
This was a lovely book to read. I started reading it about 2 1/2 years ago, at the suggestion of a friend, but became distracted and did not pick it up again until late this Lent. Today is Divine Mercy Sunday 2013, and I have finally finished.
Some people have complained about the overly descriptive text and the slow pace of the book. I think this is merely a symptom of our culture, which is easily irritated by things which are not graphic, fast-paced and constantly engaging. This book invites you to savor it instead of trying to conquer it. Read it slowly and enter into the story. See and feel what the characters experience. Imagine their emotions. This is how best to appreciate it.
While a very rich story and one which makes me want to read the Gospel of St. Luke and Acts again with a different perspective, what I found most interesting was the way in which this historical fiction made me think about our modern times. Much of what was said about Rome could be said about the United States today. There is much wisdom to be found in these pages.
Most of all, enjoy! You may find it becomes one of your favorite books, also! :)
Some people have complained about the overly descriptive text and the slow pace of the book. I think this is merely a symptom of our culture, which is easily irritated by things which are not graphic, fast-paced and constantly engaging. This book invites you to savor it instead of trying to conquer it. Read it slowly and enter into the story. See and feel what the characters experience. Imagine their emotions. This is how best to appreciate it.
While a very rich story and one which makes me want to read the Gospel of St. Luke and Acts again with a different perspective, what I found most interesting was the way in which this historical fiction made me think about our modern times. Much of what was said about Rome could be said about the United States today. There is much wisdom to be found in these pages.
Most of all, enjoy! You may find it becomes one of your favorite books, also! :)
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
One of the best books I have ever read, for sure.
Once in a while, there comes a book in our bookworm lives that is so out of this world, captivating and life changing that you can't find words to describe it.
Taylor Caldwell's research and writing is just incredible. More than a Christian/history of a saint book, like it was marketed, it is a life changing and emotional ride, with vivid descriptions, compelling characters and touching situations. I could not think of a person who would not enjoy it.
This book touched me in more way than I could describe and it will remain with me forever.
Once in a while, there comes a book in our bookworm lives that is so out of this world, captivating and life changing that you can't find words to describe it.
Taylor Caldwell's research and writing is just incredible. More than a Christian/history of a saint book, like it was marketed, it is a life changing and emotional ride, with vivid descriptions, compelling characters and touching situations. I could not think of a person who would not enjoy it.
This book touched me in more way than I could describe and it will remain with me forever.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I'm so glad i finished this book. It took such a long time to read 2 months. Its long. It seems well researched. It was well-written although it did drag in sponts. I didn't quite agree with all her imaginings. She imagined the apostle John as an angry, zealous, rambunctious man. She portrayed both him and his brother and Peter as distrustful men, unanxious to share their messiah with the untrustworthy gentiles. She portrayed Luke as god-like. She imagined that the wisemen of the orient honored Jesus and the symbol of the cros before he was born as being the savior of the world. Most of the women in her book were frail pieces of fluff although Lucanus's mother did have a certain strenth about her. She portrayed mary as a sinless, ineffective little creature who knew little about housework, household chores, cooking and wifely duties. I don't believe that at all. Mary must have been not only adept at everything, but effective-I mean, I'm sure she did everything well even the hardest, dirtiest household task-she did it well and happily. I don't believe she went traipsing through the country alone the many miles to see Elizabeth cavorting with caravans.
I don't believe that Lucanus miraculously cured lepers and the plague without his knowledge or without honoring and glorifying God. In her story he was angry with God and running away from him and yet he cured people without even knowing it.
I don't believe that Luke was quite as holy as she makes out. He was not God's son.
It was fun to try and imagine what it must have been like and can you imagine--sitting in a chair that Jesus made with his own hands?
A good effort, a lot of work BUT......
I don't believe that Lucanus miraculously cured lepers and the plague without his knowledge or without honoring and glorifying God. In her story he was angry with God and running away from him and yet he cured people without even knowing it.
I don't believe that Luke was quite as holy as she makes out. He was not God's son.
It was fun to try and imagine what it must have been like and can you imagine--sitting in a chair that Jesus made with his own hands?
A good effort, a lot of work BUT......
Another magnificent book by Taylor Caldwell telling the story of St Luke. He was Lucanus who was born in Greece and was raised by a Roman governor of Antioch. He studied medicine in Alexandria and since then he tried to save the life of all humble men and women whom have been suffering from the Roman's abuse. Once he learns of the life and death of Jesus, he started traveled to all places where Jesus had been in order learn and understand His mission among us.