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3.82 AVERAGE
3.82 AVERAGE
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Daniel is an adolescent blacksmith searching for meaning in his life and takes a vow to get rid of all of the Romans in his land. He finds, he thinks this purpose in a leader named Raj that steals from the rich to feed the poor...until his Grandmother grows sick and he must come down from the hill sides and tend to his demon-ridden sister after his Grandmother's death. He soon is mentored by another blacksmith Simon who starts to listen along with many others to this man named Jesus. What Daniel soon realizes is that his purpose may not be the one he is supposed to take.
I liked this take on an adolescent/coming-of-age story during this time period. As always, it is interesting to look into the life and times of those when Christ lived on this earth. It will always fascinate me I think.
I liked this take on an adolescent/coming-of-age story during this time period. As always, it is interesting to look into the life and times of those when Christ lived on this earth. It will always fascinate me I think.
This novel about a young Jew who seeks vengeance against the Romans in the time of Christ fell flat for me. Jesus is in a few scenes, but they weren’t poignant enough. He seems to always be fleeing the scene. I was expecting more spirituality and less rebellious plotting. There is a sweet message of love and forgiveness, but it seems to be an aside.
Speare does an excellent job capturing the First Century for young readers. Perhaps slow in the beginning I found Speare's story compelling, and as one who loves the land of the setting this book has become one of my favorites. Speare is a good writer––her character is believable and her representation of Jesus isn't overdone.
1962 Newbery Medal Winner
6/96
1962 Newbery Medal Winner
6/96
2020 Read Harder Challenge - Historical Fiction not set in WWII
Also Newbery Winner
Also Newbery Winner
Checked out for large portions and ending up skimming a lot of it. Was never that engaged or cared much for the characters, and all-in-all, found it boring and one note.
3-3.5 stars. This solid historical novel is set in Galilee at the time of Jesus and focuses on 18 yr old Daniel who has a huge chip on his shoulder. Five years before he witnessed his father's crucifixion and ran off from his apprenticeship (to a nasty blacksmith) to join the Roman-hating bandits in the mountains near the village. In doing so, he abandons his very elderly grandmother and mentally disturbed young sister. One might say that Daniel has issues and in the story, Speare does attempt to resolve them. IMHO the story needs some editing. I get that Daniel is an angry young man, but I don't need quite so many reminders. Also, what was the point of Samson's race? Making him black does nothing for the plot, any foreigner would serve the purpose of a character who was mute or didn't understand/speak Hebrew. And again, I do get the "hey, I can put Jesus in here" impulse, but I don't think the addition did much for the plot; omitting his physical presence wouldn't lessen the impact of the teachings and would solve my biggest problem with the book, the deus ex machina ending that involved Daniel reversing his life long opinion. I read this for my 2020 Reading Challenge (Popsugar "title has gold, silver, bronze") and my Newbery Challenge (Award 1962)
Not as good as Witch of Blackbird Pond but better than Calico Captive in my Elizabeth George Speare ratings. A story about vengeance vs. forgiveness.
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes