1999
rating: bad
plot: The gospels (i.e. the first four books of the new testament) retold from Jesus’ point of view.
Although I’m a firm atheist, I’m fascinated with mythology. In my mind, mythologies were the first submissions to the fantasy genre. I started reading about Greek and Roman mythology when I was in grade school. I know that business inside and out by now. And I’m learning a little about Norse mythology as I get the chance. But the Judeo-Christian mythos that I grew up with is as fascinating as those Greek myths that came only shortly before it.
Besides, who here doesn’t love a good Catholic Church conspiracy plot?
With this book, I was not looking for a debunking of Jesus’ miracles; I was looking for a personal retelling of the New Testament. I was disappointed. This book is a literal paraphrasing of the four gospels. Those four gospels, by the way, are hopelessly dull and devoid of human emotion. So was this book.
Mailer didn’t add any scenes. What happened during the twenty years in which the gospels are silent on Jesus’ life? Who knows? Mailer sure doesn’t tell us. What really happened when a boy Jesus spent days talking to the church elders? Why, he was talking with them. What else do you need to know? What was going through his mind when he wrote on the sand before the woman who was about to be stoned to death? According to Mailer, a big fat nothin’.
If you thought you were interested in this book, instead read Lamb by Christopher Moore (which I will be reviewing at a later date). Or, to be completely honest, just read the New Testament. (I'm not kidding.)
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