Norman Mailer
The Gospel According to the Son (1997)
Author: Norman Mailer
Genre and subgenre: Literary/Christian (Biblical Fiction)
Plot Summary:
This is the story of Yeshua's (or Jesus') life, told in the first person from his own perspective. The novel begins with a brief account of his parents, and a short description of the strict Jewish Essene culture in which he was born. After Joseph dies, Jesus remembers that Joseph once told him Jesus' real father was God. Confused by this rememberance and uncertain of its truth, he visits John the Baptist and hears the voice of the Lord. Frequently questioning his abilities, his thoughts, and his responsibilities, Jesus often find comforts in and refers back to statements taken from the Old Testament and Jewish law. Jesus is tempted by the Devil in the desert, chooses his twelve apostles, preaches, and peforms many miracles. The Pharisees and High Priest are threatened by Jesus' teachings and are worried that riots might ensue, which would make the Jews politically vulnerable to the Romans in Jerusalem. Judas betrays Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane and several rich Jews threatened by Jesus call for his crucifixion. After his death, Jesus discusses the additions to his life story in the Gospels, his own resurrection, and ends by describing the benefits of love, compassion, and hope, found especially in the poor.
Geographical Setting: Jerusalem, Galilee, and the Holy Land in general
Time Period: late B.C. to early A.D. (2 B.C.E. - 33 C.E.?)
Appeal Characteristics:
The story is told simply but presents serious religious and philsophical questions. The story is well-balanced between plot and character and is fairly fast-paced. Jesus is presented as a man with human uncertainties and internal conflicts. The perspective is first person. Readers do not have to be Christian to understand this story; it might be of interest to anyone interested in reading a book about questions of faith and the nature of goodness.
Red Flags: Some readers might not agree with Mailer's vulnerable and very human presentation of Jesus, nor with the first person perspective.
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