This is just a short novella, I enjoyed going back and reading about this time in history.
BUT...if you read this, remember that this is a work of fiction...a fictional recount of the latter part of the life of Jesus.. This is the author’s view of what may have happened especially regarding the resurrection “an alternate view”

Thank you to Netgalley for the free Arc

4.5 " intriguing, humane, alternate history" stars !!

Thank you to Netgalley, Sunbury Press (Ars Metaphysica) and the author for an advance copy for review. This book is to be released on Good Friday, April 19, 2019.

Mr. Pendergast has written a stimulating and compassionate novella about four of Jesus' contemporaries with one of them being the Secret Disciple. He has loosely based the outline on the Gospel of Mark.

The four he has chosen to focus on are Mary of Magdala, Simon Peter (disciple), his younger brother James and Legion (Jeremiah) who was healed by Jesus of numerous demons. One of the four is the "Secret Disciple".

As a theistic Christian this more human look at the times, motivations and possibilities was endlessly fascinating. The psychologies appeared sound as the story of Jesus' adult days are experienced by the above four most interesting characters. The times and backdrop resonated with my understanding and vision of the times.

My one small quibble with the book was that it appeared rushed at times and I so wanted this to be fleshed out into histo/religious novel form.

The afterword was a very nice addition and it helped put the author's vision in context. This is Mr. Pendergrast's first adult fiction.

A wonderful way to interact on Holy Easter Week with some of Jesus' followers.