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| An Introduction to the Featured Biblical Fiction Novels |
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| Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ Written by Lew Wallace Reviewed by Allegra Weaver |
| Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ has fascinated many readers throughout the years. A story set in the time of the Roman Empire combined with a thrilling chariot race, made an intriguing piece of literature. However, when Lew Wallace began writing Ben Hur, he did now know Christ as his Savior. As the character Ben Hur searches for Christ, the author was also searching for something to fill the spiritual void in his life. As an excuse to learn about the Bible, Lew Wallace began writing a book about the life of Christ. The wonderful result of the writing of Ben Hur was that Lew Wallace became a Christian! |
| Lew Wallace: Author of Ben Hur Written by Caitlyn Lundberg |
| Lewis (Lew) Wallace was born in Brookville, Indiana, in 1827. He was a military officer, lawyer, and diplomat. During the Civil War he became a major general. His military exploits include the capture of Fort Donelson, in Tennessee, and the defense of Washington, D.C. His careful strategy and consistent success earned him the trust of both the American people and his superiors. After the war was over, he became the governor of the new territory of New Mexico. While there, he wrote Ben-Hur, the famous Biblical novel (1880). A year later he was appointed United States minister to Turkey. He died at the age of 78, in 1905. |
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| The Bronze Bow Written by Elizabeth George Speare Reviewed by Allegra Weaver |
| This is an exciting, fast-paced tale about a boy named Daniel bar Janim, who is living in Israel at the time of Christ's ministry. Daniel has taken a vow to drive the Roman soldiers out of Israel, the Roman soldiers who were responsible for his parent's death! Unwilling to resign to the Roman emperor's rule, Daniel's bitterness towards Rome grows and clouds his life, making him feel miserable. He comes into contact quite often with Jesus' teachings and wrestles with weather he should except them or not. If he becomes a Christian, that would mean he would have to forfeit his plans to get back at the Romans. One day, Daniel's sister becomes seriously ill and mercifully, Jesus comes and heals her. Daniel is grateful to Jesus for healing his sister, but will he be able to put his trust in God and let go of his anger and bitterness to follow Him forever? |
| Taken from Faithful Followers, Volume 3, Issue 2 |
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| The Robe Written by Lloyd C. Douglas Reviewed by Aubrey Blankenship |
| A Roman soldier, a slave, an emperor, a princess... a robe. This is the story of a young Roman Tribune who is dramatically changed by unexplained circumstances which change his life forever. Marcellus is sent from his native Rome to command an unruly fort just outside of Jerusalem. The mysterious happenings which find themselves wrapped around Marcellus begin to change his way of thinking. When his slave, Demetrious, discovers the truth of a secret, Marcellus begins to question what he has been taught his entire life. When a sudden order is set upon him, he obeys without question and discovers that he has made the greatest mistake of his life. Remorse fills him as he struggles under the feeling of guilt and the choking fear of a certain robe, the robe he had won by lots at the foot of a cross. Seeking for answers, he disguises himself and is placed in the midst of those who know the secrets, the simple country people of Israel. Startled by rumors which he cannot believe are true, he is faced with the fact that the man he has killed is not really dead. Filled to the brim with daring conquests, unanswered questions, sorrowful remorse, and sweet sadness, this story is one of the best of all times! |
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