Helpful Score: 9
Anne Rice is famous for her sexual horror novels - but this represents, perhaps, the viewpoint she was meant to have. It is not a substitute for reading the Bible, and not as strong as a novel of Francine Rivers (herself an author who dropped her original genre after accepting Christ), but it is genuine. Protestants, be wary of her Catholic apocrypha and Mariolatry - this book is not gospel. But it is evidence of a sincere heart, "meticulously researched" detail about how a family might have lived and what they might have seen in the Jewish parts of the Roman Empire, and best of all, it is one more person who understands that Jesus is Lord.
My favorite part is the Author's Note at the end where she explains her journey of Catholic schoolgirl to atheist and her gradual return to faith, and how it is damningly clear that there is no possible way the Jews could have survived for thousands of years without supernatural help, and how historical evidence about Jesus affirms that his story could not possibly have been created or believed unless the Bible was factual. I recommend reading this book.
My favorite part is the Author's Note at the end where she explains her journey of Catholic schoolgirl to atheist and her gradual return to faith, and how it is damningly clear that there is no possible way the Jews could have survived for thousands of years without supernatural help, and how historical evidence about Jesus affirms that his story could not possibly have been created or believed unless the Bible was factual. I recommend reading this book.
Helpful Score: 9
A great read. This book covers a fictional account, but historically accurate, of what a year in the life of Jesus, as a child, may have been like. This covers thethe exit of Jesus and his family from Egypt and their entire journey back to Nazareth and then some. Jerusalem is in turmoil, King Herod is dead and there is distrust and disdainin the air for the heir to the throne. Jesus is but a child of seven who has exhibited some extroidinary abilities but doesn't know who he truly is. I highly recommend this book to everyone.
Helpful Score: 7
This was a very well done story of Christ as a child. It wasn't offensive in any way. The afterward by Anne Rice is a testimony to the power of Jesus Christ today.
Helpful Score: 7
Written from the first-person perspective of Jesus, this is a decent effort to retell the Messiah's childhood from a little different way of thinking. As long as you remember it is a work of fiction, you should enjoy it.
Helpful Score: 6
I you like religious fiction and Anne Rice, then this the book for you. It tells the story of 7-year old Jesus in a fantastic tale. I truly enjoyed this book. It is only the second Anne Rice book that I have read (the first being "Interview" 12-years ago.
I definitely recommend this book!!!
I definitely recommend this book!!!
Helpful Score: 6
I'm not really a fan of Anne Rice's previous novel series, and I'm not sure what fans of those novels will think of this newly turned page in the volumes of Anne Rice's career. I must say this novel was a wonderful surprise. Beautifully written, wonderful voice, a tremendous amount of scholarly and historical research. A beautiful read.
Helpful Score: 5
Okay, so here is the deal. Anne is going in a different direction now. And I totally support her 100%, especialy in the area she is attemping in. I thought being a christian myself that I would enjoy reading a fictional account of Jesus's life as a child and what it would have been like threw his eyes in well, being Jesus. But I was dissapointed. The book was slowwww in a odd way since Anne's books are not normaly slow.Yes I'm a long time Anne Rice fan, although I do not own or posess any older Rice material any longer. ( the super natural thing doesnt flow with my mojo any longer) But I gave this book an effort, a true effort, and guess what? I couldn't even finish it. And I have a thing about not finishing books, even if it is a horrid book i finish it, but I just could not finish it. So I have swaped my copy and I hope someone else has enjoyed it more than I.
Helpful Score: 5
This book was very interesting. It tells of Jesus at seven years old when his family decide to make the trip back to Israel from Egypt. He is also starting to have question about his birth. There are a couple of points I don't necessarily agree with but as long as the reader realizes that it is fiction, it's a good read.
Helpful Score: 4
Anne Rice used several gnostic and banned bible books, specifically the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, to create a idea of what Christ was like during the years that were not mentioned in the bible
Helpful Score: 3
Interesting fictional account on what the childhood of Christ could have been like.
Helpful Score: 3
This read was fantastic. It's obviously not a horror/vampire book, but it was completely riveting. I appreciate the story of Christ and the fact that she attempted a telling of his early life as a boy from the first person is excellent. The research shows itself and reading it during the advent season actually enhanced my appreciation for Jesus. Highly recommended.
Helpful Score: 3
Excellent! I don't know what else can be said. I've read almost everything Anne Rice has written and the explanation in the Author's Note of how everything else led to this wrk is almost as good as the book itself.
Helpful Score: 2
Rice made headlines four years ago when she announced that she was writing a novel about the childhood of Jesus. As she was known for vampire novels laced with sensuality, I recall a fair amount of skepticism and even dread at the thought of how she might write about a person whose life is central to the faith of billions worldwide. I know my own confidence wasn't boosted particularly high when he heard that she was drawing on the childhood stories told of Jesus in some of the apocryphal gospels.
Lo and behold, this book isn't bad. It is excellent. I had trouble putting it down, even to eat. I should have picked it up years ago.
What Rice has done in "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt" is to create a compelling story set in the childhood of Jesus, covering the year of his family's return from Egypt, where the gospel of Matthew says they had fled to escape King Herod the Great. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Herod's death: the riots in Jerusalem that preceded his son Archilaus' assumption of the throne, the widespread lawlessness as one band of brigands after another tried to take power, and ultimately Caesar's decision to divide the kingdom among Archilaus and two of his brothers, with Herod Antipas becoming tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, and Philip becoming tetrarch of territories east of the Jordan.
The characters are amazing: Joseph, quiet, thoughtful and faithful to a fault; Mary, quiet and innocent; James, angry and jealous, but maturing; and Cleopas, a man with a tremendous sense of irony, a love of forthrightness and a deep heart. And Jesus himself.
I don't care for the christology at work, to be honest, but the Jesus whom Rice presents is a fascinating one: a boy who is seven years old and growing older, deeply sensitive to how others feel, and yet possessing a power he doesn't understand. He's also a Jesus who has been kept in the dark by his family for his entire life so far: He doesn't know the circumstances surrounding his birth, about the shepherds who came to the manger, nor about the astrologers with their odd gifts, nor even what happened when Herod found out that the messiah had been born.
The book, then, is a story about self-discovery, as Jesus learns about his birth; begins to understand the power that enables him to bring clay birds to life, to heal his uncle of illness, and to give sight to a blind rabbi begging outside the Temple; and ultimately comprehends the nature of his unique relationship with God. It is fascinating to see the boy coming to terms with life, and seeing hints of the man he is to become, and also to see how it might work for God to walk among us, disguised even to himself.
An excellent book.
Lo and behold, this book isn't bad. It is excellent. I had trouble putting it down, even to eat. I should have picked it up years ago.
What Rice has done in "Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt" is to create a compelling story set in the childhood of Jesus, covering the year of his family's return from Egypt, where the gospel of Matthew says they had fled to escape King Herod the Great. The story unfolds against the backdrop of Herod's death: the riots in Jerusalem that preceded his son Archilaus' assumption of the throne, the widespread lawlessness as one band of brigands after another tried to take power, and ultimately Caesar's decision to divide the kingdom among Archilaus and two of his brothers, with Herod Antipas becoming tetrarch of Galilee and Peraea, and Philip becoming tetrarch of territories east of the Jordan.
The characters are amazing: Joseph, quiet, thoughtful and faithful to a fault; Mary, quiet and innocent; James, angry and jealous, but maturing; and Cleopas, a man with a tremendous sense of irony, a love of forthrightness and a deep heart. And Jesus himself.
I don't care for the christology at work, to be honest, but the Jesus whom Rice presents is a fascinating one: a boy who is seven years old and growing older, deeply sensitive to how others feel, and yet possessing a power he doesn't understand. He's also a Jesus who has been kept in the dark by his family for his entire life so far: He doesn't know the circumstances surrounding his birth, about the shepherds who came to the manger, nor about the astrologers with their odd gifts, nor even what happened when Herod found out that the messiah had been born.
The book, then, is a story about self-discovery, as Jesus learns about his birth; begins to understand the power that enables him to bring clay birds to life, to heal his uncle of illness, and to give sight to a blind rabbi begging outside the Temple; and ultimately comprehends the nature of his unique relationship with God. It is fascinating to see the boy coming to terms with life, and seeing hints of the man he is to become, and also to see how it might work for God to walk among us, disguised even to himself.
An excellent book.
Helpful Score: 2
I really enjoyed this book. It is very readable and seems reasonable take on the life and time of Jesus Christ. We all know it's fiction and speculation but very well done. I also enjoyed what the author had to say in the authors notes at the end.
Helpful Score: 2
This book surprised me. mainly because it came from Anne Rice. It is the story (fictional) of the year of age 7 , in the life of Christ. It contains facts of biblical times & factual scriptures. Anne Rice knows her stuff. Vampires she does well, Christ she does well. What's next Anne? Looking forward.
Helpful Score: 2
this is great book if you are a fan of anne rice .... book tells the story of jesus traveling from egypt back home, and is told from the perspective of Jesus - writing it that way, I think the story can bring you in more to want to read it and not put it down.
Helpful Score: 2
Spellbinding and reverent. A total departure from what we have come to expect frm Anne Rice. If she has decided to completely change her literary specialty, the horror's loss is religious fiction's gain! Highly recommended~
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I am eagerly awaiting the sequel; Christ the Lord : The Road to Cana, which will be published March 4, 2008.
Helpful Score: 1
An interesting and imaginative look at Christ's life (through his eyes) as a child.
Helpful Score: 1
Ann Rice has written an incredible, well researched book on the childhood of Jesus Christ.( Be sure to read the authors note at the end of the book.)
Helpful Score: 1
This novel about the early life of Christ is thought-provoking. However, I thought the book was poorly written.
Helpful Score: 1
I liked this book but I wish it had been more detailed. If he was telling the story of his life looking back, the story could have been richer. It was given from the perspective of a 7 yr old -Jesus or not.
Very interesting though with the whole idea/approach
Very interesting though with the whole idea/approach
An enchanting read about the first years of Christ's life. Wonderful for believers and nonbelievers alike.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book well done and well researched.
Helpful Score: 1
about the hidden years of Christ, when he was a child. Fictional account of what the author imagined could have happened
Helpful Score: 1
Very interesting reading - a fertile imagining of Jesus Christ's early years based on historical evidence and writings other than the Bible. Very well written, I'm not sure I liked it!! I'm not an Ann Rice fan up to now. But, her avid readers will enjoy this book.
Helpful Score: 1
This book falls flat. A wonderful idea, but lacks the richness and depth that it should have had with this subject. I was hoping for something a lot better than this. It seemed to me that this was a book outline that never got filled in.
Helpful Score: 1
Very different from her usual...but an interesting read.
Helpful Score: 1
I was pleasantly surprised. Didn't really know what to expect, but I had always been curious. Captures your attention right from the start. Very imaginative look at what Jesus' early life may have been like. It is told from his perspective, so it also made me think in ways I never had before.
Helpful Score: 1
I love Anne Rice's work, this is different obviously, but I still think she is an amazing author no matter what genre she does.
I love the details she has in her books.
I love the details she has in her books.
Helpful Score: 1
Rather good. Quite a change from her normal genre.
Helpful Score: 1
I love Anne Rice. I was a little upset that she stopped writing vampire books but was surprised with the Christ the Lord books. They were well written with the amazing storytelling you expect from Anne Rice
Helpful Score: 1
Sounded like a good idea for a book, but it was slow and boring, no real plot.
Helpful Score: 1
I loved this book!! I know it is a work of fiction, but it made Christ come alive to me. We tend to forget that Christ was once a child who had to learn that he was the Son of God and deal with his destiny. I will note though, that I was the only one in my church group who liked it, and I was the only one in the group who hated "the Shack", so my views may be different than the norm.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful reading - terrific insight into Christ's boyhood
Helpful Score: 1
This book was not what I expected it to be. That's not a bad thing. I was interested in reading this book because I was curious to know what Jesus' life was like as a child. Most often we think of the man and not so much, the man as a child. Parts of the book were slow and hard to follow. Parts of the book were very insightful and entertaining/thought intriguing.
Helpful Score: 1
Probably one of the very best books I have read. The fictionalized life of Christ as a young boy with all historical facts accurate. A great talent and creative thinking went into this book. It is difficult to remember that this is fiction. Extremely well written and easily read.
Helpful Score: 1
Compelling story, albeit fiction. Anne Rice proves she can step out of her genre and write convincingly about Jesus Christ.
Helpful Score: 1
a very good "guess" of what the childhood of Christ was like.
This book was poorly written and had many biblical discrepancies. I can't recommend it at all.
This was my first book by Anne Rice.I liked the story alot.It was fascinating to see what christ would have lived like back in that time.I am looking forward to reading her next novel in this series.
Great book. Rice uses her imagination as she cleverly writes what might have happened during the childhood days of Jesus. Considering that there is no scripture to contradict what she has written, it was interesting to read her thoughts on the subject.
strangely interesting read. Anne Rice's view of Jesus's early years, it's obviously fiction novel presented from a catholic viewpoint. I found it really enjoyable, and a good insight into some of the Catholic beliefs.
enjoyable
I enjoyed this book thoroughly. Even though it is fiction, so much research was done that make the plot seem so real and exiting.
Interesting story, Jesus as a young child and his attempt to find out about himself.
One of the best books I've ever read. I am now a huge Anne Rice fan; this is the first book of her's I read. It is fiction but comes from a historical biblical background. Loved it, love Anne Rice.
Excellent, exciting, and well researched.
The afterward is the interesting part of this book. The novel itself is good, but not great.
I am a devoted Christian and when I saw this book I was intriged however it fell flat and i was totally unimpressed it was okay but not worth the purchase or trade. dont get me wrong its anne rice so i wasnt expecting a 100% historically correct novel but i did expect it to be readable.
The story of Christ, as a young boy.
Wonderfuly written.
A year in the life of Jesus as a child. Slow paced and simple. Thought-provoking.
I thought this might be interesting, but when it opened up with Jesus doing something completely out of character, I couldn't go on. I am not interested in reading her thoughts on Jesus if this is her idea of his character.
This book is an easy read and is wonderful with detail, if not a bit much in that respect. You definitely get a feel on what it would have been like to live in the time of Jesus.
This book tells the story of a young Jesus, with himself telling it. Some of it is a little far fetched. Other parts are solidly ground in what we know about him. I wanted to put it aside in some parts, but I stuck with it. I will be interested to read the next chapter.
Fantastic both for its historical perspective and the wonderful internal self-analysis of the child Jesus. A must read.
beautiful depiction. wonderful read.
Well written. I learned a lot. I recommend it!
It is an interesting concept. I felt it was slow and hard to follow in the beginning. In the end I thought it was worth reading.
I really found this book slow & boring - but I loved Anne Rice's Witchworld and Vampire series & wish she'd stick with those so many its just sour grapes.
Very interesting
worth reading.
I re book years ago. I got this copy as a gift for my sister, who called me yesterday to tell me she had finished reading it, had enjoyed it tremendously and would soon be returning it to me so that I could repost it.
Great book and soooooooooo interesting.
I have an ARC of this book... Wonderful story ... Ms. Rice truly has a divine gift.
A very, interesting book.
"An intensely literal, historical, reverent treatment of a year in the life of Jesus, son of God." -Time
