I have always loved history, but I haven’t read a lot of historical fiction. I prefer biographies and history-focused podcasts. In the arena of historical novels, Risen by Angela Hunt seems somewhat unique, blending fact, fiction, faith, and apologetics. In this novelization of the upcoming film, the circumstances surrounding the Resurrection of Jesus Christ (which I believe was an actual historical event), are presented through the eyes of two characters: a Roman tribune named Clavius, tasked with guarding Jesus’ body, and Rachel, a peasant woman living in Jerusalem who is struggling in her Jewish faith. As it turns out, viewing the Resurrection through the eyes of these characters was a powerful and affecting experience for me, even though their stories are fictional.
The book works on many levels: detective story, inspirational journey-of-faith story, and a sort of “back door” defense of the historicity of the Resurrection. Clavius, as he is confronted with the empty tomb and searches for the missing body of Jesus, is the living embodiment of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous quote: “When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth.”
Other themes this book explores include the transcendent nature of God verses the pantheon of Roman gods, political ambition, the complexities of an extramarital sexual relationship, fear of death, and the philosophical problem of pain and suffering. Another theme that I found particularly striking was the way the ideologies of Rome, represented by Clavius, crashed up against those of Christ. Rome, all about force, wealth, glory, and expansion didn’t know what to do with these peaceful, unambitious followers of the Nazarene. All of these themes are all explored through dialogue and story, making this a powerhouse work of fiction.
However, Hunt does take a few missteps here and there. Clavius, as the central character is very well written for most of the book, but his characterization near the end of the book becomes increasingly inconsistent. Also, the disciples of Jesus are characterized in a one-dimensional fashion, with the exception of Mary Magdalene. And the climax of the book seems to run headlong into the predictable and cliché, as much as it attempts not to.
None of these issues, however, are enough to ruin Risen. In fact, I would highly recommend this book, especially during this season leading up to Easter. For the skeptic, this book will introduce you to the glorious scandal that is the death and resurrection of Jesus. For the believer, this book will help restore the wonder of the central event of Christianity.
One final word on the narration of this book: it is outstanding. Those chapters featuring Clavius are narrated by P.J. Ochlan, and those featuring Rachel are narrated by Alana Kerr. Both do a fantastic job.
Please Note: This audiobook was gifted as a part of the Christianaudio Reviewers Program in exchange for my unbiased review of this work. This has in no way influenced my opinion or review of this work. More information can be found about this and other Christian audiobooks at christianaudio.com.