I remember reading Barabbas as an undergrad, while also leaving the Christian faith. That copy was lost many years ago, but I found another, similarly worn, at Bart’s books in Ojai. I need to read it again, thanks for the reminder 😊
Thank you for this review. All I have known of "Barabbas" in culture is the movie starring Anthony Quinn. I never realized it was based on this book, but I looked it up and the author is credited with helping write the screenplay. I am confident that, as usual, the book is far superior to the movie!
I am a fan of the film as well, having watched it a few times over the last few years. When Nick mentioned it on the Reason podcast a while back I messaged him, asking if it was the same story as the film. Heassured me the book was better. I bought a copy a litle while back. This review and his reccomendation have moved it up my list. Thanks, Joel.
Joel, what a great read for Easter afternoon -- thank you for pointing me to a book I never knew existed for your reflections on it. Off to seek out a copy! Happy Easter to you.
Thanks for the review. This sounds quite interesting--I ought to read it. I wonder if there is a mini-genre of books about characters from the Passion narrative. Dürrenmatt wrote an early short story, "Pilatus" (not sure if there's an English translation), about the encounter between Pilate and Christ. Peter Rosegger wrote a novel, I.N.R.I., which in my recollection was about the "good thief," although that's not what I see described in the quick summary turned up by an online search, so perhaps my memory is playing tricks on me (or I'm thinking of the wrong novel). To my astonishment, Project Gutenberg appears to have an English translation of this online. In any case, even if I'm misremembering that novel, I'm sure there are more stories like this. Would be an interesting little reading list.
Sounds fascinating! I read The Spear by Louis De Wohl and The Man Born to be King by Sayers this year, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the biblical historical fiction genre. Adding this one to my list!
I remember reading Barabbas as an undergrad, while also leaving the Christian faith. That copy was lost many years ago, but I found another, similarly worn, at Bart’s books in Ojai. I need to read it again, thanks for the reminder 😊
My pleasure! It was a riveting read.
Thank you for this review. All I have known of "Barabbas" in culture is the movie starring Anthony Quinn. I never realized it was based on this book, but I looked it up and the author is credited with helping write the screenplay. I am confident that, as usual, the book is far superior to the movie!
I’ve never seen the movie, but I can’t imagine it being better than the book.
I am a fan of the film as well, having watched it a few times over the last few years. When Nick mentioned it on the Reason podcast a while back I messaged him, asking if it was the same story as the film. Heassured me the book was better. I bought a copy a litle while back. This review and his reccomendation have moved it up my list. Thanks, Joel.
My pleasure!
“I don’t even know who Barabbas is.”
!!!
I was a little surprised by that myself. It’s a basic cultural literacy thing.
I liked Barabbas. Since we have always known so little about him, it was an interesting read.
I found Barabas and will read it next. I do remember the movie from long ago. Haven’t thought of it in years. lol
Nice piece. Been a zillion years since I read this one but might be time to pull it off the shelf. thanks!
Joel, what a great read for Easter afternoon -- thank you for pointing me to a book I never knew existed for your reflections on it. Off to seek out a copy! Happy Easter to you.
Thank you for the review. I should read it.
It’s quite good.
Upside down gospel. I like that. Will seek out the book.
It’s excellent.
What a great way to testify to the truth; share with others about the book you're reading! Love it!
:) It’s a surprising book for that.
I didn't know this book, but like Allison below, have seen the film a few times. I'm going to find a copy and read it. Thank you.
My pleasure. I’d never heard of the book until Gillespie mentioned it. I’m now a fan!
Thanks for the review. This sounds quite interesting--I ought to read it. I wonder if there is a mini-genre of books about characters from the Passion narrative. Dürrenmatt wrote an early short story, "Pilatus" (not sure if there's an English translation), about the encounter between Pilate and Christ. Peter Rosegger wrote a novel, I.N.R.I., which in my recollection was about the "good thief," although that's not what I see described in the quick summary turned up by an online search, so perhaps my memory is playing tricks on me (or I'm thinking of the wrong novel). To my astonishment, Project Gutenberg appears to have an English translation of this online. In any case, even if I'm misremembering that novel, I'm sure there are more stories like this. Would be an interesting little reading list.
That would make a great reading list. “The Master and Margarita” includes a whole subplot on Pilate.
Another one I'll have to read sometime!
And happy Easter to you, Joel.
Happy Easter to you, Peter! Christ is risen!
He is risen indeed! Alleluia!
The Robe would also fit on this list.
Indeed it would! Thanks for pointing it out.
Sounds fascinating! I read The Spear by Louis De Wohl and The Man Born to be King by Sayers this year, and was surprised by how much I enjoyed the biblical historical fiction genre. Adding this one to my list!
When the phlebotomist asked me about Barabbas, the trainee who shadowed her admitted, “I don’t even know who Barabbas is.”
I should have responded by saying, “I am.” We all are.
Quite the closer-- you definitely opened a vein with that one.