ARC (NetGalley) Review: Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ

Description:

As one of the bestselling stories of all time, Lew Wallace’s Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ has captivated and enthralled millions around the world—both in print and on the big screen. Now Lew’s great-great-granddaughter has taken the old-fashioned prose of this classic novel and breathed new life into it for today’s audience.

Coming to theaters in February 2016 as Ben-Hur, a major motion picture from MGM and Paramount studios, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose childhood friend Messala betrays him. Accused of trying to murder the new Roman governor in Jerusalem, Judah is sentenced to the galley ships and vows to seek revenge against the Romans and Messala. But a chance encounter with a carpenter from Nazareth sets Judah on a different path.

Rediscover the intrigue, romance, and tragedy in this thrilling adventure.

Also included: the inspiring story-behind-the-story of Lew Wallace—Indiana lawyer, author, and Civil War general.

ISBN: 9781496411068

The Review:

There is an abstract thing called faith. In God, in his message, in fate. A lot like lew Wallace’s faith was questioned, Judah Ben-Hur also finds himself questioning his faith.

If becoming a scholar or taking over the family business really is that important, then why are Romans, who do next to nothing other than conquer and rule, seem as so great? Does fate really have just his father’s business in store for him? What would it be like marching among a thousand legions, being honored as their soldier, or, better, as their leader?

It is in this turmoil of thoughts that Ben-Hur finds his life thrown indiscernible awry.

Finally, though, after many years, he finds his faith restored and rediscovered, just as Lew Wallace had his when he finished writing his literary masterpiece.

Looking at this story as just a story (as my own faith demands), I find it very well paced. The desperation and tragedy was deeply felt. The social and political issues of the era were also very well addressed.

However, there were times when things seemed to happen without any valid reason, and more times when things seemed to happen purely for plot convenience.

But the story was still good, and it makes me want to give the original Ben-Hur a try.

The Rating:

4stars

Disclaimer: I recieved this book free of cost from the publisher through the NetGalley review program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”