BOOK REVIEW: When the daughter of a prominent Roman general meets a disinherited Jewish immigrant, neither one can dream of God's plan to transform them into the most influential couple of the early church. Nor can the anticipate the mountains that will threaten to bury them. Their courtship unwittingly shadowed by murder and betrayal, Priscilla and Aquila slowly work to build a community of believers, while their lives grow increasingly complicated thanks to a shaggy dog, a mysterious runaway, and a ruthless foe desperate for love. But when they're banished from their home by a capricious emperor, they must join forces with an unusual rabbi named Paul and fight to turn treachery into redemption.MY REVIEW: This is the most recent of Tessa Afshar's books, her eight one I believe. She chooses less prominent biblical characters to explore stories of, and this book is written around Aquila and Priscilla, the couple who gave shelter to the Apostle Paul at some point. There is so little known about this couple, thus this book takes great liberties with the story. I enjoyed the story though, imagining what this couples' life may have been like, the fears and trials they may have encountered.
Priscilla is portrayed as a young woman who's father had died, leaving her in the care of her wealthy, though selfish brother who left her to live as a pauper in his illustrious home. She had made friends with Christians Jews and through them met Aquila, who had recently been disinherited by his father because of his belief in Jesus. Her unfailing love and care of those around her -- even those who wished her harm -- is an image of the love of Christ we ought to portray.
I wish we knew more about Aquila and Priscilla--theirs would be a tale to behold. We know that they were Christians, and would possibly have been persecuted in some manner because of it. We know that they were tent makers. And we know that they were friends of Paul the Apostle, who gave them credit for strengthening the Christians around them. They seem to be strong, devout followers of Jesus. We today miss something by the ease of our lives. We don't have to chose life or Christ, we get both.
This book was interesting, as it gave a potential glance into the lives of the early Christians. It is a novel of sterner stuff than most, but remains one just the same. The relationship of Aquila and Priscilla is a dominant theme, with the lessons of love and forgiveness towards everyone to be gleaned around it.
I received a copy of this book from NETGALLEY, and was not required to write a positive review.
