Josephus: A Novel by B. Michael Antler - Book Review

The Story Must be Told

Josephus: A Novel, is a historical fiction where the author brings the reader back to the 1st century. He gives you a glimpse of the time when the Roman Empire rules half the world. And, where unspeakable violence and carnage was the “norm”.

Josephus: A Novel
by B. Michael Antler

Book Review

Titus ignites the plot of Josephus: A Novel. He leads the attack at The Temple in Jerusalem and kills the chief priest in full view of the other religious leaders and judges. The primary reason for the attack is to exact two thousand talents in taxes for the Roman coffers. And since the Judean priests are reluctant in giving away their sacred valuables, the angrier the Romans become.

Because of this, bloodshed and horrible acts against Judean men, women, and children ensue. Not only do the Roman soldiers display their savagery within the temple. They also wreak havoc in the marketplace and streets. The men ransack every house. They rape, sodomize, slay, and cut the throats of any Judean they can find.

The brutal execution of and violence against innocent civilians enrage the Judeans. Even as they mourn over the death of David the Wise, their chief priest, they also scream for justice. And justice they’re bent on getting! The Judeans take revenge by killing the Roman soldiers stationed at the Antonia Fortress.

Fortification of the Judean territory

Because of this incident, the Judeans expect the Roman Empire to retaliate and inflict more violence against them. So, they need to fortify their territory. They sent Joseph, a high priest, to Galilee to govern it and set up fortification around the city.

Joseph does well as governor and protector of his compatriots. That is, until his capture. Together with some select men, Titus takes Joseph to Rome to face execution before Nero. They sail by boat. In the midst of the journey, however, they encounter a storm that leads to a shipwreck. From this point on, a series of twists and turns occur in Josephus: A Novel.

What do you think will happen to Joseph? Who is Josephus? It is for you, readers, to discover the events that follow.

Josephus: The Book and the Author

B Michael Antler is one great writer. He’s keen at giving detailed descriptions of every scene and action. Most importantly, he writes as closely as possible to what history presented to us. The author skillfully weaves the plot as if he was right there when history unfolded in the 1st century. In Josephus, Antler takes the reader on a dangerous ride through savage butchery, rape, and pilferage of food.

I should say, the novel is a well-researched book. What I like the most in this book is the author’s presentation of Joseph’s speech. It makes the whole story realistic. Joseph’s eloquence is heart-rending and yet it makes the listener contemplate his actions.

On the other hand, the portion that I like the least in Josephus is the brutal executions and violence depicted in the story. Although they are crucial and must be included in the plot, I cannot help but get emotional at the constant fighting and bloodshed. It made me puke reading the extreme savagery.

Nevertheless, in Josephus: A Novel, the reader can get a wider view of the past. If you’re a Christian and were convinced in the stories in the Bible, you’ll earn more insights into the life of the people in the Holy Land centuries ago. You’ll also get a closer look at the places mentioned in the Bible. Likewise, your knowledge of the persecution of Christ will widen and make you understand better where the Romans’ bestiality comes from. Moreover, you will get a deeper insight into the plight of the Jews during the period and on how they grappled to survive.

Technical Side of Josephus

On the technical side, Josephus: A Novel is well-proofread. I didn’t notice any typographical errors. But, if there were any, it must be negligible.

Overall, I give Josephus: A Novel a rating of 5 out of 5 stars. I recommend it to readers 18 years old and above. But, just a piece of warning! Your heart must be healthy enough. Otherwise, this book is not for you. If you have a weak heart or have had high blood pressure, Josephus: A Novel might excite you and put you at risk. In addition, if you are prone to depression and anxiety, please do not read this book. It might make you sad.

Likewise, I strongly do not recommend this book to young readers. It contains graphic accounts of brutality not suitable for you.