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My Name Was Judas

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'My Name Was Judas' by C.K. Stead offers an alternative account of the life of Jesus through the eyes of Judas, who in this novel did not betray Jesus. The book delves into the relationship between Judas and Jesus, portraying Jesus as a radical revolutionary and a charismatic celebrity figure. It challenges traditional beliefs by providing a more rational and human perspective on the biblical stories, making them more believable and contemporary for readers.

The novel is described as beautifully written, thoroughly researched, and subversive in its approach. It presents a thought-provoking reflection on friendship, rivalry, belief, endurance, and loyalty, offering a different way to view the life of Jesus and his followers through the lens of Judas' perspective. The writing style is engaging, drawing readers into a reimagined narrative of familiar biblical events with a touch of controversy and modern relevance.

Characters:

Characters are presented with depth, emphasizing their human qualities and nuanced relationships.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is engaging and well-crafted, though some elements, like ending poetry, may not resonate with all readers.

Plot/Storyline:

The narrative presents Judas's unique perspective on his life with Jesus, challenging traditional interpretations and suggesting deeper motivations behind his actions.

Setting:

The setting blends historical and fictional elements, reinforcing the story's themes in a relatable way.

Pacing:

The pacing is engaging, allowing for both a fast narrative and thoughtful exploration of themes.

Notes:

The book tells the story from Judas's perspective, reinterpreting his relationship with Jesus.
It suggests that Judas had good reasons for his actions, unlike the biblical portrayal.
The author, C.K. Stead, is from New Zealand and incorporates well-researched historical background.
The narrative is seen as more plausible than traditional biblical stories.
Judas reflects on his childhood friendship with Jesus and their complex relationship.
The book explores themes of humanity, skepticism, and rivalry between Judas and Jesus.
It challenges the portrayal of Jesus as a perfect figure, suggesting he had flaws.
The poetry at the end of each chapter was criticized but the rest of the writing is praised.
It's not widely published in the U.S. yet, which may delay availability for some readers.
Some readers found the account to be thought-provoking and engaging, even for those unfamiliar with the Bible.
The story is told in a witty and controversial manner, making it a compelling read.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include potentially disturbing themes related to religious beliefs, psychological tension, and strong portrayals of character struggles.

From The Publisher:

We all know the story of Jesus told by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John, but what about the version according to Judas?

In this witty, original and teasingly controversial account, some forty years after the death of Jesus, Judas finally tells the story as he remembers it. Looking back on his childhood and youth from an old age the gospel writers denied him, Judas recalls his friendship with Jesus; their schooling together; their families; the people who would go on to be disciples and followers; their journeys together and their dealings with the powers of Rome and the Temple.

His is a story of friendship and rivalry, of a time of uncertainty and enquiry, a testing of belief, endurance and loyalty.

 
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