Customer Reviews

The Acts of a Pagan Jew

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was a little apprehensive at first, afraid that there might be a religious or moralistic agenda behind it, but there's none of that. Instead, we're treated to a fast-moving romp through one of the most utterly significant periods of man's history. Our "hero" seems to find himself cast by fate into virtually every important event of the time, hobnobbing with movers and shakers both historic and religious. One could even study history here! And what a fun way to do so, since the tale is told with a twinkle in the eye. A great read!

I'm afraid that I cannot recommend this book very highly. While the author has, evidently, led an interesting and adventurous life herself, her book leaves much to be desired in plot, characterization, prose style, and...well, interest. I have nothing against books published by "vanity presses," as this one is; the big publishers have often ignored great--or at least absorbing--manuscripts of books that later became best-sellers, and in a few well-known cases, popular classics. But I don't think that's the case here. When "Pagan Jew" first appeared on amazon's web site shortly after the book's initial publication several years ago, there were two reviews that slammed the novel--harshly and without flinching, giving specific criticism, supported with references to the text of the novel and, I thought, intelligent comments on its overall quality. Those reviews were painful even for me to read; but having read the book myself, I had to agree with them; they weren't cruel: they were accurate and truthful. For some reason, those informative, incisive reviews have been deleted from the book's review history, and all we have now are two five-star pieces from people who love the book and have nothing to say beyond that it's great. If I were the author, I'd be embarrassed by such fluff pieces. Every new parent loves the new baby; every author hates anyone who isn't enthralled with the first novel or short story that gets into print. But a good writer listens to, and hears, the criticisms--doesn't necessarily obey them--thinks, and then writes better the next time, recognizing that the thoughtful critics, at least, might have a point. This author might take that advice to heart. She undoubtedly has many interesting stories to share with readers, and a gift for writing. I look forward to buying and reading her next book, when she's had time to think this over.

I really enjoyed this book - an "eye-witness account" of life in the Roman Empire. What a great idea and what a great story! There's something here for everyone--Jews, Christians, pagans and atheists.
Galen makes her historical and biblical figures into regular people who speak contemporary dialogue. This is funny and really brings home that people have been pretty much the same through the ages. I loved Pontius Pilate (and i'm Catholic!) I even loved Caligula and the crocodile.
The book is just so entertaining. Galen has done a terrific job.