Customer Reviews

The Centurion

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Leonard Wibberley's gentle and piercing historical novel deals with Longinus, a Roman centurion stationed in occupied Palestine, and Ruafocus, his British servant, once chief of a tribe and the captive Longinus' father-in-law. Stationed in Galilee, Longinus comes into contact with John the Baptist first, then Jesus and His followers. It it the delicate detail, humor, and believability that carry the novel. When Ruafocus becomes ill and reminds Longinus that the centurion owes him a life, Longinus dresses in his parade uniform and formally requests Jesus' mercy; granted it, he stops Him from going to Ruafocus with the great words: "Speak but the word, and my servant will be healed."

It's a beautiful portrait of a man of 50 or so whose world dissolves and reforms in the presence of Christ. Much of it is Bible-based. A very good read.

Longinus is the traditional name of the Roman centurion at the Crucifixion. Wibberley's historical novel makes Longinus a weary veteran captured by Britons in youth. Longinus escapes, brings the legions to kill the Britons, and Ruafocus, his British father-in-law, becomes his servant. The delicate relationship between the men culminates in Longinus asking Jesus to heal Ruafocus. It is a very moving, delicately structed novel, with a wonderful feeling for the dawn of Christianity in the Roman world.

This is an upbeat story that has a satisfying end. The story starts by telling the life of this Centurion named Longinous. He is a tough old soldier who has the basic roman belief in gods.

He meets John the Baptist and learns of the Messiahs coming. He is a man who understands and sympathizes with the jews but changesd his mind when they crusify their Savior Jesus Christ. The end of course calls for tears and cries of joy at the same time. I reccomend this book to anyone who doesn't understand Jesus's journey. It basicly makes the book of Mathew into a story. This book is awesome!!!!

This is the story of a Roman Centurion and his political and religous beliefs during the time of Jesus. The story of Christ as seen from the point-of-view of the Roman Centurion is the central theme. The Centurion is responsible for the area of Judea and reports to Pontius Pilate.

He is a battle-weary soldier who has no religous beliefs but still believes in justice for all regardless of their position in society.

This book is an excellent read. Compelling to Wibberley, who is not appreciated due to commercial success of the Mouse That Roard that is truly counter-cultural and has some greatly enjoyable bits that show Wibberley saw the shallowness of contemporary American/Western "culture".

Thought-provoking as to where Christ did his primary work, who his followers were. Also, some interesting characterizations of the Roman authorities.

This is highly recommended!

Mr Wibberly either takes some liberties with the original story to try to flesh out the character of the Centurion Longinus, and certain others in the events leading up to the crucifiction of Jesus, or perhaps had access to some version of the bible I have not read.
There is no want of reverence in his actual treatment of this event, and all things considered, the story ends with a most delicious twist of irony.
Talk about out-clevering yourselves!
Assuming, of course, that the thinking of the several characters named, Caiphas and Pilate mainly, was pretty much as stated.
Beautiful!!!