Junia: The Fictional Life and Death of an Early Christian [Paperback]

Giesler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 2002

Gripping new novel depicts the joys, agonies, splendors, and deadly risks of life in the early Church

The daughter of a Roman senator, Junia had money, worldly comforts, and a seemingly limitless future. But then, Junia’s new friend Marcia impresses her with her kindness and inner beauty. When Marcia is killed for her Christian faith, Junia becomes fascinated with the religion that brought such loveliness to her friend’s soul.

Junia brings to life the wonders and dilemmas of life for the early Christians — and vibrantly illustrates the courage that the Faith inspired in the souls of very ordinary people. It shows how the attractiveness of the new religion was accompanied by social struggle, family division, and the risk of death for those courageous enough to embrace it. It is a testament to the indomitable faith of the many real-life saints and martyrs of the period it so vividly portrays.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Scepter Pubs (August 1, 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1889334642
• ISBN-13: 978-1889334646
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.5 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #721,936 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read for both devout and indifferent Christians, August 6, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Junia: The Fictional Life and Death of an Early Christian (Paperback)

Deceptively simple in its telling, this powerful story should be required reading in all Christian middle school curricula. Boys will enjoy its detailed and historically accurate recounting of life in the Roman Empire, while girls will empathize with the adolescent struggles of Junia and her friends. All (adults included) will find their faith strengthened by reading this tale of the ordinary apostleship and heroic martyrdom of everyday Christians almost 2000 years ago.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fr. Mike Giesler builds a bridge over time, October 2, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Junia: The Fictional Life and Death of an Early Christian (Paperback)

How can anyone, living comfortably in the 21st Century, possibly relate to the early Christian martyrs, those champions of the faith who were fed to the lions or beheaded for their beliefs? Fr. Michael E. Giesler has built a bridge across time in his book, Junia. With a clear understanding of ancient Roman history and a deft hand for spinning a good yarn, Junia is the touching story of an adolescent girl who converts wholeheartedly and then gives up her life rather than renounce Christ. This book is a page-turner from the word go, and the character of Junia is warm and likeable. Her cheerfulness and devotion shines not only across the centuries, but across the generations. I read it, my 11-year-old daughter read it, her friend read it, their religion teacher read it...and it's about to make the rounds again!
A reader from Connecticut

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very exciting!, June 20, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: Junia: The Fictional Life and Death of an Early Christian (Paperback)

This is a must read, especially for young people! I was suprised how exciting it was. Judging by the title, I thought it had been written for high school girls, but I found myself (an adult male) enjoying it immensely. I was even more surprised by how many details about life in ancient Rome it mentioned, as well as some interesting insights into human nature, and a good picture of the life of the early Christians. Great book!