Customer Reviews

Marcus

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Excellent look at the life of the early Christians in Rome --- really brings the texture of their lives, struggles, and apostolates into clear relief. Often felt I was right there in the streets with these characters, and often asked myself how I could more couragously live my own Christian vocation. Highly recommend this book!

"Marcus" is another fine fictional book by Fr. Michael E. Giesler. It is the sequel to his book "Junia" (and I would recommend reading Junia first), and follows the story of Marcus, the philosopher brother of Junia.

"Marcus" picks up shortly after the death of Junia and details the slow conversion of Marcus to the Christian Faith. It begins with Marcus being saved by a stranger, who he then befriends. Marcus is struck by the different lifestyle of this stranger and his friends: they help the poor, live a celibate life, and are not just interested in theoretical truth, but a personal Truth they claim to know and love.

Giesler is expert in describing 2nd century life; one really feels as if he is "there" when reading both Junia and Marcus. The rapid growth of Christianity in the Roman Empire has always been of great sociological interest, and Giesler's books relate a sampling of how so many came to faith in such a strange religion (by Roman standards).

My only criticism of this book is that I did not think the dialogue was as well-written as in Junia. A number of times I found myself noticing that the discussions were "written" instead of believing that they were real. I still think the book overall is excellent, but some of dialogue could have used a better editor.

Like Junia, Marcus does contain some mature topics, so I would not recommend it for younger readers (under 12). Teenagers (and adults) however will not only enjoy the story but will be left with much to think about, as they contemplate what our fathers and mothers in the faith had to endure to pass the Christian Faith on to us.