The Spear: A Novel of the Crucifixion [Paperback]

Louis De Wohl (Author), Louis De Wohl (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1998

Louis de Wohl This panoramic novel of the last days of Christ ranges from the palaces of imperial Rome to the strife-torn hills of Judea-where the conflict of love and betrayal, revenge and redemption, reaches a mighty climax in the drama of the Crucifixion. For this is the full story of the world's most dramatic execution, as it affected one of its least-known participants-the man who hurled his spear into Christ on the Cross. Among his many successful historical novels, Louis de Wohl considered The Spear the magnum opus of his literary career.   "Exceptionally powerful ... an excellent piece of work!" -Chicago Sun-Times   "A brilliant and panoramic picture of the events and personalities surrounding the Crucifixion." -Catholic Messenger "A magnificent novel. It tells from a new and fascinating angle the age-old story of the men and women who were sublimely affected by knowing the Messiah, Jesus Christ." -Boston Herald was a distinguished Catholic novelist whose popular historical novels on saints have been best-sellers worldwide. Other titles include Lay Siege to Heaven, Citadel of God, Set All Afire, The Restless Flame, and The Quiet Light.

Product Details

• Paperback: 380 pages
• Publisher: Ignatius Pr (November 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898706041
• ISBN-13: 978-0898706048
• Product Dimensions: 8 x 5.3 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #89,193 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars De Wohl's masterpiece, September 4, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spear: A Novel of the Crucifixion (Paperback)

This is the best novel that deals with Christ's life, death, and Resurrection that I've ever read. It's solidly, unabashedly orthodox and pulls together the Gospel accounts in a brilliant weave of history and imagination. Unlike other novels of the genre, it doesn't try to "explain away" the supernatural... it simply presents it and invites the reader to believe. But it also does not attempt to enter into either the mind of the God-Man Jesus Christ or his immaculately conceived mother Mary. Although HIDDEN VICTORY by Fr. Herbert Smith, S. J., does an admirable job of trying to understand what God and the Blessed Virgin Mary may have thought and felt, I also appreciated De Wohl's implicit understanding that such a task is impossible. While the meditation might be fruitful, it is also something to approach cautiously.

This is why I think De Wohl's technique of presenting the story from St. Longinus' point of view, rather than Christ's or Mary's, works so well. Here is someone like ourselves, sinful as we are sinful, who tries to grasp the cosmic events swirling around him. When, by God's grace, he is brought to belief, we cheer and see our own struggles reflected in his while praying for the same triumph that he experienced.

All this sounds very lofty. I hope I haven't scared off people who are simply looking for an entertaining novel. Those people will find such a novel in THE SPEAR, but they will also find so much more!

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Powerful, realistic portrayal of a man's journey to faith..., June 8, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spear: A Novel of the Crucifixion (Paperback)

I was moved by this beautifully written story of Longinus, the Roman soldier believed to have been present at Christ's crucifixion. Not only is this an interesting look at Rome and Israel 2,000 years ago, but it is most importantly a powerful story of Longinus' conversion from a bitter, revenge-driven man to a repentent, joy-filled soul. Inspiring, and a very good read!

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars An eye-witness account of the crucifixion, November 13, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: The Spear: A Novel of the Crucifixion (Paperback)

Cassius Longinus is a man searching for ...something. He is not sure what. He does not believe in the Roman gods, but he knows he should believe in something. He lives for revenge and he lives for the love of two women and somehow it isn't enough. The elusive Yesua (Jesus)seems to bewitch everyone who comes in contact with Him. Cassius avoids Him until after the crucifixion. This novel is exciting and has some romance and also makes you think. I highly recommend it.