Christ the Lord (The Road to Cana) by Anne Rice

Anne Rice is better known for her books about the supernatural, and particularly vampires. One of her books - "Interview with a Vampire" was made into a successful film of the same name, which starred Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt.  This is, however, her second book which gives a fictional account of Christ's life: the first is called "Out of Egypt".

This novel opens in Nazareth where Jesus (Yeshua, known as "the Sinless"), now approaching 30 years of age, lives with his extended family whilst earning his living in the family business of carpentry and building. Herod Antipas is the Roman's puppet "King" of Judea and Pontius Pilate has just been appointed as the new Roman Governor. The times are troubled and simmer with discontent as the Roman conquerers keep the Jewish people on a tight reign and tax them heavily.

The tale of Jesus' birth is well known but the event itself was 30 years ago and many are tired of waiting for what was promised. Many among his family and friends are urging him to marry, believing that the prophesies aren't going to be fulfilled and that he might as well settle down to a normal life, forgetting the strange circumstances of his birth.

But Jesus senses a change. He is being drawn deeper into his mission and is beginning to understand what will be required of him. After baptism by John, in the Jordan, and near death whilst on a retreat into the desert, the wedding of a relative in the village of Cana provides the backdrop of his first, true, miracle.

Anyone even half familiar with the Bible story of Christ will recognise the history, geography and social context of this fictionalised version of the beginning of his ministry. There is no written account of his life between his birth and baptism, except for one or two references in the Gospels, but this take on this part of his life rings true to the times. The story is told in Jesus' voice, and we can imagine some of his thoughts and conflicts during the weeks over which this story unfolds.

If you are a Christian of an old tradition, you might find this book, fiction as it is, to be offensive. Others might like to join the author in an imaginary history. It made me ponder, and that can't be a bad thing. Recommended.

"Christ the Lord" is published by Arrow Books, ISBN 978-0-099-48418-9