Brief

In ancient Galilee, a group of brothers from a wealthy and distinguished family greatly influence the economic and spiritual interests of their community.

What We Liked

- The alternate take on the popular story of Jesus of Nazareth is refreshing and thought-provoking even if it clashes with personal viewpoints. The book is incredibly well researched making for a realistic backdrop for some of the most famous or even infamous figures in religious history.
- A feature adaptation of the story would provide vast and cinematic potential. The monumental nature of the story and characters would be an easy transition to film.
- Adapting the book into a limited television series would be an easy transition. The structure lends itself to the episodic format that builds to the inevitable conclusion.
- Key points: Based on historical figures; Unique ; Large in scale; Well-researched; Cinematic

Synopsis

In ancient Galilee, a successful and influential merchant named Joseph has a big family. The expectations he has for his family and their role in elevating the people of Israel is ambitious. Joseph’s success is mirrored in his wife, Miriam’s, strength and authority. Together they try to raise their children to do great things. Joseph and Miriam’s eldest son is James (or Jacob in the ancient tongue). He lives in the city of Jerusalem that is occupied by the Romans. James is studying for the priesthood at the temple and he takes his mission quite seriously. It is prophesied by important people that he may one day be elevated to the status of the Righteous One who will bring Israel into God’s esteem. Joseph makes it clear that the rest of the family is to support James in his endeavor.

The second son is Jesus (or Joshua as he would have been known). He has an irreverent personality, but possesses a sense of honor along with his over abundant charisma. The third son is Judas. He closely resembles Jesus and is sometimes called Thomas which means the twin. Since Judas is more meek and suffers from a stuttering speech impediment, he often finds himself living in the shadow of Jesus. The youngest son is Simon and he is mercilessly bullied by the local boys. The two daughters, Joanna and Susanna, are strong younger versions of Miriam and are very supportive of their brothers.

While Jesus is out with Joseph in the market they come across a foreign traveling merchant. The man and Joseph are bargaining when his son, Ranjit, who is showing off, falls from a rock into the sea. He suffers a badly broken arm that will surely kill him if he is forced to travel with his father and not receive proper care and healing time. Knowing that Ranjit’s father must move on to maintain his livelihood and that Ranjit may die if forced to travel with him, Jesus offers to travel and work with him in Ranjit’s stead. In exchange Ranjit will go live in Joseph’s household while he is nursed back to health by Miriam and the sisters. Both fathers agree to the arrangement. While Jesus works and travels with Ranjit’s father over several months, he is exposed to many different types of people and beliefs. Meanwhile, Ranjit recovers well under the care of the women and he befriends Judas. Ranjit teaches Judas math and he becomes quite good in economic and business matters. As Judas matures, he loses his stutter, gains enough confidence to run the financial side of the family business. When it becomes clear that Jesus will not settle down in marriage, Judas fulfills the family obligation and is wed to a lovely young woman called Mary, who was a friend of the family as a child and once betrothed to Jesus.

As a child Simon was always bullied by a group of local boys. Jesus comes to his rescue when Simon is alone up against several other boys at once. On a fateful day, Simon is cornered alone by Chuza, the biggest bully of them all. Simon decides to stand up to him and things turn around from him. Chuza is bullied by his own father. When Simon sees this, he chooses to cover for Chuza and they soon become good friends. As he grow into an adult, Simon asserts his affinity for strategy and with the help of Chuza, acts as guardian and defender of the family, the business and their workers.

As James grows up in the temple, he continues to be influential in the religious faith of Israel. By ministering to beggars and outcasts he becomes known as The Righteous One. Meanwhile, Joseph has sent Jesus out to work in the vineyards in Nazareth. He doesn’t reveal his identity as Joseph’s son, but soon earns a reputation of his own. Jesus hears of a man who is baptizing people in the river Jordan. He is called the Prophet. When he goes to meet him, Jesus finds the man is his cousin, John. He asks to be baptized and John happily obliges. While being dipped in the water, Jesus has a great spiritual awakening. He hears the voice of God and finds that he can speak directly to him. This inspires him to preach to the devout and teach them how to pray to God. Jesus offers great comfort to his people and becomes known as their king across the land.

The Romans are unhappy when they hear news of the Righteous One and Jesus of Nazareth being called King. They are interested in the rising popularity of these men, their brothers, and the Prophet as well. Herod Antipas also holds deep suspicions. There is always an undercurrent of unrest nearby and in the surrounding regions. When Joseph becomes ill, Simon has to help smuggle his older brothers home to bid their father a final farewell. After the death of Joseph, Judas and Simon become men of the house while James and Jesus are continue their work with the people. Judas uses his business acumen to hide money away to keep it from being taxed by Herod. He then reinvests it in the people. Ranjit, who has married one of Judas’ sisters, works with him. Simon and Chuza, who has married the other sister, protect Judas’ endeavor. Simon, now grown, takes a wife named Judith.

As tensions mount, Herod finds John and has him beheaded. John’s murder signals that Jesus’ life is in grave danger as well. When the whole family travels to Jerusalem for Passover, they avoid their enemies along the way with help from Simon and his men. Once they arrive at the temple, James is recognized by the people as the Righteous One and Jesus as the King. There is no way for them to keep a low profile, and so they are in peril. As the enemies close in on the family, Jesus distracts them with a speech of faith. This distraction allows his brothers and the rest of the family to escape with their lives. For his sacrifice, Jesus is met with a violent death. When he is later resurrected, he shows himself to Mary, who is a true believer. She brings news of his return back to the mourning family.

About The Author

Patrick W. Andersen is a novelist living in San Francisco. He worked as an award-winning editor of a weekly newspaper for many years and has published short fiction in numerous journals.