The Spear: A Novel of the Crucifixion

Found myself sitting in the car at my destination, just to keep listening. An old story, but wonderfully narrated and so well researched. I read the book as well, and in this case, I liked the audiobook more because it's a story meant to be told and retold. Will listen to again on a upcoming roadtrip (13 cd's) with my husband to re-hear the details I missed.

It was an awe-inspiring story. No wonder he considered it his best work! I will give this out as gifts to my friends at Christmas; even those who are not Catholics.

Louis de Wohl's books are all spellbinding and captivating and The Spear is probably his best, in my opinion. He creates real-life, everyday events that could very well have happened in the lives of the actual historical figures he portrays. You get a biography that is painted in everyday, real-life events rather than just a chronology of facts, making the story all that easier to relate to for the reader. This story of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ is told from the perspective of Cassius, the Roman soldier who pierced Christ's side with his lance to ensure that Jesus was actually dead before He is taken down from the Cross. The story begins in Rome relating the early life of Cassius, his love for the young noblewoman, Claudia, who is destined to make an advantageous, political marriage and the betrayals, perfidies, ambitions and thirst for vengeance that pave the way for Cassius to volunteer for duty in the Roman outpost of Jerusalem. What happens in Jerusalem is certainly not what he expects. The transformation of his beliefs and perspective on life slowly come about by beginning to understand the teachings of Jesus through his peripheral encounters with Jesus' disciples. The story contains familiar Biblical characters including the apostles, Martha, Mary, Lazarus and others and even give plausible identities to other familiar, but unnamed Biblical persons. All-in-all, The Spear is a page-turner in every sense of the word and is a very moving read of an event that changed the course of human history.

The story is told in such a real way. Very relatable, enjoyable and easy to read!Recommend it highly to anyone that loves historical fiction as well as the Gospel!

Gave me a deeper understanding of what might have transpired in the hearts of those who were involved or witnessed the events of the passion and death of Christ.. brought home to me the magnitude of the love Jesus has for us.

Thank you, oh friend who picked this for our fiction book club. It's a hefty book, to be sure, and it's a classic for a reason.I've never read any Louis de Wohl, but I'll be reading more after this introduction to him.This book examines Jesus's life and passion and death through the lens of real people. It's truly almost a spiritual read...and, though I claim NOT to like historical fiction, I think this is definitely historical fiction and it's WONDERFUL.I caught myself, while reading it and since reading it, listening to the Gospel readings at Mass differently, actually hearing a voice and picturing people. This gave grit and dirt to things that I think I take so much for granted: the wonder of our faith and of the real-life events that happened during Jesus's life.Even though I knew the story, I didn't. At all. Truly, a masterful work that should be required reading for...well, for all of us. GOOOOOOOD stuff.

It is a fantastic book about the life of a Roman soldier and others who have life transforming experiences around Jesus. I especially like how the desperate life of a young woman of 15 forced into marriage to an old man came to be the woman cought in adultory because when questioned she admitted she was in love. Then when they took her to the Sanhedrin who wanted to use her to trap Jesus you see the love and compassion of Jesus for this woman. Great novels are about great character change and that is what this book is about. Pray for Bart Polin making the movie in Australia that it glories God.

I purchased this after a recommendation from a nephew who is a Ph.D. in theology, he thought I should read it. The action is well written, it has interesting character development, and very extensive biblical referencing, but the main character commits a rape of a young girl in the middle of the book... which threw me for a significant loop and almost made me throw the book away. It made no sense and had very little to do with "the spear." I got around it and kept reading, but I did toss the book into the recycle bin when was finished.

This is a wonderful book, but unfortunately it came late and it is printed upside down ! Totally defective.

Just wonderful.

I grew up on novels like The Robe and The Silver Chalice but The Spear is even better. Louis de Wohl weaves an immaculate story of redemption. Combining deep insight into human character with impeccable historical research, Wohl gives readers a beautiful, stirring look at Jesus life on earth. Through the eyes of Jews and Romans alike, we see the Miracle Man of Galilee. This book will change how you read the Gospels and view your faith. Read it.

I read (in spanish) this book for first time about 32 or 33 years ago and I gave to a friend of mine. About 6 months ago I start to looking for it, to read (now in english) it again until I found it about 2 weeks ago. It is grat book that I enjoyed again and I will recommend to anyone interested in a good book with a christian history from the time of Jesus.

This book is good for everyone. I liked it because it was interesting and a relaxing read. It contains History and words of faith in God