The publishers of this book Moody Publishers states their mission:"...to equip and motivate people to advance the cause of Christ by publishing evangelical Christian literature and other media for all ages around the world..." Given that, this book was remarkably free of "evangelical" language. Jesus is treated as a real person - the oldest brother of a large family and the "resurrection" is treated with skepticism by the main characters. The story does have a theme, but it's a universal humanist one of the fallibility of people and the need for forgiveness - thus the reference to the "he who is without sin cast the first stone" in the title.

The writing was straight forward with appropriate historical detail; the characters, for the most part, were interesting; and the plot had enough tension (mostly around the palace politics) to keep me reading. It wasn't an outstanding historical novel, but a quick read. ( )

Plot Summary: What happens, When & Where, Central Characters, Major Conflicts
Two people arrive in an ancient Israelite town, both in search of the same woman--Rivkah. Rivkah's son was killed and both Joab and Jorah know something of his death and have their own reasons to speak to her about it. Rivkah is a prostitute, however, and finding her and speaking to her proves daunting for the two young people. They both fall in with a local mosiac maker and become his apprentices. Through him and his wife they learn of Rivkah's whereabouts. They also meet a Roman official who is the steward in charge of administering the affairs of the palace. He too knows the stonecutter and Rivkah, who has been petitioning to have a tree planted in honor of her son saved. He decides to help Rivkah and another Jew which ends up backfiring and getting him in big trouble. He resigns himself to his fate--yet he doesn't know the power of a good deed not forgetten.






Style Characterisics: Pacing, clarity, structure, narrative devices, etc.
Groot creates engaging characters thrust into intriguing moral situations by their place in history. She captures the biblical setting well (though Joab and Jorah's ability to travel alone (Jorah as a woman) and interact with one another seems a bit too modern. I most identified with the story of the roman official, I loved how his story illustrated a man's deeds and kindness not being forgotten and becoming his salvation. Jorah is also portrayed as Jesus' sister and her musings about his death and probable resurrection are interesting.






How Good is it?
Memorable characters, a well drawn setting, and thought provoking scenarios. ( )