This was a book that kept my interest but took me awhile to really get into.
I couldn't help wondering what made Frances so willing to let these older men seduce her and then belittle her. It was a sad book for me; a book that made me angry with the men who took advantage of Frances, even though she was of age.
I enjoyed reading about her opportunities at the farms and how things aren't always how you expect them to be. ( )

Paul's life as found in Acts and his letters of the Bible is fictionalized. This really clarified why he wrote the things he did and gave insight to the troubles he faced. ( )

The book served as a refresher on early church history and brought some of the personalities to life. How true to character were those depictions, I suppose is anyone's guess. I'm sure Mr. Wangerin's educated guess is better than mine. I enjoyed the book based primarily on the subject matter. The change in narrators with each chapter was occasionally confusing. I think I can appreciate the difficulty of choosing appropriate language for a first century narrator, but I still found it amusing that James would comment on the "(electric) press of so many people" in one scene.

Overall, an enjoyable and quite educational read. ( )

While setting the category for this book review, I hit an impasse. Do I consider this a work of literature, theology, or spiritual formation?

When I was a young minister I bought Wangerin's The Book of God. His novelization of the Old Testament made an impact on my study of scripture. He reminded me of the reality of these ancient stories. In Paul, he picks up the story where he left off. Wangerin combines an intimate knowledge of scripture, thoughtful exegesis, and a literary pen to create a work that will help the reader understand Paul more completely than before.

You could consider this a work of literature. The point-of-view shifts between the various characters (framed by the pseudo-musings of Seneca) are a profound way to revisit a well-known story.

Alternatively, it could be considered a work of theology. Many exegetical decisions had to be made about issues such as the purpose of the Gentile offering, the nature of Paul's "thorn in his flesh," and the circumstances and letters to the church in Corinth. Wangerin chooses wisely.

For me, this book was primarily a work of spiritual formation. Wangerin has enabled me to imagine what it would be like to live Paul's life. You can almost feel the sweat and taste the dust of the ancient cities. The conflict between Paul and Jerusalem was profoundly disturbing yet moving. It helps me to place modern church conflict in perspective.

There were times when the action slowed and the detailed description started to feel excessive. As a whole, however, Paul: A Novel, is powerful work of Christian imagination. ( )

You may know Wangerin from The Book of the Dun Cow. I love Wangerin’s writing and I loved Paul. From the insatiable and inexplicable drive of the book’s hero, Paul of Tarsus, to the endearing antics of his biggest fan Titus, this is a captivating story in a fascinating era.

Wangerin knows his Bible; that much is clear, yet he makes the Bible fun. When you grow up in a church atmosphere, Bible characters become legend, untouchable, bigger than life. This book brings them back to earth and gives them breath. Paul, especially, becomes human again. Love him or hate him, you will admire him and shake your head in wonder at his passion.

Readers of my reviews know fiction is not my favorite. It has to be historical and well-researched, it has to be thought-provoking, and it has to be moving, for fiction to make the top shelf. This one has it all. ( )