I Am John, I Am Paul
by Mark Tedesco follows the lives of two real-life Roman soldiers in the fourth century, Ioannes
(John) Fulvius Marcus Romanus and Paulus. John and Paul form a strong bond of friendship during their days fighting on the German frontier, a bond that is never broken even when
John is sent away to Alexandria by a sadistic centurion.
John spends years in Alexandria longing for home and
corresponding with his family and Paul in Rome.
While in Alexandria, John is initiated into the Mithraic religion, but
his faith in Mithras doesn’t seem to give him the peace he thought it would.
Political upheavals enable John to return to Rome, his
family, and Paul. John and Paul resume
their duties in the Legion, and even volunteer to rescue a close
family member of Emperor Constantine, who was kidnapped by a rival Roman general. The mission succeeds, and the Emperor is so grateful that he gives them both farm lands and a house in Rome, ensuring they and their families will never again know poverty.
While in Rome, John and Paul discover the ‘Way,’ the nascent
Christian movement that threatens the old Roman gods. In the Way, John discovers the faith he
always hoped would fill his heart, which strengthens both men when
they suffer the inevitable persecution.
I’m a huge ancient Rome geek, so there were many things I liked about this book.
For one, it was well researched. The author knew his history and provided illuminating details of the lives of average ancient Romans.
Tedesco had a clear understanding of Roman religions, including Roman pagan rituals, Mithraism, and the practices of the ‘christus followers'. The book was beautifully written in a
first-person narrative told primarily by John, with dialogue that had an
ancient, almost biblical feel.
Now I offer the following as an observation and not a criticism,
as it is more a warning about the book’s style.
I felt like I was reading John’s personal journal. And like
the journals of real-life people, you won’t find the standard fiction novel
plot twists and character conflicts. For the most part, things just happened to John—he doesn’t really do much (besides plan and execute the rescue mission, which was the best part of the book for me). Most of the conflict is internal, with John searching
for spiritual meaning in Alexandria and Rome.
Tension between characters was minimal.
In other words, read this book for the thoughtful writing about a man searching for his spiritual home, or to experience the lives of everyday Romans during the fourth century. But skip it if you’re seeking a page-turning adventure story set on an ancient Roman battlefield.
In other words, read this book for the thoughtful writing about a man searching for his spiritual home, or to experience the lives of everyday Romans during the fourth century. But skip it if you’re seeking a page-turning adventure story set on an ancient Roman battlefield.
I Am John, I Am Paul
is available on Amazon.
1 comment:
The book is profoundly well written. The author has erned a well derserved BRAVO!
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