Status
Available
Call number
Publication
The Reader's Digest Association, Inc. (1992), Edition: 1st, 558 pages
Description
Classic Literature. Fiction. HTML: Published in 1880, Ben-Hur is a fictionalization of the events of Christ's life, beginning with the Nativity and ending with the Crucifixion. The story uses a parallel structure to simultaneously explore the life of Judah Ben-Hur, a Hebrew prince who lived in the time of Christ. This remarkable work of historical fiction reshaped the landscape of American popular literature and prompted millions of readers to reevaluate their personal views of Christianity..
User reviews
LibraryThing member john257hopper
I have to say I did not find this novel as moving as I did Quo Vadis, that other 19th century novel about early Christianity. It rather dragged in places and some of the characters seemed rather flat. It covers a longer period of time than the famous film, as the first 50 pages concern the birth of
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Christ and in particular the progress of the Magi. As for other comparisons, the "real" Ben Hur sounds nothing like Charlton Heston, not only physically, but also in that here in the novel his desire for vengeance on Messala comes out more strongly as the chief personal drive of his life. Particular moving moments were the immediate aftermath of the accident that led to Ben Hur's arrest and that of his family and the later discovery of the appalling treatment and condition of his mother (unnamed for some reason) and sister Tirzah. In sum, I'm glad I read this novel, but it was a bit of a struggle in parts. Show Less
LibraryThing member santhony
Virtually anyone reading this book will have seen the movie, which is very faithful to the 19th century novel, penned by a former Union Civil War General named Lew Wallace. Wallace was “disgraced” at the Battle of Shiloh, but went on to serve capably and courageously. Following the war, Wallace
Judah Ben-Hur is born to wealth and privilege as the son of a Jewish merchant in Jerusalem. His stunning fall and subsequent “resurrection” has been likened to that of the author, as has his religious awakening, as Ben-Hur’s path crosses and recrosses that of Jesus of Nazareth.
Written in the late 19th century, much of the dialogue is in the form spoken during the time of Christ (i.e. sayest thou), but is easily understandable and at times quite beautiful. Nevertheless, there are periods in the story (most notably during Ben-Hur’s sojourn in Antioch) that are mind-numbingly boring as the author spends scores of pages in philosophical contemplation and florid description of the people and places that make up the story.
My suggestion: Watch the movie. If you have already done so, I can’t say that reading the book will benefit your appreciation of the story.
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pursued a successful political career before penning this work, which is acknowledged as the best selling religiously themed novel in history.Judah Ben-Hur is born to wealth and privilege as the son of a Jewish merchant in Jerusalem. His stunning fall and subsequent “resurrection” has been likened to that of the author, as has his religious awakening, as Ben-Hur’s path crosses and recrosses that of Jesus of Nazareth.
Written in the late 19th century, much of the dialogue is in the form spoken during the time of Christ (i.e. sayest thou), but is easily understandable and at times quite beautiful. Nevertheless, there are periods in the story (most notably during Ben-Hur’s sojourn in Antioch) that are mind-numbingly boring as the author spends scores of pages in philosophical contemplation and florid description of the people and places that make up the story.
My suggestion: Watch the movie. If you have already done so, I can’t say that reading the book will benefit your appreciation of the story.
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LibraryThing member TheEllieMo
Yes, I know, it's one of the 1001 Books to Read Before You Die. And yes, it's all about revenge and redemption. But oh my goodness how tedious is this? Dull, overly verbose, what good story there may be lost in unnecessary words. I have no idea how much time I invested in reading this book. However
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much it was, it was about 75% too much! Show Less
LibraryThing member MrsLee
A young Jewish man clashes with the Roman Empire. His struggles embitter him until he is able to find the comfort of faith. Lots of action in this book. It has been some time since I read this book, but I remember putting it down at the end with a great deal of satisfaction with the read.
LibraryThing member susanbevans
Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur: A Tale of Christ, is the story of the life of Jesus told within the exciting tale of Judah of the House of Hur. Judah is a Prince of Jerusalem betrayed by his childhood friend Messala, and sent to spend the rest of his life in servitude on a Roman ship. After three years,
Although Ben-Hur was published in 1880, I found it astonishingly readable. I wasn't constantly stumbling over the language or wondering when the story was going to "pick up." Ben-Hur is full of detail - nearly everything is described in grand scale. This is not a quick read, but the continual movement toward the climax kept me turning pages. The novel itself is charming and incredibly entertaining. Full of the kind of larger-than-life characters you would expect, Ben-Hur is a wonderful historical novel.
After almost 130 years, it remains a powerful and moving novel. It contains some historical information, but is also rich with detail and action packed. With vivid imagery, lavish settings, and affecting characters, Ben-Hur is a must read!
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Judah miraculously saves the life of a rich Roman tribune, and embarks on a journey of vengeance that ends in redemption for himself and his family. I know that's an incredibly loose synopsis of the novel, but I don't want to give any of the good stuff away - in case there is someone out there who hasn't read the book or seen the movie.Although Ben-Hur was published in 1880, I found it astonishingly readable. I wasn't constantly stumbling over the language or wondering when the story was going to "pick up." Ben-Hur is full of detail - nearly everything is described in grand scale. This is not a quick read, but the continual movement toward the climax kept me turning pages. The novel itself is charming and incredibly entertaining. Full of the kind of larger-than-life characters you would expect, Ben-Hur is a wonderful historical novel.
After almost 130 years, it remains a powerful and moving novel. It contains some historical information, but is also rich with detail and action packed. With vivid imagery, lavish settings, and affecting characters, Ben-Hur is a must read!
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LibraryThing member messpots
A fine book, though like other reviewers I think Quo Vadis is the superior book in this genre. My gripe with Ben-Hur is with the way the people of Judaea are portrayed at the end: they're stupid, blood-thirsty, and full of hate. Wallace has used the unflattering accounts in the Gospels (principally
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those of Matthew and Luke) and taken them up a notch. After devoting a substantial amount of the story to criticizing Rome, Wallace lets the message slip away: Pilate emerges as the sympathetic Roman 'washing his hands' while the Jews cry for blood (then to be frightenened and repentant at the crucifixion). I could do without this. There is a respectable line of scholarship that regards the Gospels' account of the Jews as tainted by ill motives. It was perfectly possible for Wallace to write about a people for whom Jesus's message was 'lost', and I regret he didn't do so. Show Less
LibraryThing member jclemence
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ tells the fictional story of the first-century Jew Judah Ben-Hur, who as a young man is betrayed by his best friend, Messala. This betrayal changes Ben-Hur forever, as he finds himself rising from a slave aboard a ship to one of the most rich and powerful men in the
There is much commendable in Ben-Hur. Wallace took his Christian faith seriously, and as a result spent much time studying the geography, politics and general way of life of first-century Rome and Jerusalem making his novel as historically accurate as he could. Wallace also did an exceptional job writing about the eyewitness accounts of the Christ. As people far removed from the events of the New Testament, it is easy to nonchalantly affirm that Jesus really did the things contained therein. But imagine the excitement that would emanate from inside of you if you watched a man heal your own family from leprosy, or raise a man from the dead! Lewis captured this sense of excitement and awe that must have been present for those who really saw such events. Moving on, the plot of the book is well-written, with a compelling main story and interconnected subplots, each of which keeping one's interest. Many of the characters were relatable, too; I kept wondering in between reading sessions what was the fate of Ben-Hur's mother and sister.
If I had to present a criticism of this book, it would be as follows: First, while there was at least one plot twist I didn't see coming, for the most part it wasn't too hard to see where the story was going. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but a bit more suspense would have been nice. Second, although I think Wallace presented a portrait of Christ that was "historically accurate" for his day, it's highly unlikely (as in 100%) that Jesus was a feminine-looking, long-haired, blue-eyed white guy. I suppose I can forgive him that, though, as he was writing in the 1890s. My only other complaint was his portrayal of Joseph as someone with the personality of a felled tree. That just came out of nowhere, and it probably hurt the story more than it helped.
All in all, this is a good book to read for both the Christian and non-Christian alike. It is a solid story, it is a fun read, and it's good motivation to re-watch the Charlton Heston film, too!
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Roman Empire, to the commander of a volunteer army, and finally to the status of worshiper at the foot of the Cross on Golgotha. Author Lew Wallace paints an interesting picture of how God might have chosen to work in one man for the glory of His kingdom.There is much commendable in Ben-Hur. Wallace took his Christian faith seriously, and as a result spent much time studying the geography, politics and general way of life of first-century Rome and Jerusalem making his novel as historically accurate as he could. Wallace also did an exceptional job writing about the eyewitness accounts of the Christ. As people far removed from the events of the New Testament, it is easy to nonchalantly affirm that Jesus really did the things contained therein. But imagine the excitement that would emanate from inside of you if you watched a man heal your own family from leprosy, or raise a man from the dead! Lewis captured this sense of excitement and awe that must have been present for those who really saw such events. Moving on, the plot of the book is well-written, with a compelling main story and interconnected subplots, each of which keeping one's interest. Many of the characters were relatable, too; I kept wondering in between reading sessions what was the fate of Ben-Hur's mother and sister.
If I had to present a criticism of this book, it would be as follows: First, while there was at least one plot twist I didn't see coming, for the most part it wasn't too hard to see where the story was going. Not that that's necessarily a bad thing, but a bit more suspense would have been nice. Second, although I think Wallace presented a portrait of Christ that was "historically accurate" for his day, it's highly unlikely (as in 100%) that Jesus was a feminine-looking, long-haired, blue-eyed white guy. I suppose I can forgive him that, though, as he was writing in the 1890s. My only other complaint was his portrayal of Joseph as someone with the personality of a felled tree. That just came out of nowhere, and it probably hurt the story more than it helped.
All in all, this is a good book to read for both the Christian and non-Christian alike. It is a solid story, it is a fun read, and it's good motivation to re-watch the Charlton Heston film, too!
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LibraryThing member David.Alfred.Sarkies
Needless to say that the book is much better than the movie, and when it comes to Ben Hur, that is definitely saying something. While the famous scenes in the movie are replicated from the book (that being the chariot race and the sea battle), there is much more to the book than there is to the
Much of Ben Hur is about who the Christ is and what his purpose is in the world, and there is a lot of discussion about this. We have Bathasar, an Egyptian and one of the wise men who visited Christ at birth. He is seeking a redeemer, somebody to restore the relationship between humanity and their creator. Then there is Ben Hur, a Jew who believes that the Messiah is a king who shall come and liberate them from the Romans (and he even has three legions ready to be called when the king comes on his own). To us this side of the cross, Balthasar is correct in identifying Christ as a redeemer, and it is that realisation in Ben Hur that forms the centerpiece of the book (and this is something that isn't teased out in the movie, though the scene where Ben Hur sits at the foot of the cross and looks up to Christ still sits in my mind as one of the greatest scenes in film history).
However the first part of the book (like the movie) is about how Ben Hur comes through his own redemption. At the beginning he meets Masarla, a childhood friend who travelled to Rome for an education, and it is when they meet as adults that they discover that they can no longer be friends. Masarla believes that the Jews are a backward people clinging to their outdated traditions (much like how the world views Christians today) while Ben Hur is convinced by his mother that these outdated traditions are not outdated, but eternal, and demonstrates that Masarla is incorrect when he accuses the Jews of not having a culture (and identifies the psalms and the prophets as examples of their literary ability – indeed today the book of Isaiah is considered a literary masterpiece).
Ben Hur travels to hell in the form of being a slave on a galley, but he is released shortly before the battle, and it is this act of a gracious tribune that redeems him in the eyes of Rome. From then on, while clinging to his Jewish heritage, he is reborn as a Roman and is able to pass through the Roman world as a Roman. However, it is his heritage that defines him, and Ben Hur is faithful to that heritage.
While in the film the focus is on Ben Hur's search for his mother and sister, and then his quest to see them healed of their leprosy, this is a mere sub-plot in the book. The quest is for the Christ and the redemption of Israel, however at its conclusion, it is not a physical redemption from Rome that is achieved, but a spiritual redemption with God.
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movie (though the theme is the same in both). The book is actually called Ben Hur: A Tale of the Christ. It may seem that Christ is only a bit part in the book (and in the movie) but his presence in the world of Ben Hur dominates.Much of Ben Hur is about who the Christ is and what his purpose is in the world, and there is a lot of discussion about this. We have Bathasar, an Egyptian and one of the wise men who visited Christ at birth. He is seeking a redeemer, somebody to restore the relationship between humanity and their creator. Then there is Ben Hur, a Jew who believes that the Messiah is a king who shall come and liberate them from the Romans (and he even has three legions ready to be called when the king comes on his own). To us this side of the cross, Balthasar is correct in identifying Christ as a redeemer, and it is that realisation in Ben Hur that forms the centerpiece of the book (and this is something that isn't teased out in the movie, though the scene where Ben Hur sits at the foot of the cross and looks up to Christ still sits in my mind as one of the greatest scenes in film history).
However the first part of the book (like the movie) is about how Ben Hur comes through his own redemption. At the beginning he meets Masarla, a childhood friend who travelled to Rome for an education, and it is when they meet as adults that they discover that they can no longer be friends. Masarla believes that the Jews are a backward people clinging to their outdated traditions (much like how the world views Christians today) while Ben Hur is convinced by his mother that these outdated traditions are not outdated, but eternal, and demonstrates that Masarla is incorrect when he accuses the Jews of not having a culture (and identifies the psalms and the prophets as examples of their literary ability – indeed today the book of Isaiah is considered a literary masterpiece).
Ben Hur travels to hell in the form of being a slave on a galley, but he is released shortly before the battle, and it is this act of a gracious tribune that redeems him in the eyes of Rome. From then on, while clinging to his Jewish heritage, he is reborn as a Roman and is able to pass through the Roman world as a Roman. However, it is his heritage that defines him, and Ben Hur is faithful to that heritage.
While in the film the focus is on Ben Hur's search for his mother and sister, and then his quest to see them healed of their leprosy, this is a mere sub-plot in the book. The quest is for the Christ and the redemption of Israel, however at its conclusion, it is not a physical redemption from Rome that is achieved, but a spiritual redemption with God.
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LibraryThing member Schmerguls
This was the third 'library book' I read when I obtained access to the high school library as a freshman in the fall of 1942. It was a memorable book, though I suppose my memory has been enhanced by the movie. Wallace, I beleve, wrote it when he was an Army general stationed at a quiet Army post in
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New Mexico. Show Less
LibraryThing member Miguelnunonave
The ultimate youth book. An extremely educating saga, a formidable revenge story, interspersed with important episodes in the life of Christ. I do not agree that Quo Vadis is more moving. They are equally great touching stories in their own special way. This one is a bit more entertaining and
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fast-paced. And, of course, the Hollywood classic starring Charlton Heston is just one of the best movies of all time. Show Less
LibraryThing member mossjon
This was the first book of historical fiction I ever read. It was also the first Christian fiction I read. I can attribute my fascination to ancient history, particularly Roman, to this great story. I also can't remember if I read the book or saw the movie first - although I've read and watched
Judah Ben-Hur is the son of a wealthy merchant who is also friends with Messala, a Roman soldier/politician in occupied Jerusalem. Messala returns to Jerusalem as it's new tribune and there is a bittersweet reunion between the two. During the parade, a loose roof tile falls from the Hur household, striking the tribune and injuring him. The house of Hur is arrested, the women thrust into a dungeon cell and forgotten, and Judah sold into slavery, chained to an oar on a Roman Naval galley.
Dark dreams of revenge keep Judah alive in what most often is a short brutal existence on a Roman galley. During a naval battle, which the Romans lose, Judah saves the galley's Roman commanding officer, prevents the Roman from committing suicide, and eventually returns him safely to the Roman Navy. In return, this Roman officer frees Judah and adopts him as his son.
Now that Judah has the means to pursue his vengeance, he finds Messala and decides to compete against him in the great chariot race. Judah befriends a sheik, the loving owner of four swift and beautiful Arabian horses. Judah trains them for the race. The chariot race culminates in Judah surviving Messala's deadly tricks and eventually running over Messala with his chariot. But hsi revenge turns frigid as Messala's dying words tell Judah that his mother and sister are still alive but lepers from their long confinement in the dungeons.
Judah finds his mother and sister, who lead him to a great teacher. Jesus was in the background of this story throughout Judah's travails. Jesus even slaked Judah's thirst during his trek across the desert with the rest of the galley slaves. Where Judah searched with revenge in his heart, others would speak of the Rabbi who taught of love, forgiveness and peace.
As Judah moved his family away from the leper colony, they were caught in the storms and earthquakes which occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus. His mother and sister were miraculously healed of their leprosy by the blood of Jesus washed from Golgotha by the rain. Finally, Judah comes to terms with the hollowness and futility of his vengeful hate. He forgives his enemies and receives forgiveness and peace himself.
It's no wonder, to me at least, that this story inspired many attempts to theatrically recreate it on stage, as a silent film and finally as one of the greatest motion pictures ever filmed.
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both multiple times over the years. Judah Ben-Hur is the son of a wealthy merchant who is also friends with Messala, a Roman soldier/politician in occupied Jerusalem. Messala returns to Jerusalem as it's new tribune and there is a bittersweet reunion between the two. During the parade, a loose roof tile falls from the Hur household, striking the tribune and injuring him. The house of Hur is arrested, the women thrust into a dungeon cell and forgotten, and Judah sold into slavery, chained to an oar on a Roman Naval galley.
Dark dreams of revenge keep Judah alive in what most often is a short brutal existence on a Roman galley. During a naval battle, which the Romans lose, Judah saves the galley's Roman commanding officer, prevents the Roman from committing suicide, and eventually returns him safely to the Roman Navy. In return, this Roman officer frees Judah and adopts him as his son.
Now that Judah has the means to pursue his vengeance, he finds Messala and decides to compete against him in the great chariot race. Judah befriends a sheik, the loving owner of four swift and beautiful Arabian horses. Judah trains them for the race. The chariot race culminates in Judah surviving Messala's deadly tricks and eventually running over Messala with his chariot. But hsi revenge turns frigid as Messala's dying words tell Judah that his mother and sister are still alive but lepers from their long confinement in the dungeons.
Judah finds his mother and sister, who lead him to a great teacher. Jesus was in the background of this story throughout Judah's travails. Jesus even slaked Judah's thirst during his trek across the desert with the rest of the galley slaves. Where Judah searched with revenge in his heart, others would speak of the Rabbi who taught of love, forgiveness and peace.
As Judah moved his family away from the leper colony, they were caught in the storms and earthquakes which occurred during the crucifixion of Jesus. His mother and sister were miraculously healed of their leprosy by the blood of Jesus washed from Golgotha by the rain. Finally, Judah comes to terms with the hollowness and futility of his vengeful hate. He forgives his enemies and receives forgiveness and peace himself.
It's no wonder, to me at least, that this story inspired many attempts to theatrically recreate it on stage, as a silent film and finally as one of the greatest motion pictures ever filmed.
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LibraryThing member antiquary
My rating is based on the movie, which I rather like
LibraryThing member charlie68
Better than the movie.
LibraryThing member ari.joki
This narrative is tempered with love and compassion, in contrast to moderns such as LaHaye and Jenkins, whose work mostly rejoices in the suffering of the infidel and the mocking of those of differing views. Ben Hur, while convoluted and logorrheic, remains inspiring.
LibraryThing member jimmoz
This is a very interesting novel. Here are some items I will look for if I watch the movie again, or items that are in contrast to the film: Is Balthasar's daughter a vamp for Messala, and a real threat to BH? Messala does not die from the race, but attempts to have BH killed right afterwards.
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Messala has benefited from the Hur family wealth. BH has trained in military arts while in Rome. Ilderim and Simonides are good friends. From the race onward, BH focuses on being ready to help the expectant King if he should need military help. The last portion of the book revolves around Christ's ministry, which is in the background. Christ heals mother and daughter on Palm Sunday while traveling into Jerusalem, and BH is the follower who runs naked from Gethsemane. BH has observed many of Christ's miracles. A question that abides through much of the last half is whether His kingdom will be political (Simonides) or spiritual (Ilderim). BH triggers Messala's crash, as his yoke contacts a wheel of Messala. Mother and daughter are secretly imprisoned in a secluded cell which is laced with leprosy. BH is about the same age as Christ. There are several years between the race and the Crucifixion. Simonides and Ilderim place very heavy bets to bust Messala. Show Less
LibraryThing member nolak
This classic tale follows the original movie more than it does the Charleton Heston version. A well-beloved tale of a high family among the Jews who were torn apart by an accident and brought together through the healing power of Christ.
LibraryThing member hgcslibrary
Ben Hur, a young Jewish aristocrat, accidently knocks down a roof tile onto a Roman's offical's head. He is condemned to the galleys, but the most fateful moment of his life is yet to come, the day he meets a man named Jesus.
LibraryThing member RChurch
First published in 1880's, the language is a bit flowery. Phrases such as "O Reader" and "Thou wilt not" give the book an archaic feel. The author seems to have borrowed from "The Merchant of Venice" and "Ivanhoe" among other sources. The middle drags somewhat because of too much dialogue.
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Predictable story to anyone with a passing knowledge of the New Testament. On the positive side, I found Book First to be an excellent account of the events leading up to the arrival of the Magi from the East. If you like Christian literature, this might be a book for you. Show Less
LibraryThing member TadAD
It was a great movie. How does the book stack up? In some ways, it's better: the stories are richer, there are many secondary stories that the movie could not accommodate. In some ways, it's not as good: the book has a lot of speechifying in it. If you skim those, I'd recommend reading the book
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after seeing the movie. Show Less
LibraryThing member kakadoo202
I thought I never say that, but the movie was better. Too much religion and Ben Hur was the hero in everything. Really reads like a script to an action movie.
LibraryThing member DanielSTJ
While the story itself is interesting, the writing felt a little forced and stilted. The style was simply not there and the writing felt a little archaic due to this. I felt a little cheated out of my expectations for this one and I would suggest that those interested in the tale might read a
2 stars.
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modern, or different, version of this story rather than resorting to this particular novel. Overall, a disappointing experience. 2 stars.
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LibraryThing member Becky_L
Carol Wallace has indeed done a remarkable job in adapting her great-great grandfather's classic, Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. The new book retains all the excitement, tension, and suspense of the original. Many have worried the novel would be "dumbed-down," but I did not find that to be the
Two former friends, barely grown, meet again. This time the gap between the Jew, Judah Ben-Hur, and the Roman, Messala, has become a chasm. Following an accident and betrayal, the unimaginable wrath of Rome descends. Will Ben-Hur and his family recover or be forever eradicated as Messala wishes?
I was a little confused about references to the a Nativity scene, which I am not certain I recall from the original,yet allusions seem to indicate it is missing in the new version. Another truly important scene I was sure I recalled from the original, again was MIA. That may be attributed to this being the movie version.
However that may be, this is still a great epic not to be missed, whether by first time readers or those who have read the original. Highly recommended!! A book to be read over and over!!
I gratefully received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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case. The language was both educated and enthralling.Two former friends, barely grown, meet again. This time the gap between the Jew, Judah Ben-Hur, and the Roman, Messala, has become a chasm. Following an accident and betrayal, the unimaginable wrath of Rome descends. Will Ben-Hur and his family recover or be forever eradicated as Messala wishes?
I was a little confused about references to the a Nativity scene, which I am not certain I recall from the original,yet allusions seem to indicate it is missing in the new version. Another truly important scene I was sure I recalled from the original, again was MIA. That may be attributed to this being the movie version.
However that may be, this is still a great epic not to be missed, whether by first time readers or those who have read the original. Highly recommended!! A book to be read over and over!!
I gratefully received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member ecataldi
FINALLY! This is one of those books that I thought would never end. It would go from super exciting to boring as all get out and it took me until the chariot race to even really get into it. It's cool that it was written by a Hoosier and was the first piece of fiction to be blessed by the pope,
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BUT... that's about it. It was written very prettily, I suppose but it won't be one I ever re-read or recommend to people. Unless they love historical, religious reads. Kinda wish I had just watched the movie. Show Less
LibraryThing member NadineC.Keels
I was going to try to come up with a somewhat shorter review for this, but, hey. It's Ben-Hur, folks. Besides, it was a pretty special decision of mine to read Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by author Carol Wallace.
Lover of classic literature that I am, I'm not someone who "worships" classics or who
I'll admit that I don't normally go for contemporary adaptations of classics when the originals are available. It's not my preference to read a reworded or whittled down version that may leave out much of what the first author wrote, since it was written for a reason, and I'm not looking for an easier read. Even if a classic novel may be a challenge, I'd rather set out to rise to that challenge.
With that said, I chose to read this 2016 adaptation of a novel from 1880 specifically because the present author is a direct part of her great-great-grandfather's legacy. I was curious to see exactly what she did with his work.
And I think Carol Wallace has done a fine job, taking the great material she had to work with and doing justice to it for a new audience. There's action and intrigue, tragedy and triumph on the journey that leads Judah Ben-Hur to a peculiar Nazarene, the one who's rumored to be the imminent king who'll liberate his people from Roman rule.
The historical and biblical settings on land and sea are wonderfully realized, and I especially enjoyed Judah's process through disillusionment, rage, determination, and the path that ultimately humbles and gives him a new purpose. I wasn't particularly impressed by the romance here but wasn't expecting it to be one of this story's strongest points anyway. I did miss the omitted opening, some of the dialogue, and Judah's musings that were left out, as I found much of the original novel's richness in those parts, but not everyone will miss them. And I liked the depiction of Christ here better, as the older version of the character came off as overdone and soft to me, too much of an ethereal beauty.
My inevitable comparisons of the two novels aside, I still enjoyed this new work from beginning to end. I'm sure many other historical and biblical fiction fans who like epic reads will enjoy it as well.
______________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Lover of classic literature that I am, I'm not someone who "worships" classics or who
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thinks all of them have to be marvelous to me just because they're old and celebrated. But even with its few aspects that I must have read with a lifted eyebrow, I truly appreciated the original Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace, finding it engrossing, thought-provoking, and amazing on more than one level.I'll admit that I don't normally go for contemporary adaptations of classics when the originals are available. It's not my preference to read a reworded or whittled down version that may leave out much of what the first author wrote, since it was written for a reason, and I'm not looking for an easier read. Even if a classic novel may be a challenge, I'd rather set out to rise to that challenge.
With that said, I chose to read this 2016 adaptation of a novel from 1880 specifically because the present author is a direct part of her great-great-grandfather's legacy. I was curious to see exactly what she did with his work.
And I think Carol Wallace has done a fine job, taking the great material she had to work with and doing justice to it for a new audience. There's action and intrigue, tragedy and triumph on the journey that leads Judah Ben-Hur to a peculiar Nazarene, the one who's rumored to be the imminent king who'll liberate his people from Roman rule.
The historical and biblical settings on land and sea are wonderfully realized, and I especially enjoyed Judah's process through disillusionment, rage, determination, and the path that ultimately humbles and gives him a new purpose. I wasn't particularly impressed by the romance here but wasn't expecting it to be one of this story's strongest points anyway. I did miss the omitted opening, some of the dialogue, and Judah's musings that were left out, as I found much of the original novel's richness in those parts, but not everyone will miss them. And I liked the depiction of Christ here better, as the older version of the character came off as overdone and soft to me, too much of an ethereal beauty.
My inevitable comparisons of the two novels aside, I still enjoyed this new work from beginning to end. I'm sure many other historical and biblical fiction fans who like epic reads will enjoy it as well.
______________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
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LibraryThing member jwhenderson
A classic narrative of revenge and redemption that still thrills the reader. While the classic movie is one of the great films of all time, this book is also a great read and like most books it is better than the film version.
Subjects
Awards
Language
Original language
English
Original publication date
1880-11-12
ISBN
0895774038 / 9780895774033