I honestly do not know what to say about this book. Is he gay? Is he a pederast (sp?) then he preaches and heals? I mean I’m thankful for the free copy, but it took me ages to finish because truthfully I was quite uncomfortable reading most of it

While this book was well-written, I fell a little bored and just could not finish. I enjoy reading about biblical characters and the storytelling was interesting, yet the book was very long and I decided to DNF. I think others would really enjoy this book and I would not deter them from giving it a try.

Thank you to Doubleday and netgalley for my e-galley copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Using Paul’s own letters, tireless religious research, and creative license, Jay Parini tells the dramatic story of Paul the apostle, while vividly describing the landscape, customs, and atmosphere of the Roman Empire. Parini, a respected poet, esteemed Biblical scholar, and master of the genre of biographical fiction, has written an insightful account into Saint Paul, who is responsible for the Christian religion in the West. The Damascus Road is a superb summary of Paul’s life and ministry. Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for my free digital copy in exchange for my review.

While this book is fiction, it reads true to both history and human nature. The book looks not only at the life of St. Paul but gives insight into the early days of Christianity. Since Christianity is so well entrenched in modern Western society, it is easy to forget that it was at first a movement within Judaism that had very rocky beginnings before it became established. This book looks at what perhaps some of those founders believed, wrestled with, and did. This book does not shy away from showing the growing pains of Christianity.

The book alternates between being told from Paul's and Luke's perspectives. The author did a good job making these two narrative voices distinct, and they even didn't always agree about the same incident. I like how the book started right off with a scene that not only shows the devastation of the fire in Rome but shows how it is used as a political weapon against the Christians. This is the perfect beginning for this book as this is a recurring theme. The book wanders all over this part of the ancient world, and we meet other characters with whom we are familiar with from the Bible.

Whether you are a Christian or not, if you are interested in history, you might enjoy this fictionalized account about St. Paul's life and the times of the early Christian church.

This book may have been above my reading level. I am reviewing this as someone who is neither 1) religious, or 2) scholarly. So, I think that's a very good thing! Just an average reader.

This book is about Paul of Tarsus, a Jewish Scholar and tent maker. He spends a lot of his time crucifying Christians. He followed Jewish law, and believed that anyone practicing Christianity was being blasphemous, he threw the stone that killed Stephen. On the road to Damascus, Paul sees a choir of angels, drops to his knees and speaks to Jesus. Immediate 180- Paul is now a Christian.

The story is also told from the view of Luke- the two disagree with how to tell the story of Jesus- etc, etc... It was really hard for me to get into this, as someone who has NEVER read the bible and know nothing of it. So all I can give is a review of what I thought of the story. I can't compare it to the stories of the bible, or anything like that.

So, my thoughts on this being a story, and not a historical retelling. It was decent. It was sometimes a little hard for me to understand the language, or tone, but most of the time Paul was just frustrating and stuck in his ways, but I suppose it shows that even the worst people can change- Just takes an act of God!

Beautiful writing.

4.0/5 stars.

**I received a copy of this book, from the publisher, in exchange for an honest review**

Paul is one of my favorite historical figures, and I have to say that this novel does him absolute justice! I love how the author makes experience very realistic! I loved our protagonist Luke. I did not know much about him except that he wrote the Gospel. He seemed very realistic and relatable! It made me want to learn about him! The Damascus Road is a feast for historical fans of Margaret George, Crystal King, and Ben Kane!

I recently saw the film Paul Apostle of Christ and this inspired a desire for greater details of the world of Paul. This book gives a bountiful serving and paints a fleshed out portrait of the man who was part of the centerpiece of the Christian movement. It serves as a kind of time machine delivering us into the both large and small aspects of Paul’s daily life. This book also lets us know Luke in a more familiar and relatable way. Whether you are a student of the Bible or have never read a page, this is a novel one could read again and again picking up fresh ideas each time.