I was given a copy of The Misconceived Conception of Jesus Christ by Bill Burkland from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book worked out fairly well. I think Burkland was going for a light, stocking-filler-type novel, which this reads as. As a historical document, it won't make the grade, but props to him for trying to jimmy in as many biblical characters as best he could. I also quite liked his theory that there were more than three kings. Like most books/shows/concepts, there's a fair amount of cuss words and this book, which has sections far before the birth and two epilogue-type conclusions (one of which I'm not sure was entirely needed but, I guess, made it more contemporary) perhaps could have had slightly more direction, perhaps in the form of an overarching narrator. Still, I very much enjoyed his biblical depiction of Israel. There were lots of evocative sunrises and sunsets and lots of attention to detail in terms of clay colour palates and rich reds. I'm not sure why he's got it out for Mary's folks, but a book needs a villain, and we have a couple here, very much in the vein of nightmarish in-laws.

Oh my Lord!!! Absolutely loved reading this book.

Bill Burkland you have not only made my Christmas 2024 but I'll never look at a Nativity scene the same again. The Three Wisemen (or was there five?) completely cracked me up. And should there really have been Hippopotamus of God!!!

A real laugh out loud read with a little thought provoking too.

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