NEW EDITION OF MY NOVEL
ABOUT THE FAMILY OF JESUS
My Brother’s Keeper, the historical novel I self-published in 2017, is being republished by Red Penguin Books of New York.
Winner of the Catholic Arts and Letters Award for Best Adult Fiction, this is a somewhat different take on the Christian story, of interest to readers of all religious persuasions.
The novel recounts Jesus’ ministry — its background, its political and social context, and all the conflict surrounding it — as viewed by his relatives. In particular it reflects the perspective of James, a key figure in the early Christian movement, whom Scripture identifies as “the brother of the Lord.”
My story draws on the ancient Church tradition that Joseph was an older, widowed man with children at the time he took Mary as his (much younger) wife. So James, in my telling, is Jesus’ foster brother.
As the Bible notes, James was leader of the Jerusalem “mother church.” And he played a key role in the council that set ground rules for evangelizing the world.
As you might assume, my presentation veers significantly from the usual, Christmas card portrait of the Holy Family. It’s an imaginative and unconventional take on the Gospel account.
But it’s inspired by early Christian writings. It’s not in conflict with Church teaching. And it doesn’t contradict the Bible.
My Brother’s Keeper follows James’ quest to become a rabbi and doctor of the law. Central to my plot is the promise to protect Jesus made by James to his dying father, Joseph, who sees trouble ahead for Mary’s strangely gifted child.
The only hope of success is James’ cordial relationship with the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, who depends on him for guidance in matters of Jewish law and religious practice.
Fulfilling his pledge to protect Jesus becomes the consuming focus of James’ life as his brother runs afoul of temple authorities, and Zealot rebels attempt to exploit his growing popularity in order to foment a revolution against the hated Roman occupiers.
My Brother’s Keeper explores the stresses and dangers faced by a family charged with raising the “Son of the Living God.” And it weaves together the lives of several Biblical figures, individuals instantly recognizable as religious / cultural icons.
This book presents new insights into the people closest to Jesus — how they lived, what they thought, and how his presence and ministry touched them.
The dramatic climax of my story is the famous trial before Pilate, where James tries desperately to be his brother’s keeper, struggling to defend him against charges brought by the High Priest Caiaphas. (You know how that turned out.)
My Brother’s Keeper has been likened to such classics of Christian fiction as Ben Hur, The Robe, and The Silver Chalice. It makes great Lenten reading, and crosses all denominational lines.
This new edition includes discussion questions intended for use by classes, book clubs, or private reflection. They’re thought-provoking accompaniments to my telling of the Gospel story, helpful to anyone who reads the book.
For additional information and to read the Prologue and Chapter One (free of charge) click here…
https://billkassel.com/brothers-keeper-novel-family-jesus/
My Brother’s Keeper is available in both print and digital formats from bookstores and major online vendors, as well as at the Red Penguin Books website…
https://shopbooksdirect.com/product/my-brothers-keeper/
(Note: My Brother’s Keeper is published under Red Penguin’s Emperor Books imprint.)
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