Kudos are going out for the new historical fiction novel by Dr. Theckedath Mathew, MD that is so brilliantly written that it could easily be mistaken as an actual biography. The work covers one of the most speculated topics in all of biblical times. Joshua The Odyssey Of An Ordinary Man is the one book that is a must read for all who appreciate the genre, both Christian and not.
The novel is set during the missing period in the life of Jesus of Nazareth. There are eighteen years in which he is not present in biblical writings and through the title character, the possibilities of what may have occurred then are explored. The research is sound and the details so accurate that the story reads more like fact than fiction.
There is a huge gap in the biblical telling of Jesus’ life as after the mention of his twelve year old self being banished from the temple for contradicting the rabbi, he does not reappear until the couple of years directly preceding his revered death story. There are many theories about what may have actually happened during that span. While not recorded in the Bible, other writings from the time place him traveling through several countries then coming back to Israel.
There are other writings from this time period that are not part of the Bible as it is published, but based in part on these tomes, the writer is able to realistically imagine what may have occurred during those missing years. Some of the myths of the period are also fodder for parts of the story. It answers questions such as whether or not the prophet ever married or had children, as well as who were his teachers and where he traveled.
He stands out as a staunch supporter of women’s rights and ethical treatment. This is drawn from accounts of Jesus standing against a circle of men who gathered together and presented a prostitute to him for stoning. He pointed out that no man among them was innocent and that only he who was without sin has the right to cast any stones.
As he continues on his travels to the lands of Egypt, Athens, Rome, Babylon, Galilee, Taxila and Mathura, the author reveals many more of Joshua’s amazing adventures. It tells of how he was influenced by some the greatest philosophers of the era and mixed with peasants, merchants and nobles alike. There are even accounts of his promoting the rights of working folk, helping the widows and assisting the poor and down trodden.
As he travels he continues to perform the miracles and exert the influence for which he is famous. There are many healing sessions, resurrections, sermons and teaching events that will be documented. Dr. Mathew uses his uncanny skills as a writer to draw such a vivid picture of activities unfolding and the settings in which they occur, that the reader feels a personal connection with a believable character.
Joshua The Odyssey Of An Ordinary Man virtually transports the audience to a time more than 2000 years in the past with precision and admirable historical accuracy. Through the use of extensive and thorough research, he brings to life the day to day happenings of the early first century AD. This tale will be a welcome addition to any quality literary collection.
You can visit the website www.joshuatheodyssey.com for more helpful information about Joshua The Odyssey Is Enlightening