Redeeming Dust: A political drama from first century Palestine

During a tumultuous period in first-century Palestine, this is a story of four Passovers and an execution. The people groan under the oppressive control of an overbearing Roman empire, whose tax burden and food rationing have made outlaws of some, fanatical for a violent rebellion. The majority of the land is owned by the puppet kings that do Rome’s bidding, whilst a priestly class have their own corrupt means of levying further taxes. The people dream of freedom, clinging to the hope of a great leader, a Messiah, that will arise and set them free, as their prophets and their history have foretold. Review This book is remarkably easy to read, it uses sanctified imagination in the dialogue but the events are accurately retold. I find I can dip into it at any point to re-read the account of a specific event in the life of Christ. I have also used it in devotional talks to give the listener a more 'dramatic' insight. It is researched and gives the reader time to ponder and think. I look forward to the sequel that of Acts. -- Janice TaylorAn intriguing read. The author tells the story of the earthy ministry of Jesus as seen by the disciple John. This is a chronological narrative in the form of a novel rather than any attempt at a devotional text. The story not only covers the Biblical events, but does much to fill out the historical, social and political background. This is a pacy and engaging read for both those who might consider themselves people of faith and those who might simply looking for a good historical novel. -- Mr P MoncurI really enjoyed this book. The creative imagination used to amplify the narrative dialogue of the Gospels, with the contemporary history and culture, is amazing. It made me revisit the chapters and verses. -- John Burns From the Inside Flap First century Palestine is a turbulent place to live. A subjugated people suffer a minimal existence, as the Empire of Rome extracts its taxes and controls the supply of food. Young men thirst for freedom, some hot-heads join the rebel bands and the empire seeks to eliminate their hide-outs in the hills and the desert.Of four puppet kings, only two now remain to do the bidding of the Governor of Rome, or they too may find themselves deposed.Several religious groups compete to hold sway over the people, each with their own interpretation of the religious law, whilst a priestly class levies its own taxes from their temple powerbase.A million gather for the great festival of Passover every year, as the Governor marches in an extra two legions to maintain control.The nation’s hopes lie with one man, the religious groups see his power, but can they control it?Will his odd band of followers continue, to the end of the world, that he has foretold?The King’s soldiers and spies follow his every move, will they dare to intervene and risk the wrath of the people?Will Rome destroy the man and his movement, as they have with many others that came before? First century Palestine is a turbulent place to live. A subjugated people suffer a minimal existence, as the Empire of Rome extracts its taxes and controls the supply of food. Young men thirst for freedom, some hot-heads join the rebel bands and the empire seeks to eliminate their hide-outs in the hills and the desert. Of four puppet kings, only two now remain to do the bidding of the Governor of Rome, or they too may find themselves deposed. Several religious groups compete to hold sway over the people, each with their own interpretation of the religious law, whilst a priestly class levies its own taxes from their temple powerbase. A million gather for the great festival of Passover every year, as the Governor marches in an extra two legions to maintain control. The nation’s hopes lie with one man, the religious groups see his power, but can they control it? Will his odd band of followers continue, to the end of the world, that he has foretold? The Ki