The Good Man Jesus & The Scoundrel Christ (2011) - Plot & Excerpts
This was good, but I didn't like it as much as I wanted to. I thought that Christ was a fairly one-dimensional character. The idea of using organized religion as a form of control was presented in much the same as many others have done so. The plot was more derivative than I had hoped it would be, though that was probably unavoidable to a certain extent. Christ reminded me very strongly of the Grand Inquisitor in Dostoevsky's The Brothers Karamazov.I enjoyed Pullman's take on how stories like those in the Bible develop, especially because he is such a good story teller. This one just fell a little flat in my opinion. I'm not quite sure what to make of this book - I picked it up from the library because its short and the combination of title and author is very provocative. For all his faults, Pullman seems to understand Christianity very well. Both the story and the "meta-story" if you will, are challenging. I don't know how to rate the book, so I'll avoid giving it one for now. And as far as recommending it goes I'll just say this : if it intrigues you as it did I, go for it. I see no reason to persuade you one way or the other.
What do You think about The Good Man Jesus & The Scoundrel Christ (2011)?
well you know pullman's views on religion don't you. thought provoking but not that enjoyable
—Melocyn
An easy read that shows you just how easy events can be manipulated.
—callie
