The Galilean Secret: A Novel

by Evan Drake Howard

A crumbling scroll long lost in a forgotten cave offers a provocative and illuminating new interpretation of the man known as Jesus. An expertly plotted story based on the author's actual research in Israel, the novel entwines two stories: one set amidst the modern-day conflicts in the Middle East, the other set in ancient Palestine, yet both offer a perspective on the universal struggle for true freedom and love.

The relationship between Jesus and Mary Magdalene has long fascinated scholars and intrigued nearly all believers. What was the nature of their relationship and how has it influenced Christianity since the first millennium? With compelling storytelling in the style of Dan Brown coupled with years of exhaustive study, Evan Drake Howard has created a magisterial novel that asks, and attempts to illuminate, enduring questions on the nature of love.

In first-century Jerusalem, the faithful Judith finds herself caught in a web of romantic betrayal and intrigue. She must reconcile her faith with her conflicting feelings for two brothers, one the Zealot Dismas and his brother, the sensitive merchant Gabriel. A letter written by an insightful Galilean rabbi changes their lives forever and sets each on a new path of discovery, humanity and love.

In modern-day Israel, amidst the war-torn countryside, Karim Musalaha, a young Palestinian, finds himself with similar struggle. Caught between his brother's relentless ambition for martyrdom and his powerful love for a woman he cannot have, his life seems an endless journey of rage and despair. Until one day, while seeking refuge in a long forgotten cave in Qumran, he discovers a crumbling scroll with a mysterious text. Still legible after two millennia, Karim reads a message that indeed changes his life forever. But will the cost be worth his newfound knowledge?

Genres: Fiction, Historical Fiction, Christian Fiction

486 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 1, 2010

Reviews

[Chuck · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting first fiction offering from the author. Based on the story of Christ and modern day events, published by Guideposts, so you know it is not to far afield. I loved the story and how fact and fiction were melded to tell the story of Christ's love and its meaning in this time where hate seems to be winning the war. For those that believe, we know how the story ends but you will be caught up in the Biblical and modern day couple's journeys to a deeper love.

[Amanda · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this was a very good book. To my surprise, I enjoyed it and agreed with more of it than I expected to. I figured this would be a watered-down Davinci Code-ish kind of book, where the basic story of Jesus is changed so that it does not reconcile with the Bible. In the book, a letter written by Jesus to Mary Magdalene is discovered which sheds light on the true nature of their relationship and gives great insights into the true nature of God and love. My issue is that Jesus supposedly focused on the need to understand that God is both male and female, that to truly know God and understand love, we much each recognize the opposite sex within us to become whole so that we can fully understand ourselves; only then can we fully understand and love another person. The books also referred to an alternate interpretation of the creation of man that I've never, ever heard of before. Originally, God created Adam as both male and female in one body. He then later separated Adam into 2 people, one as male, one as female. That is why we become "one flesh," because we return to the union of male and female as one. In the midst of the questionable parts, there was a lot of good, more good than bad. Yet I am not quite sold on the book. It's just a bit too close to being "weird" in some parts. Like Davinci Code, it's a good, creative story, but it's hard for me to have the greatest story ever told altered in ways that make it different than the Bible.

[Rich · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting plot, intertwining the New Testament narrative with speculation and then a futuristic discovery of another document, a letter from Jesus to Mary Magdalene. The book is written the hopes of uniting Jews, Christians, and Muslims through this “leeter.” Not a bad story.

However, one area that was a current issue written back into the first century dealt with “the masculine and feminine in each person.” Overall, it doesn’t define the novel, but it offers a different perspective. It worked as a novel, but then the author has to write and extend this in his afterword:

==============
The work of unifying the masculine and feminine and thus maximizing the power of love is a critical need today. The Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—are dominated by male images of God and by men in positions of leadership. To evolve beyond this one sided paradigm would be liberating for both women and men, and a huge step forward for humanity.
==============

It would have been far better not to include that afterword. If the writing does not carry the intent of the author, then why write the novel? He could just write an essay to express his position of gender roles in the religions he mentions.

Had it not been for that afterword, I would have rated the novel four stars.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the overall feel of the book, however I didn't like part of the message. I am not sure if I agree with the statement that in each person there is both male and female. I believe that you can not place a certain emotion or feeling/characteristic as purely male/female, and then say that males have both male and female characteristics in them. I found it a little confusing, however I found many quotes and facts that were extremely helpful.

Throughout the book I liked that it switched from modern to roman times. The characters were believable and Jesus was just as I thought he would be. The statement that Jesus loved Mary, but didn't marry her or become her lover because he needed to focus on his mission is profound.

I found it sad that he killed off my favourite character, but I can't be mad because it solbed the worldwide problem of peace and war.

Well done, well written.

[Robert · Rating 2 out of 5]

Let me say that this book was not quite my cup of tea , coffe, soda or any other refreshment. The book deals with the finding of a new biblical manuscript at Qumran and the story that follows. And on the flip side it also deals with the biblical times in which the manuscript was written. The book has a tendency at times to read like a Harlequin romance novel, not that I have ever read one of those. It just seems to swoon and sway at times. The authors note at the end was perhaps more pertinent to me than the novel itself. Parts of the book were very interesting and the author does demonstrate good writing skills so perhaps this may be a better fit for someone else.

[Sheila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up after reading a review recommending it in Guideposts Magazine. Well, I imagine they recommended it because they published it, and there were trying to promote the book. And while the story was okay, it just didn't keep me engrossed, and I had to make myself finish reading it. Skipping back and forth between present day (where a scroll is found with a letter written by Jesus to Mary Magdalene) and to the time of Jesus where the story Jesus, Mary, and his followers is greatly expanded upon, the one thing I liked about the book was how it tried to bring together the Christian, Jewish, and Muslim faiths. But that wasn't enough to make this book one I would recommend.

[Denise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book a lot. I loved the premise of love and forgiveness through two different time spans. I also loved the brilliant way the author weaves the known Biblical test with a different person's view point adding a new line of thinking to the old. But this book is not for those whom are literal about the written Biblical text and making a different storyline from it. It will disappoint them because I also read the Red Tent for book club and some of the women didn't like the book's rendition of a new storyline to consider.

[Stephanie · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had potential, in my opinion, especially since I'm a sucker for historical fiction with some archaeology thrown in. There was too much religion in the story for my tastes, however, and it was very "new age" with the union of the inner male and female... Just didn't do anything for me. Some of the modern day diary entries by the monk had some interesting throughts in them that made me look at my relationships some, but the portrayal of love was just not realistic. Overall, I was very disappointed in this book and wouldn't recommend it.

[Amanda · Rating 2 out of 5]

My father-in-law loved this book and recommended it to me. It really isn't the kind of book I normally like to read, so it already had a strike against it. I liked that I was able to discuss the book with him afterward, and it did have some redeemable qualities, but I'm kind of glad that it is over. I know it is fiction and the author obviously had to take liberties with history to write it, but a lot of it seemed pretty far-fetched to me, considering the time and culture. And he repeated the same obvious themes so many times that it was annoying.

[Bob Suggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read with a forbidden love between a Jew and a Palestinian. I find it sad people give low marks because it has religious elements.. "What did they think (The Galilean Secret) was going to be about "Quilting"?

Anyway, it's a historical based story that goes on its own made up elements surrounded by historical facts.

But seriously if you dislike christian fiction, then read something else.

[Juanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read!

It is the best biblical fiction that I have ever read. It speaks to people about Jesus. About through spiritual love, we can have peace. It is a powerful message. One that while being a rough road, has joyous consequences. I am amazed that this is his first novel. I would recommend this to anyone who has an interest in a very good message. It can be applied to one's own life. Happy reading!

[Tawallah · Rating 1 out of 5]

I can't read any more. This seems like a hodge podge of New Age with some Catholic teaching mixed in. Once again there is the Mary Magadelene and Jesus scenario, but to give some credit to the author , Jesus remains true to his calling. To me, this adding where Scripture has not given any details is a slippery slope. Not to mention, there are inaccuracies with the scene where Jesus eats with Simon the Pharisee.

[Jason · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really well written. I enjoyed reading this book, although it may be speculation, I still think it provides a lot of insight to Christ's life, and in general, to the connotations of love, as presented Biblically. This was interesting, historically, and even enlightening. I got a lot out of it and again, really enjoyed this book.

[Dawn Anama · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got this book at the dollar store and I couldn't put it down. I have read a lot of Christian fiction and this one exceeded my expectations!

[Jacki · Rating 1 out of 5]

Couldnt finish book.

[Deni Finch-frederick · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't bother.