The Victor

by Patricia St. John

Philo, a first-century Phoenician boy, is worried about his family. Evil hangs over their house like a cloud. And it all seems to come from his sister, Illyrica, who is possessed by a demon. Hearing about a prophet from Nazareth who has healed the sick and even raised the dead, Philo wonders if He can save his sister. But the mere mention of the prophet’s name sends Illyrica into fits of rage and despair. Even if the prophet really is as powerful as people say He is, how can Philo and his little sister, Ione, take Illyrica to Him to be healed? Hopeless, Philo runs away and goes to live with his uncle in Capernaum, where he hears even more about the Jewish prophet and His miracles. Who is He? How strong is His power? Most of all, would the Jewish prophet help Philo, a Gentile? This gripping story of revenge and forgiveness, sickness and healing, and evil and grace traces the footsteps of Jesus of Nazareth—to the places He walked and the people He touched.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian Fiction, Childrens, Christian, Young Adult, Biblical Fiction

156 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1985

About the author

Patricia Mary St. John spent 27 years as a dedicated missionary to North Africa - and was also a prolific children's writer. Her books are loved and treasured around the world; some have been turned into stirring films. Gripping adventures which cover real life issues are her hallmark.

Reviews

[Elisabeth Aubut · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now this is my kind of book: rich and moving. I loved the biblical backdrop, exploring the life of a Syrophoenician boy during the time of Jesus. The way Patricia St. John weaves in connections to various Bible characters was creative without ever feeling forced. More than once, I found myself pausing to consider how I understand the gospel, and felt a fresh sense of wonder at Jesus’ power and compassion. St. John truly is a gifted storyteller, keeping me on my toes, bringing me to tears, stirring my faith, and even making me dream of visiting Israel, Lebanon, and the Mediterranean.

Although St. John mainly writes children’s books, this one never felt childish because it was so profound. I’d warmly recommend it to readers of all ages.

[Eric Boot · Rating 1 out of 5]

Hated it so much. Don't understand why we have to read those stupid books for school.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Philo is a Syro-Phoenician boy of 12 on the cusp of manhood, living during the time of Christ’s ministry on earth. His father is a fisherman who drowns during a bad storm and Philo’s safe and secure life is turned upside down. In addition, he has an older sister who appears to be demon-possessed and Philo is angrily resentful of the devotion his mother spends on her, often overlooking Philo and younger sister. He is obliged to work for the man who is renting his father’s boat, a man who is petty and cruel. Philo and his younger sister begin hearing about this Jewish miracle worker named Jesus; his sister is immediately convinced, but Philo is resistant to the idea of Jesus working miracles. In short, Philo is angry, resentful, proud and pig-headed. But somehow the author still makes him a sympathetic character, perhaps because we also are sometimes all those things. When Philo’s mother sells the prized fishing boat to the man so she can have money to pay a charlatan to try to heal the demon-possessed daughter, Philo is disgusted and leaves home to work for his uncle, a fisherman on the Sea of Galilee. Read the book if you want to know what happens.

The author very cleverly interjects real stories from scripture into the Philo’s life - for one thing, his mother is the very Syro-Phoenician woman who comes to Jesus asking for healing for her daughter and who has the conversation with Him about how even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from the table. Her descriptions of the times, the characters and the area are vivid and appear to be well-researched.

[Labi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple, but highly instructive book. Glad I read it at this time because it's a great reminder of Jesus' life and sacrifice. It contains simple answers to common questions that usually make us confused and insecure in our faith.

[Jennifer Rutherford · Rating 4 out of 5]

I think I prefer the Bronze Bow but did enjoy this one.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have yet to read a Patricia St John book we didn't like! This one was no exception!!
We read this out loud at bedtime with my 10.5, almost 8, and 5.5 yr olds. They loved when they made the connection from one of the fictional minor characters to the Bible references they knew so well!
I highly recommend this as a spring, before Easter read. It would enhance the season like Jotham's Journey does Christmas.

[Jessica Higgins · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting take on Christian historical fiction that middle grade readers will enjoy.

Philo is worried about his family. His sister, Illyrica has been possessed by a demon causing their family lots of stress. When he and his younger sister hear stories of a prophet from Nazareth that has been healing the sick, they hope their sister can be healed. When they mention the prophet’s name around their sister, she goes into a fit of rage. When things are at their darkest, Philo runs away but no matter where he goes, he hears of the amazing work the Jewish prophet is doing and all his miracles.

I picked this book up at Baker Book House on a family trip and just read it. An interesting fictional telling of Jesus and the miracles performed during his short time on Earth. This is a short and quick read that is probably most appropriate for middle school or high school age kids to read and fully understand. I was able to read this in a single day and thought the writing was well done and an interesting way to tell a story like this.

[Kay-Leigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a gem! I cried because it was sad, and because it was beautiful and hopeful! I felt Philo's insatiable hunger and I saw the roads he traveled. I felt the joy in little Ione's heart.
This is written for, I'd guess, 12 year olds and there are some issues if you're going to nit pick but as an emotional and spiritual experience, it was perfect!

[Sue · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was disappointing. Could not get rid of the feeling that the author had taken many of the miracles from the New Testament and tried desperately to relive them by one person.
I stopped reading when Philo on his way to his uncle passed a fig tree full of bloom. The miracles of Jesus, as a Son of God, are believable to me. But I doubt there is a fig tree full of bloom anywhere....

[Emmeline H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book! I just finished reading this for school, reading in the ancient Roman times. I love how it weaves the gospel and redemption throughout a set of fictional characters! I also really enjoyed the biblical figures in the midst of the story! I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves Christian or historical fiction genres!!

[Rachael · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was interesting to follow the story of Jesus from the perspective of a gentile boy and his family. The story brought in many of the characters that met Jesus, or who were healed by him. Most of the story was quite dark, however, and was depressing to read at times.

[Corrin Woodbrooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A very interesting perspective - an outside view of someone 2000 years ago hearing about the prophet Jesus. Feels very relatable and I really appreciate how the main character never even meets Jesus, but like modern day Christians, believes and feels anyway.

[Jeshua · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the entire concept and how elegantly she weaved in the Biblical stories into her own fiction.

There was a bit too much "setting the scene" (you can tell that she has visited these places herself and she is really trying to show that...)
The ending could also have been better

[Heather W · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this story, its well written and sympathetic with an interesting take on a well known story. Thoroughly enjoyed it.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book to my children.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't remember much about this, I read it so long ago. But I know I really liked it at the time.

[Cnjbillhimer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, wonderful author--it was wonderful to read this book with my children.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

We (the kids and I) all loved this book!

[Konstantin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good!

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love how Jesus transforms lives! The ending of this book is great! However, I could do without the graphic descriptions of a young woman possessed by a demon.

[Mikayla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not one of her best books. I liked it but there wan't enough of his unque story in it since I had heard these storys OVER AND OVER.

[Kassa Aragaw]

,

[Diarra]

it was awesome and breathtaking

[Mark Dorey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a book that I was reluctant to read at first as I stupidly ignored the old adage to Never Judge A Book By It’s Cover, which is exactly what I did at first - the book being quite an old copy from the late 1960s, but I’m so glad that I started reading, because once I did, that was it! My version was called The Victor, but it was also released as The Runaway.

I was transported back 2,000 years to the time of Jesus - both the narrative and description were compelling and authentic - the culture, the superstitions, the majestic landscapes - spellbinding.

As a Christian, I can sometimes take for granted His teachings and His miracles and the life-changing effect that Jesus had on those who knew Him first hand. This book for me brought it all back to life and in sharp focus of what it means to be a follower of Jesus, and the joy and excitement that that can bring into your life and overspilling into the lives of others!

Highly recommended.