Vinegar Boy: Encounter Christ Through the Dramatic Story of Vinegar Boy

by Alberta Hawse

Abandoned by his parents and shunned from society, Vinegar Boy is certain he'll be adoped once Jesus removes the ugly birthmark that scars his cheek. But when he carries the drugged vinegar wine to a crucifixion, he finds himself face to face with the only One who can heal his face. Is there still time for a miracle?

A gripping story of a boy's dramatic encounter with Christ on the cross, this book is a classic work of fiction that has inspired thousands of Christians for decades.  This newly repackaged classic is sure to be a hit with all kids and adults too.

Genres: Fiction, Christian Fiction, Christian, Historical Fiction, Faith, Middle Grade, Childrens

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Kate Willis · Rating 4 out of 5]

My mom read this aloud (with a little editing) to the whole family starting around Easter time. We really enjoyed it!

[Sean Elliot Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE VINEGAR BOY is a short book, but it's packed with so much to like and love. I've added it to my library beside BEN HUR and other novels that are dear to my heart.

It's the story of a boy and those he knows caught up in the events of the One from Nazareth as He faces the Crucifixion.

The boy bears a birthmark upon his face, and having heard about Yeshua healing people, seeks to find an audience with Him to be healed--his imperfection being a great burden upon his small frame.

The writing style is moving, descriptive, and will immerse you in First Century Palestine. You won't soon forget this novel.

Story Originality: 4/5
Story Inventiveness: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
Descriptive Power: 5/5
True to Scripture: 5/5
Fictive Dream Strength: 4/5
Proofreading: 5/5
Cinematic Flare: 5/5
Overall Satisfaction: 4/5

[MY KEY:]
Story Originality: How creative was the concept from page one onwards?
Story Inventiveness: How surprised was I by the flow of the plot? Any twists?
Characters: How real and how drawn was I to the story’s characters?
Descriptive Power: How well did the author control description, dialogue, etc?
True to Scripture: Were all elements true to Scripture’s worldview?
Fictive Dream Strength: How much was I immersed into the novel—wanting to read page after page?
Proofreading: How well was the book proofread (typos, etc)?
Cinematic Flare: How strong were key scenes (that I could easily see as a motion picture)?
Overall Satisfaction: What was my overall feeling/enjoyment level after reading novel? Did I want it to end?

[Janna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story of Christ as seen through the eyes of the boy who helps with crucifixions. I love thinking about actual Bible events from a different character's point of view. Fascinating!

[Michael Toleno · Rating 5 out of 5]

Vinegar Boy is a creative, imaginative, and authentic-sounding depiction of events surrounding the end of Jesus’s earthly ministry. The background setting is faithful to the Biblical accounts in the gospels and Acts. The story of the protagonist is a fascinating and plausible fictional account of the boy who offered Jesus bitter vinegar (though not explicit in the Bible, historical practice suggests that its purpose was to deaden pain) during the Crucifixion. The author deftly weaves many quotations and incidents from Jesus’s ministry and during the events of the Crucifixion—as recorded in Scripture—into the fictional account without distorting anything. The protagonist encounters many historical people from the gospels, such as the apostles Peter and John, the gospel writer John Mark, the Marys (Jesus’s mother, John’s mother, and Mary Magdalene), Nicodemus, and Joseph of Arimathea. The author also provides interesting and sympathetic accounts of Barabbas, Pontius Pilate, and the thief on the cross who trusted in Christ.

Overall, Vinegar Boy is a moving, compelling, and didactic portrayal that blends Biblical history and imaginative storytelling.

This was assigned reading for my seventh-grade son’s writing class.

[Deanna Thomas · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was nostalgic for me as I remember my family reading it when I was little, but as an adult I came away from it loving Jesus even more! I love the different perspectives of the characters like Mary, John, and the centurion, they really make you think about the impact of Jesus.

[Rachel {bibliopals} · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're a fan of The Robe, try this middle grade read with the same feel! Read it with my kids this year leading up to Easter. Just wonderful. Will read again another year. 💛

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting story on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ told from a the point of view of an orphan boy looking for a miracle. It’s geared towards youth, but I did find some of the descriptions a little too gruesome in their accuracy. But the story was overall a lovely one full of hope and love.

[Katie · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful story about the crucifixion of Jesus through the eyes of the Vinegar Boy.

For full review click here

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I went to a Mother Daughter banquet with my “second Mom” who had three sons, when I was 9, and this author spoke about how she crafted this book. I was enthralled. I talked to her about her imagination process afterwards, and she gave me a signed copy. I’ve read it many times, and I love the authenticity of the characters. Many times books with Christian themes sanitize the humanity of the characters and that’s boring and incredibly dangerous. I’m happy to found the author here and will read more of her books!

[Leah Muthler · Rating 1 out of 5]

I like the concept, the characters and the overall storyline. But the writing seemed forced and unnecessary in many places. Using capital letters every time a pronoun referred to Jesus distracted me from the story and didn't seem needed. Also, using the King James version for all scripture quotes, even if they were lines of dialogue, seemed far out of place compared to the diction in the rest of the narrative. Finally, it seems as though the author tried to force too many side stories and one-liners instead of focusing on the main narrative.

[Chesca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Aw, what a special story. A golden-hearted orphan boy who loves Jesus, the long Good Friday, and the glad days afterward. Okay, so there seemed to be an unusual number of blue-eyed, fair Middle Easterners, as well as some other fanciful details, but still a beautiful, profound, worthwhile read. The actual scene of Jesus’ last words and death was excellently portrayed. And—finally!—it makes the arrival of the Holy Spirit part of the Jesus story. Well done, well done.

Parents may like to know that though this is written for youth, it’s pretty graphic, with some harsh language.

[Sheri · Rating 4 out of 5]

A wonderful story seen through the eyes of a young boy during the time of Jesus’ life and then his crucifixion.
He was the Vinegar Boy, who brought it to the foot of the crosses to alleviate the dying men’s pain. The author takes a true event in history and writes a story around it.
Well done, portraying so vividly the love that God has for us, imperfect and undeserving sinners, that he sent His only Son to suffer and die on the cross for our sins.

[Abigail Westbrook · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written book, full of metaphors and almost poetic in its descriptions of Jerusalem at the crucifixion. There are many historical facts and references to other Biblical stories, and one almost feels like they are journeying alongside sweet little Vinegar Boy on his long and painful day. The details in several parts may be too heavy and graphic for some kids, but mine handled it well. The end of the story is wrapped up beautifully and left us all smiling.

[Kathy Monroe · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a beautiful depiction of this horrific event. From the eyes of a boy who had been a caste away for all of his life, to Barabbas, the criminal who lived because Jesus died in his place, to miracles, love and selflessness, this story brings a powerful point of view and a new way to see what the crucifixion of Christ was all about. I absolutely love this story.

[Brittany · Rating 3 out of 5]

A read-aloud with the kids. We started it on the week of Easter, which was perfect. We dragged our feet in finishing it and stretched it out over more than three months. Not a recommended reading schedule. Otherwise, though, what a great story. A helpful fresh perspective on the death and resurrection of Christ, from the eyes of a boy.

[Sally · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story covers only a few days from the Passover to just after Jesus' ascension to heaven. It was interesting to read the story from a different perspective. Likable characters and good interweaving of fact and fiction. A good Easter read.

[John Naehring · Rating 5 out of 5]

John, son of Nicolaus

I didn't expect the heartfelt feelings this book evoked. Do not read this book expecting it to follow the facts of the gospel. Read it as one who might have been alive at the time. I really enjoyed this book. Thank you to the author.

[Rachel N · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read out loud with my 10yo as part of our Scholé community curriculum. A touching story that brought to life the miracles of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection. Perfect timing to read this story during the weeks leading up to Easter.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

We read this out loud as a family. My children didn't fully comprehend all of it, so I had to do lots of explaining. I want to reread it to them when they are older. I love these books that make "old" Bible stories become more real and alive.

[Charis Sams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing!!!!!

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although I appreciated this different viewpoint, a few things were pretty cheesy!

[Erin Pierce · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent read.

[Candace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fabulous story of a young boy's encounter with Jesus the day of His crucifixion and the days following. Candace read 5/04, try with the kids when they are 8 - 10?

[Katy Lovejoy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this was a charming and heartwarming story

[Mariah H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read this book for years. I'm so glad I finally did. It was a beautiful book and very easy to read.

[Faith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Some books are written in a way they should be read every year at Easter. I look forward to reading this one every year.

[Hallie Nakhla · Rating 1 out of 5]

no one asked for this

[Sharon B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A perfect read for Easter week. The juxtaposition of Barabbas and Jesus in this book is powerful.

[Rylee Vigil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a precious story ❤️❤️❤️

[♥Gracie♥ BookLover & JesusFreak · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐2.50 stars

It was a sweet and I could defiantly see the heart, but nothing particularly jumped out at me. Very sweet though, and I could see why people would like this book.