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Notes on an Execution: Lenten Reflections on the Last Days of Jesus
Experience Holy Week as if for the first time... first hand.
Bestselling novelist and broadcaster Rhidian Brook invites you to step back into the story of Holy Week and see it unfold as if you were there.
Told as a series of vivid, real-time eyewitness reports, Notes on an Execution takes you from Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem to his execution and beyond, without the cushion of hindsight. You stand among the crowds and disciples, experiencing each moment with all its original tension, shock and surprise - full of the confusion and hope felt by those who first encountered Jesus.
A moving final reflection explores what Easter means for us today, with thoughtful questions for personal meditation or group discussion.
Rooted in biblical accounts and historical insight, Notes on an Execution brings fresh life to a story that has shaped the world for two thousand years. Perfect for Lent reading, small groups or personal devotion, it will help you see the story you thought you knew with new eyes... and feel its urgency and wonder afresh.
Bestselling novelist and broadcaster Rhidian Brook invites you to step back into the story of Holy Week and see it unfold as if you were there.
Told as a series of vivid, real-time eyewitness reports, Notes on an Execution takes you from Jesus' arrival in Jerusalem to his execution and beyond, without the cushion of hindsight. You stand among the crowds and disciples, experiencing each moment with all its original tension, shock and surprise - full of the confusion and hope felt by those who first encountered Jesus.
A moving final reflection explores what Easter means for us today, with thoughtful questions for personal meditation or group discussion.
Rooted in biblical accounts and historical insight, Notes on an Execution brings fresh life to a story that has shaped the world for two thousand years. Perfect for Lent reading, small groups or personal devotion, it will help you see the story you thought you knew with new eyes... and feel its urgency and wonder afresh.
96 pages, Paperback
Published January 13, 2026
About the author
Rhidian Brook
10 books129 followersRhidian Brook (born 1964) is a novelist, screenwriter and broadcaster.
His first novel, The Testimony Of Taliesin Jones (Harper Collins) won three prizes, including the 1997 Somerset Maugham Award, and was made into a film starring Jonathan Pryce. His second novel, Jesus And The Adman (Harper Collins) was published in 1999. His third novel, The Aftermath, was published in April 2013 by Penguin UK, Knopf US and a further 18 publishers around the world. His short stories have been published by The Paris Review, Punch, The New Statesman, Time Out and others; and several were broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s Short Story.
His first commission for television - Mr Harvey Lights A Candle - was broadcast in 2005 on BBC1 and starred Timothy Spall. He wrote for the BBC series Silent Witness between 2005-7, and the factual drama Atlantis for BBC1 in 2008. Africa United, his first feature film (Pathe), went on general release in the UK in October 2010. He is adapting The Aftermath as a feature for Scott Free and BBC Film.
He has written articles for papers, including The Observer, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph. In 2005, he presented Nailing The Cross, a documentary for BBC1. In 2006 he broadcast a series In The Blood for BBC World Service, recording his family’s journey through the AIDS pandemic. His book about that journey - More Than Eyes Can See - was published by Marion Boyars in 2007.
He has been a regular contributor to Radio 4’s "Thought For The Day" for more than twelve years.
He lives with his wife and two children in London.
His first novel, The Testimony Of Taliesin Jones (Harper Collins) won three prizes, including the 1997 Somerset Maugham Award, and was made into a film starring Jonathan Pryce. His second novel, Jesus And The Adman (Harper Collins) was published in 1999. His third novel, The Aftermath, was published in April 2013 by Penguin UK, Knopf US and a further 18 publishers around the world. His short stories have been published by The Paris Review, Punch, The New Statesman, Time Out and others; and several were broadcast on BBC Radio 4’s Short Story.
His first commission for television - Mr Harvey Lights A Candle - was broadcast in 2005 on BBC1 and starred Timothy Spall. He wrote for the BBC series Silent Witness between 2005-7, and the factual drama Atlantis for BBC1 in 2008. Africa United, his first feature film (Pathe), went on general release in the UK in October 2010. He is adapting The Aftermath as a feature for Scott Free and BBC Film.
He has written articles for papers, including The Observer, The Guardian and The Daily Telegraph. In 2005, he presented Nailing The Cross, a documentary for BBC1. In 2006 he broadcast a series In The Blood for BBC World Service, recording his family’s journey through the AIDS pandemic. His book about that journey - More Than Eyes Can See - was published by Marion Boyars in 2007.
He has been a regular contributor to Radio 4’s "Thought For The Day" for more than twelve years.
He lives with his wife and two children in London.
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
March 5, 2026
I found Notes on an Execution by Rhidian Brook to be a powerful and thought-provoking read. What struck me most was how vividly the author brings the final days of Jesus to life. As I followed the story from the triumphal entry into Jerusalem to the crucifixion, the events felt immediate and alive. Rather than reading the story from the distance of a modern observer, I felt almost as if I were standing among the disciples themselves—sharing in their puzzlement, confusion, and misunderstanding as events unfolded around them.
Even if you are already very familiar with the biblical accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the author has a remarkable gift for making the story feel new again. Details that might easily be overlooked when reading the Gospels individually are gathered together in a way that adds clarity and depth. The narrative invites you to see familiar passages with fresh eyes.
One section that particularly stood out to me was the reflection on the Passover meal in Matthew 26. The author paints the scene of the disciples beginning the traditional meal—remembering Israel’s deliverance from oppression, recalling the Red Sea, and the lamb’s blood on the doorposts. The ritual provides comfort and unity. But then Jesus changes the familiar words. Suddenly the bread becomes his body and the cup his blood, and he invites them into something entirely new. The author captures the disciples’ likely confusion beautifully: how do you “remember” someone who is still sitting at the table with you? What exactly are they being asked to remember?
The book traces the story from Jesus’ arrival in Bethany through to his final moments on the cross. The author leans particularly on Mark’s Gospel for the day-to-day unfolding of the week, while drawing on John for details of the execution and Luke for the encounter with the risen Christ. This blending of the Gospel accounts gives the narrative both movement and depth.
One idea the book raises is whether Jesus is inaugurating a “new Passover” in this meal. I am still reflecting on that point myself and would want to study it further before forming a definite opinion. Nevertheless, the discussion prompted deeper thought about a passage I have read many times.
Perhaps the most moving insight in the book is the reminder that the Gospel is sad news before it is glad news. The good news comes at a cost. Death is an end—but not the end. It takes the risen Christ to interpret what happened on the cross, to give meaning to loss, and to show that death does not have the final word. What looked like a tragic ending becomes, unexpectedly, a beginning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would especially recommend it to those who think they already know the resurrection story well. It has a way of making the familiar feel fresh and alive again.
I received an advance review copy of this book from SPCK Publishing; the opinions expressed here are my own.
Even if you are already very familiar with the biblical accounts of Jesus’ death and resurrection, the author has a remarkable gift for making the story feel new again. Details that might easily be overlooked when reading the Gospels individually are gathered together in a way that adds clarity and depth. The narrative invites you to see familiar passages with fresh eyes.
One section that particularly stood out to me was the reflection on the Passover meal in Matthew 26. The author paints the scene of the disciples beginning the traditional meal—remembering Israel’s deliverance from oppression, recalling the Red Sea, and the lamb’s blood on the doorposts. The ritual provides comfort and unity. But then Jesus changes the familiar words. Suddenly the bread becomes his body and the cup his blood, and he invites them into something entirely new. The author captures the disciples’ likely confusion beautifully: how do you “remember” someone who is still sitting at the table with you? What exactly are they being asked to remember?
The book traces the story from Jesus’ arrival in Bethany through to his final moments on the cross. The author leans particularly on Mark’s Gospel for the day-to-day unfolding of the week, while drawing on John for details of the execution and Luke for the encounter with the risen Christ. This blending of the Gospel accounts gives the narrative both movement and depth.
One idea the book raises is whether Jesus is inaugurating a “new Passover” in this meal. I am still reflecting on that point myself and would want to study it further before forming a definite opinion. Nevertheless, the discussion prompted deeper thought about a passage I have read many times.
Perhaps the most moving insight in the book is the reminder that the Gospel is sad news before it is glad news. The good news comes at a cost. Death is an end—but not the end. It takes the risen Christ to interpret what happened on the cross, to give meaning to loss, and to show that death does not have the final word. What looked like a tragic ending becomes, unexpectedly, a beginning.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would especially recommend it to those who think they already know the resurrection story well. It has a way of making the familiar feel fresh and alive again.
I received an advance review copy of this book from SPCK Publishing; the opinions expressed here are my own.
April 5, 2026
A week long reflection from Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday.
Looking from the praise from the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem through that last week of his life, the highs, the lows.
Imagining yourself there, then the relevant bible passage and three questions to reflect upon.
A great way to look deeper onto Holy Week.
Looking from the praise from the crowds as Jesus entered Jerusalem through that last week of his life, the highs, the lows.
Imagining yourself there, then the relevant bible passage and three questions to reflect upon.
A great way to look deeper onto Holy Week.
April 30, 2026
Shall Review When Allowed to Read the Book!
I started to read this book and it seemed interesting - however at the end of the first chapter that was it! Looked like I would have to rate and review before I was allowed to read any more!!!
I started to read this book and it seemed interesting - however at the end of the first chapter that was it! Looked like I would have to rate and review before I was allowed to read any more!!!
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews