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Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
Cuando Messala, el amigo de la infancia de Ben-Hur, regresa a Judea adoctrinado por las enseñanzas romanas, se burla cruelmente de las creencias judías de Ben-Hur. Messala está trabajando para Gratus, el nuevo gobernador romano, quien ha planeado un desfile inaugural por las calles de la ciudad. A medida que Ben-Hur observa el desarrollo de la escena desde el techo de su palacio, accidentalmente desaloja una baldosa suelta de su casa, que cae y golpea al líder. Messala, viendo una oportunidad para socavar a su antiguo amigo, se asegura de que Ben-Hur sea duramente condenado sin derecho a juicio, y que su madre y su hermana también sean encarceladas injustamente. Enviado a las galeras a vivir sus días como un esclavo, Ben-Hur hace un voto de un día regresar y buscar la venganza. Pero como Ben-Hur se convierte en seguidor de un carpintero que él cree que va a hacer guerra contra los romanos, pronto aprende que la venganza terrenal no es el camino de Cristo.
When Judah Ben-Hur’s childhood friend Messala returns to Judea indoctrinated by Roman teachings, he cruelly mocks Judah’s Jewish beliefs. Messala is working for the new Roman governor, Gratus, who has planned an inaugural parade through the city streets. As Judah watches the scene unfold from his palace rooftop, he accidentally dislodges a loose tile from his house, which hits the leader. Messala, seeing an opportunity to undercut his former friend, ensures that Ben-Hur is harshly sentenced without a trial and that his mother and sister are unjustly imprisoned. Sent to the galleys to live out his days as a slave, Judah vows to one day return and seek his revenge. But as Ben-Hur becomes a follower of a carpenter whom he believes will make war against the Romans, he soon learns that earthly revenge is not the way of Christ.
When Judah Ben-Hur’s childhood friend Messala returns to Judea indoctrinated by Roman teachings, he cruelly mocks Judah’s Jewish beliefs. Messala is working for the new Roman governor, Gratus, who has planned an inaugural parade through the city streets. As Judah watches the scene unfold from his palace rooftop, he accidentally dislodges a loose tile from his house, which hits the leader. Messala, seeing an opportunity to undercut his former friend, ensures that Ben-Hur is harshly sentenced without a trial and that his mother and sister are unjustly imprisoned. Sent to the galleys to live out his days as a slave, Judah vows to one day return and seek his revenge. But as Ben-Hur becomes a follower of a carpenter whom he believes will make war against the Romans, he soon learns that earthly revenge is not the way of Christ.
432 pages, Hardcover
First published February 9, 2016
95 people are currently reading
906 people want to read
About the author
Carol Wallace
17 books34 followersCarol Wallace, the great-great-granddaughter of Lew Wallace, is the author most recently of a new version of "Ben-Hur." It is the official tie-in of the new major film, releasing in August of 2016.
Carol is also the co-author of "To Marry an English Lord," which was one of the inspirations for "Downton Abbey," and author of the historical novel
"Leaving Van Gogh." Previous titles have included humor, parenting, and social history. In 2006 Wallace received a M.A. in art history from Columbia University. The research for her M.A. thesis provided the foundation for "Leaving van Gogh." A 1977 graduate of Princeton University, Wallace lives in New York.
Carol is also the co-author of "To Marry an English Lord," which was one of the inspirations for "Downton Abbey," and author of the historical novel
"Leaving Van Gogh." Previous titles have included humor, parenting, and social history. In 2006 Wallace received a M.A. in art history from Columbia University. The research for her M.A. thesis provided the foundation for "Leaving van Gogh." A 1977 graduate of Princeton University, Wallace lives in New York.
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May 9, 2021Ben Hur, a rich Jewish prince, sees his old Roman friend Messala again after years. But Messala betrays him and Ben Hur is sent to the galleys. After a few hard years, he meets the Roman Arrius, through him he gets a very vivid life and inherits a lot of money. Now that he is free, he sets out to find his family and, in the process, meets his great love and Jesus - to whom he owes his strength, his endurance and his family.
April 1, 2017
I loved the 2016 movie, so I put this on my must-read list...and I loved it! :)
March 10, 2018
Abgebrochen bei Seite 224. Leider kam ich gar nicht in die Geschichte rein. Die Geschichte eignet sich für interessierte der Antike und biblische Erzählungen und der geistig-religiösen Auffassung um die Zeit Christus im nahen Osten, also die Geburt und Hinrichtung Jesus. An sich bietet die Geschichte viel Potenzial aufgrund des Aufstiegs von Ben Hur, aber der predigende Erzähler und die monotonen Dialoge schläferten mich leider so ein wie die Ansprache von ortsansässigen Pfarrer sonntags morgens vor dem ersten Kaffee 😵
June 23, 2016
This is a review for the new Ben Hur.
Yes, you read that right. The NEW Ben Hur!
Now, I've always been a fan of the old Lew Wallace classic. When I heard that his great-great-granddaughter Carol Wallace was coming out with a new version, I had, simply HAD to get my mitts on a copy!
Yet before diving into the new book, it might be a good idea to chat about the original, so here goes...
Judah Ben Hur is a contemporary of Jesus. He is a Jew (in case you can't guess) born to a fairly well-off merchant family. He's quite content with that life until a freak accident and false accusation propel him headlong into an epic adventure.
Now, I know "epic adventure" sounds cliché, but in this case it is the best way to describe it. His is an adventure that spans the ancient world, giving you a very vivid picture of life in those times. He interacts with all different groups (Jew, Roman, Christian, ...) as well as all different social strata from Galley Slave and leper, on up.
However, I don't want you get the wrong impression and think this is a dry history lesson. Ben Hur must fight his way across the Roman world to stay one step ahead of those actively trying to destroy him!
One last thing I want to add is that the subtitle of the book is "A Tale of the Christ". This is quite true, though I was very impressed how Wallace never allows even such a big, important thing to eclipse the story he is trying to tell. In other words, this story is about BEN HUR and the author does a fantastic job of keeping that straight.
As a Christian author, and more specifically, as an action/adventure author, Ben Hur represents everything I aspire to write. I guess that's why when Carol Wallace did a rewrite it was like a moth to a flame.
The new book has been redone in modern style and language. It sticks very, very close to the original story -- some places being nearly identical, in fact. (And, for the record, yes I was reading them side-by-side.) Really, you could say that this is the original without all the boring parts and wordiness that can make the original a little tedious to read sometimes.
Though there is some material removed, I'd hesitate to call it an "abridged" version. I hate those! Carol Wallace was very careful to trim away things that got in the way of the pacing, so in that regard I can appreciate that.
As an additional bonus there is an afterward that talks about the original author, his war experience and the writing and life of the book. To a geek like me, this alone is worth the price of admission.
(To whet you appetite: Did you know, if it wasn't for a chance meeting with a militant Atheist, one of the greatest Christian books of all time would never have been written!??)
In summary:
This is a prefect way to introduce Ben Hur to your teens. It is an enjoyable read that is fast-paced and adventurous. Your boy will love it!
In fact, I could see this as a parental sneak-attack. "Oh, you loved the book? Did you know there's more to the story?" Hand him a copy of the original to expand his vocabulary.
Author's interview about the book:
https://youtu.be/CubNWHdKRr0
Disclaimer: The preceding review was done on materials sent to me for free from the publisher. If you would like your own book reviewed, please use the contact information here on my blog (www.EdmundLloydFletcher.com) or message me through social media.
Yes, you read that right. The NEW Ben Hur!
Now, I've always been a fan of the old Lew Wallace classic. When I heard that his great-great-granddaughter Carol Wallace was coming out with a new version, I had, simply HAD to get my mitts on a copy!
Yet before diving into the new book, it might be a good idea to chat about the original, so here goes...
Judah Ben Hur is a contemporary of Jesus. He is a Jew (in case you can't guess) born to a fairly well-off merchant family. He's quite content with that life until a freak accident and false accusation propel him headlong into an epic adventure.
Now, I know "epic adventure" sounds cliché, but in this case it is the best way to describe it. His is an adventure that spans the ancient world, giving you a very vivid picture of life in those times. He interacts with all different groups (Jew, Roman, Christian, ...) as well as all different social strata from Galley Slave and leper, on up.
However, I don't want you get the wrong impression and think this is a dry history lesson. Ben Hur must fight his way across the Roman world to stay one step ahead of those actively trying to destroy him!
One last thing I want to add is that the subtitle of the book is "A Tale of the Christ". This is quite true, though I was very impressed how Wallace never allows even such a big, important thing to eclipse the story he is trying to tell. In other words, this story is about BEN HUR and the author does a fantastic job of keeping that straight.
As a Christian author, and more specifically, as an action/adventure author, Ben Hur represents everything I aspire to write. I guess that's why when Carol Wallace did a rewrite it was like a moth to a flame.
The new book has been redone in modern style and language. It sticks very, very close to the original story -- some places being nearly identical, in fact. (And, for the record, yes I was reading them side-by-side.) Really, you could say that this is the original without all the boring parts and wordiness that can make the original a little tedious to read sometimes.
Though there is some material removed, I'd hesitate to call it an "abridged" version. I hate those! Carol Wallace was very careful to trim away things that got in the way of the pacing, so in that regard I can appreciate that.
As an additional bonus there is an afterward that talks about the original author, his war experience and the writing and life of the book. To a geek like me, this alone is worth the price of admission.
(To whet you appetite: Did you know, if it wasn't for a chance meeting with a militant Atheist, one of the greatest Christian books of all time would never have been written!??)
In summary:
This is a prefect way to introduce Ben Hur to your teens. It is an enjoyable read that is fast-paced and adventurous. Your boy will love it!
In fact, I could see this as a parental sneak-attack. "Oh, you loved the book? Did you know there's more to the story?" Hand him a copy of the original to expand his vocabulary.
Author's interview about the book:
https://youtu.be/CubNWHdKRr0
Disclaimer: The preceding review was done on materials sent to me for free from the publisher. If you would like your own book reviewed, please use the contact information here on my blog (www.EdmundLloydFletcher.com) or message me through social media.
December 4, 2016
As one of the bestselling stories of all time, Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ has captivated and enthralled millions around the world--both in print and on the big screen. Now Lew's great-great-granddaughter has taken the old-fashioned prose of this classic novel and breathed new life into it for today's audience.
Coming to theaters in August 2016 as Ben-Hur, a major motion picture from MGM and Paramount studios, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose childhood friend Messala betrays him. Accused of trying to murder the new Roman governor in Jerusalem, Judah is sentenced to the galley ships and vows to seek revenge against the Romans and Messala. But a chance encounter with a carpenter from Nazareth sets Judah on a different path.
Rediscover the intrigue, romance, and tragedy in this thrilling adventure.
Also included: the inspiring story-behind-the-story of Lew Wallace--Indiana lawyer, author, and Civil War general.
You may have heard of or seen the new version of the famous Ben-Hur movie. Well, to go along with the film is a new version of the classic book itself! This is the classic story which inspired and made the Charlton Heston film we all love. Now, years later, the original author's granddaughter Carol Wallace presents an updated version for today's readers.
I have not seen the film- I am sure it is interesting to watch although I see no need for a remake of one of the best films of all time. Also, I think it sad that Carol Wallace said she was never able to get into her grandfather's literary masterpiece. I am disappointed- greatly disappointed- with the dumbing-down of that original Ben Hur into this far TOO easy-to-read version. This edition is like the typical Christian romances written recently. The reader's brain does no work as he reads the tale; the focus of the book is on emotions and thoughts and romance with no literary value. There are no thought-provoking aspects this book. I am sorry to be so critical but I don't understand the literary weakness of readers today! We need to expand our minds and read older literature. One thing I found interesting which the author Carol Wallace pointed our about the original book is that Lew Wallace spent much of the book describing the surroundings and settings of the Middle Eastern region in Ben Hur because Lew Wallace's 1900's readers wouldn't have known too much about that remote and mysterious lands. In contrast, today's readers have seen hundreds of pictures/videos of those lands and perhaps even visited them! So the majority of the lengthy descriptions would be unwelcome for today's readers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
Coming to theaters in August 2016 as Ben-Hur, a major motion picture from MGM and Paramount studios, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose childhood friend Messala betrays him. Accused of trying to murder the new Roman governor in Jerusalem, Judah is sentenced to the galley ships and vows to seek revenge against the Romans and Messala. But a chance encounter with a carpenter from Nazareth sets Judah on a different path.
Rediscover the intrigue, romance, and tragedy in this thrilling adventure.
Also included: the inspiring story-behind-the-story of Lew Wallace--Indiana lawyer, author, and Civil War general.
You may have heard of or seen the new version of the famous Ben-Hur movie. Well, to go along with the film is a new version of the classic book itself! This is the classic story which inspired and made the Charlton Heston film we all love. Now, years later, the original author's granddaughter Carol Wallace presents an updated version for today's readers.
I have not seen the film- I am sure it is interesting to watch although I see no need for a remake of one of the best films of all time. Also, I think it sad that Carol Wallace said she was never able to get into her grandfather's literary masterpiece. I am disappointed- greatly disappointed- with the dumbing-down of that original Ben Hur into this far TOO easy-to-read version. This edition is like the typical Christian romances written recently. The reader's brain does no work as he reads the tale; the focus of the book is on emotions and thoughts and romance with no literary value. There are no thought-provoking aspects this book. I am sorry to be so critical but I don't understand the literary weakness of readers today! We need to expand our minds and read older literature. One thing I found interesting which the author Carol Wallace pointed our about the original book is that Lew Wallace spent much of the book describing the surroundings and settings of the Middle Eastern region in Ben Hur because Lew Wallace's 1900's readers wouldn't have known too much about that remote and mysterious lands. In contrast, today's readers have seen hundreds of pictures/videos of those lands and perhaps even visited them! So the majority of the lengthy descriptions would be unwelcome for today's readers.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 11, 2016
4.5 Sterne
Ja, wer kennt sie nicht, die berühmte Geschichte von Ben Hur und dem spannenden Wagenrennen, das sicher jedem ein Begriff ist. Auch mir. Allerdings hab ich bisher weder den Film gesehen noch das Buch gelesen.
Daher hat mich diese Neuauflage sehr interessiert, denn Carol Wallace, die Ur-Ur-Enkelin des Autors, hat sein Werk überarbeitet und die Erzählsprache unserer Zeit etwas angepasst. Im Vorwort sagt sie auch, dass einige ausschweifende Landschaftsbeschreibungen gestrichen und einige Rollen der Frauen stärker hervorgehoben wurden.
Da ich das ursprüngliche Buch nicht kenne habe ich keinen Vergleich, aber ich war positiv überrascht!
Ich hatte wirklich keine Ahnung, um was es geht und hab mich ohne große Erwartungen darauf eingelassen.
Der Einstieg beginnt mit den drei Weisen, die sich durch einen gemeinsamen Traum auf die Suche nach dem Erlöser machen und tatsächlich in einem Stall in Bethlehem das Neugeborene Kind von Maria und Joseph finden. Zu dieser Zeit ist Herodes König von Judäa, das wie so viele andere Länder unter der Vorherrschaft der Römer steht.
Das Leben von Ben Hur ist mit diesen Ereignissen eng verbunden, obwohl er davon anfangs nichts ahnt. Judah Ben Hur ist ein besonnener und neugieriger junger Mann, der an den Gesetzen seines Glaubens festhält. Sein Kinderfreund Messala, ein geborener Römer, begeht allerdings einen grausamen Verrat an ihm, wodurch Ben Hurs Schicksal als Sklave auf einem Galeerenschiff besiegelt scheint. Doch Gott - oder der Zufall - hat andere Pläne mit ihm.
Ich fand den Schreibstil sehr angenehm. Den historischen Begebenheiten angepasst, aber trotzdem flüssig und sehr anschaulich. Alles wurde mit viel Liebe zum Detail beschrieben, ohne zu ausladend zu werden und auch wenn das Tempo eher gemächlich war, hab ich mich zu keiner Zeit gelangweilt. Es ging stetig voran und hat die Neugier geweckt, was wohl als nächstes passiert.
Ben Hur begegnet einigen wichtigen Figuren, die seinem Leben eine neue Wendung geben. Getrieben von der Rache an seinem Feind Messala behält er doch immer einen Überblick darüber, was ihm durch seinen Glauben beigebracht wurde und entscheidet stets nach seinem Herzen.
Die Rollen der Frauen wurden ja mehr hervorgehoben - da frag ich mich allerdings, ob sie in dem ursprünglichen Roman überhaupt eine Rolle gespielt haben ... Trotzdem haben auch sie Einfluss auf Ben Hur gehabt, wenn auch eher unterschwellig.
Auch wenn Ben Hurs Werdegang im Fokus steht ist die Ankunft eines Messias bzw. eines neuen Königs, der die Juden aus ihrer Unterdrückung führen soll, immer wieder Thema und beeinflusst schließlich auch einige seiner Entscheidungen.
Mir sind natürlich die fundamentalen, christlichen Eckpunkte aus Jesus Geschichte bekannt, aber ich fand es interessant, hier noch etwas tiefer in die damaligen Geschehnisse einzutauchen, wie sie aus der Bibel bekannt sind. Zumindest soweit sie mir bekannt sind, denn ich kenne mich damit nicht wirklich aus, aber wenn man die Ereignisse so liest, hört es sich schon sehr beeindruckend an.
Aber egal, ob man daran glaubt oder nicht, Ben Hur gewährt einen sehr eindringlichen Einblick in diese Zeit und die Art und Weise, wie die Menschen damals (vielleicht) gelebt, gefühlt und gedacht haben.
Fazit 4.5 Sterne
Eine rundum gelungene Neuauflage des Klassikers, der sicher jedem zumindest ein Begriff ist. Ich war positiv überrascht über die gelungene Darstellung der damaligen Zeit und dem vielseitigen Leben des Ben Hur, der alles getan hat, um seinen Prinzipien und seinem Glauben treu zu bleiben.
© Aleshanee
Weltenwanderer
Ja, wer kennt sie nicht, die berühmte Geschichte von Ben Hur und dem spannenden Wagenrennen, das sicher jedem ein Begriff ist. Auch mir. Allerdings hab ich bisher weder den Film gesehen noch das Buch gelesen.
Daher hat mich diese Neuauflage sehr interessiert, denn Carol Wallace, die Ur-Ur-Enkelin des Autors, hat sein Werk überarbeitet und die Erzählsprache unserer Zeit etwas angepasst. Im Vorwort sagt sie auch, dass einige ausschweifende Landschaftsbeschreibungen gestrichen und einige Rollen der Frauen stärker hervorgehoben wurden.
Da ich das ursprüngliche Buch nicht kenne habe ich keinen Vergleich, aber ich war positiv überrascht!
Ich hatte wirklich keine Ahnung, um was es geht und hab mich ohne große Erwartungen darauf eingelassen.
Der Einstieg beginnt mit den drei Weisen, die sich durch einen gemeinsamen Traum auf die Suche nach dem Erlöser machen und tatsächlich in einem Stall in Bethlehem das Neugeborene Kind von Maria und Joseph finden. Zu dieser Zeit ist Herodes König von Judäa, das wie so viele andere Länder unter der Vorherrschaft der Römer steht.
Das Leben von Ben Hur ist mit diesen Ereignissen eng verbunden, obwohl er davon anfangs nichts ahnt. Judah Ben Hur ist ein besonnener und neugieriger junger Mann, der an den Gesetzen seines Glaubens festhält. Sein Kinderfreund Messala, ein geborener Römer, begeht allerdings einen grausamen Verrat an ihm, wodurch Ben Hurs Schicksal als Sklave auf einem Galeerenschiff besiegelt scheint. Doch Gott - oder der Zufall - hat andere Pläne mit ihm.
Ich fand den Schreibstil sehr angenehm. Den historischen Begebenheiten angepasst, aber trotzdem flüssig und sehr anschaulich. Alles wurde mit viel Liebe zum Detail beschrieben, ohne zu ausladend zu werden und auch wenn das Tempo eher gemächlich war, hab ich mich zu keiner Zeit gelangweilt. Es ging stetig voran und hat die Neugier geweckt, was wohl als nächstes passiert.
Ben Hur begegnet einigen wichtigen Figuren, die seinem Leben eine neue Wendung geben. Getrieben von der Rache an seinem Feind Messala behält er doch immer einen Überblick darüber, was ihm durch seinen Glauben beigebracht wurde und entscheidet stets nach seinem Herzen.
Die Rollen der Frauen wurden ja mehr hervorgehoben - da frag ich mich allerdings, ob sie in dem ursprünglichen Roman überhaupt eine Rolle gespielt haben ... Trotzdem haben auch sie Einfluss auf Ben Hur gehabt, wenn auch eher unterschwellig.
Auch wenn Ben Hurs Werdegang im Fokus steht ist die Ankunft eines Messias bzw. eines neuen Königs, der die Juden aus ihrer Unterdrückung führen soll, immer wieder Thema und beeinflusst schließlich auch einige seiner Entscheidungen.
Mir sind natürlich die fundamentalen, christlichen Eckpunkte aus Jesus Geschichte bekannt, aber ich fand es interessant, hier noch etwas tiefer in die damaligen Geschehnisse einzutauchen, wie sie aus der Bibel bekannt sind. Zumindest soweit sie mir bekannt sind, denn ich kenne mich damit nicht wirklich aus, aber wenn man die Ereignisse so liest, hört es sich schon sehr beeindruckend an.
Aber egal, ob man daran glaubt oder nicht, Ben Hur gewährt einen sehr eindringlichen Einblick in diese Zeit und die Art und Weise, wie die Menschen damals (vielleicht) gelebt, gefühlt und gedacht haben.
Fazit 4.5 Sterne
Eine rundum gelungene Neuauflage des Klassikers, der sicher jedem zumindest ein Begriff ist. Ich war positiv überrascht über die gelungene Darstellung der damaligen Zeit und dem vielseitigen Leben des Ben Hur, der alles getan hat, um seinen Prinzipien und seinem Glauben treu zu bleiben.
© Aleshanee
Weltenwanderer
July 21, 2016
World, are you ready for the new Ben-Hur? I hope so, because let me tell you: it’s ready for you.
I heard about this new-and-improved version of Lew Wallace’s classic novel shortly after seeing a trailer for the new-and-improved major motion picture coming to theatres next month. I was intrigued, even though I’d never actually read the original Ben-Hur, having assumed that it would be too ponderous a tome to easily consume (an assumption validated by Carol Wallace herself in her foreword, in which she acknowledges that even the author’s own descendants have avoided reading his antique prose). Nor had I ever seen the classic 1950s version of the movie — aside, of course, from clips of the famous chariot scene — for much the same reason. What intrigued me, however, was the idea that a contemporary writer — a descendant of the original writer, no less — would attempt to take the meat and bones of an enduring story and put new skin on it. Skin that would appeal to contemporary audiences. Could it be done?
While the revamping of a classic might make some staunch literature-lovers roll over in their graves, I have some confidence that Lew Wallace would not be among them. Given the quality his great-great-granddaughter’s work, I have a sense that he would see her updated version not as a travesty, but as the honor it’s meant to be. With some strategic cutting and rearranging, adding depth to female characters and contemporizing of the language, the new Ben-Hur is primed and ready for today’s audiences — both men and women, I might add. When I placed this still-rather-thick novel in my husband’s hands, he raced through it in a matter of days, literally staying up late several nights to finish it. I had a similar experience.
Out of curiosity, I borrowed the original version from my local library, wanting to compare the two. Granted, I’m not the greatest aficionado of classic literature, but to my contemporary eye and soul, I found Carol Wallace’s version vastly more palatable.
If you are a reader who enjoys epic historical drama teeming with adventure and romance — enriched even further by being a beautiful “tale of the Christ” — this one’s for you.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
I heard about this new-and-improved version of Lew Wallace’s classic novel shortly after seeing a trailer for the new-and-improved major motion picture coming to theatres next month. I was intrigued, even though I’d never actually read the original Ben-Hur, having assumed that it would be too ponderous a tome to easily consume (an assumption validated by Carol Wallace herself in her foreword, in which she acknowledges that even the author’s own descendants have avoided reading his antique prose). Nor had I ever seen the classic 1950s version of the movie — aside, of course, from clips of the famous chariot scene — for much the same reason. What intrigued me, however, was the idea that a contemporary writer — a descendant of the original writer, no less — would attempt to take the meat and bones of an enduring story and put new skin on it. Skin that would appeal to contemporary audiences. Could it be done?
While the revamping of a classic might make some staunch literature-lovers roll over in their graves, I have some confidence that Lew Wallace would not be among them. Given the quality his great-great-granddaughter’s work, I have a sense that he would see her updated version not as a travesty, but as the honor it’s meant to be. With some strategic cutting and rearranging, adding depth to female characters and contemporizing of the language, the new Ben-Hur is primed and ready for today’s audiences — both men and women, I might add. When I placed this still-rather-thick novel in my husband’s hands, he raced through it in a matter of days, literally staying up late several nights to finish it. I had a similar experience.
Out of curiosity, I borrowed the original version from my local library, wanting to compare the two. Granted, I’m not the greatest aficionado of classic literature, but to my contemporary eye and soul, I found Carol Wallace’s version vastly more palatable.
If you are a reader who enjoys epic historical drama teeming with adventure and romance — enriched even further by being a beautiful “tale of the Christ” — this one’s for you.
Thanks to Tyndale House Publishers for providing me a free copy to review. All opinions are mine.
March 11, 2017
Ben Hur has been a really well known book for years decades centuries. However, I've never actually read it, considering to be one of those dusty antique classic books, like....err...I don't know. Oh well. But you know what I mean.
However, when I saw this book, I thought I might as well give it a try, if only to say I've read it.
This copy/edition of Ben Hur is a rewritten edition--the original author, Lew Wallace, wrote the original edition in archaic form, and his great-great-granddaughter, Carol Wallace, rewrote it in 'modern' language. I really really appreciated that, and as a result, I love this book.
Ben Hur is such as well known book that, despite not having read it before, I know some parts of the story. I don't usually like historical fiction set during Jesus' time (having had a bad experience with The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare), but this one was really good.
Ben Hur is a Jew living during the time of Jesus in Jerusalem, and he hates the Romans who have taken over with a passion. Eventually Romans arrest him and his family, he gets sent to a galley ship, and becomes a slave. After rescuing a commander, he gets adopted by the commander, gains innumerable riches, and attempts to search for his family.
And...I won't spoil any more.
I loved the story line, I loved the characters, the book was amazing. One thing I didn't like, though, is how Judah Ben-Hur (the main character), at one point kills a man just to show his power. Although he regretted it further on, it was just..ehh for me. The only turn off for me for this book was the amount of killing/injury in the book.
I liked how Jesus was set into the story, and he's just portrayed as so...Christ like. The author never had Jesus say anything not in the Bible, keeping the authenticity of Christ, and I appreciated that a lot.
Also, can I just say...I never know Ben Hur was SO BIG! I absolutely loved that fact that I was able to read it in TWO DAYS (usually I finish books within a day).
However, when I saw this book, I thought I might as well give it a try, if only to say I've read it.
This copy/edition of Ben Hur is a rewritten edition--the original author, Lew Wallace, wrote the original edition in archaic form, and his great-great-granddaughter, Carol Wallace, rewrote it in 'modern' language. I really really appreciated that, and as a result, I love this book.
Ben Hur is such as well known book that, despite not having read it before, I know some parts of the story. I don't usually like historical fiction set during Jesus' time (having had a bad experience with The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare), but this one was really good.
Ben Hur is a Jew living during the time of Jesus in Jerusalem, and he hates the Romans who have taken over with a passion. Eventually Romans arrest him and his family, he gets sent to a galley ship, and becomes a slave. After rescuing a commander, he gets adopted by the commander, gains innumerable riches, and attempts to search for his family.
And...I won't spoil any more.
I loved the story line, I loved the characters, the book was amazing. One thing I didn't like, though, is how Judah Ben-Hur (the main character), at one point kills a man just to show his power. Although he regretted it further on, it was just..ehh for me. The only turn off for me for this book was the amount of killing/injury in the book.
I liked how Jesus was set into the story, and he's just portrayed as so...Christ like. The author never had Jesus say anything not in the Bible, keeping the authenticity of Christ, and I appreciated that a lot.
Also, can I just say...I never know Ben Hur was SO BIG! I absolutely loved that fact that I was able to read it in TWO DAYS (usually I finish books within a day).
June 17, 2023
Oh, my goodness. Where do I begin?
As an avid fan of both film versions of Ben-Hur (especially the new one!), I grew curious about the book itself. I chose to read this version, written by the original author's great granddaughter (which is pretty neat!)
Upon reading the very first page, I was instantly immersed! I could not put it down! There were so many surprises that I realized, this is VERY different from the movies! I find out that the story is much bigger than Judah's quest for vengeance against Messala. There are more memorable characters with active roles, and of course, Jesus Himself is... well, you will have to see for yourself.
For those of you who are fans of both/either films, PLEASE read the book. If not the original, then read this version, revised for today's audience. You'll find that the setting and plot is all the same. Just the language.
You won't be disappointed! I absolutely loved it!
As an avid fan of both film versions of Ben-Hur (especially the new one!), I grew curious about the book itself. I chose to read this version, written by the original author's great granddaughter (which is pretty neat!)
Upon reading the very first page, I was instantly immersed! I could not put it down! There were so many surprises that I realized, this is VERY different from the movies! I find out that the story is much bigger than Judah's quest for vengeance against Messala. There are more memorable characters with active roles, and of course, Jesus Himself is... well, you will have to see for yourself.
For those of you who are fans of both/either films, PLEASE read the book. If not the original, then read this version, revised for today's audience. You'll find that the setting and plot is all the same. Just the language.
You won't be disappointed! I absolutely loved it!
July 14, 2020
4.5 ⭐️
Nunca he visto la película, ni leído el libro original. Así que, el viaje con este libro ha sido nuevo y sin tener idea de lo que me iba a encontrar.
Me ha gustado la forma en cómo está narrado el libro, sin mencionar que tiene ilustraciones y datos muy interesantes.
Es intrigante y he sufrido con Ben-Hur cada situación en la que se encontraba.
Si quieres una linda historia de redención, llena de intriga y aventuras, este es libro adecuado para ti.
Nunca he visto la película, ni leído el libro original. Así que, el viaje con este libro ha sido nuevo y sin tener idea de lo que me iba a encontrar.
Me ha gustado la forma en cómo está narrado el libro, sin mencionar que tiene ilustraciones y datos muy interesantes.
Es intrigante y he sufrido con Ben-Hur cada situación en la que se encontraba.
Si quieres una linda historia de redención, llena de intriga y aventuras, este es libro adecuado para ti.
December 20, 2024
I loved the story of Ben-Hur as a kid. I found it exciting and an interesting way of encorperating a fun story into the gospel. There is no doubt that Carol Wallace did a good job rewriting what her great great grandfather originally wrote and making it more readable to a modern audience.
Judah had an interesting story and I fondly remember watching a cartoon of it as a kid. However, whilst the book was easy to follow, I found I didn't enjoy the story as much as I used to as a kid, especially the ending. I can respect the idea of it but it felt like an unnecessary addition to the story of Jesus even in a make believe scenario. The ending especially was like when children insert themselves into their favourite stories, pretending they're part of the main characters.
I found that I completely lost interest by the end and I think the book was trying to do too many things. Most of the time is spent focused on Judah with a Spartacus esque story and then suddenly he's a warrior for God and then Jesus enters. I guess I think the gospels and stories are perfect as they are and adding fake stories into this is unnecessary. I would opt for a 2.5 star rating but giving it 3 as it's nicer than 2.
Judah had an interesting story and I fondly remember watching a cartoon of it as a kid. However, whilst the book was easy to follow, I found I didn't enjoy the story as much as I used to as a kid, especially the ending. I can respect the idea of it but it felt like an unnecessary addition to the story of Jesus even in a make believe scenario. The ending especially was like when children insert themselves into their favourite stories, pretending they're part of the main characters.
I found that I completely lost interest by the end and I think the book was trying to do too many things. Most of the time is spent focused on Judah with a Spartacus esque story and then suddenly he's a warrior for God and then Jesus enters. I guess I think the gospels and stories are perfect as they are and adding fake stories into this is unnecessary. I would opt for a 2.5 star rating but giving it 3 as it's nicer than 2.
June 16, 2020
It’s a fascinating story of two friends growing up in first century Palestine. Masterfully weaving in the life and ministry of Jesus. I had not read the original by Lew Wallace, so I can’t compare them.
Since I was reading the book I recently rewatched the 2016 movie version and was greatly disappointed. I recognize a screen play can’t retain the breadth of the book. Yet the guts of the story have have removed and reimagined. It may be satisfying entertainment piece if you don’t know the book.
Both versions of the movie, understandably, focus greatly on the chariot race. It is presented in a very entertaining way in the book too. Yet it’s roll in the overall story is much more interesting and it happens at about the halfway point of the book.
My only criticism was the handling of Jesus’ interaction with John the Baptist. Felt the author missed an opportunity to further punctuate the uniqueness and divinity of Christ.
I “read” the audiobook and enjoyed the actor’s narration.
Since I was reading the book I recently rewatched the 2016 movie version and was greatly disappointed. I recognize a screen play can’t retain the breadth of the book. Yet the guts of the story have have removed and reimagined. It may be satisfying entertainment piece if you don’t know the book.
Both versions of the movie, understandably, focus greatly on the chariot race. It is presented in a very entertaining way in the book too. Yet it’s roll in the overall story is much more interesting and it happens at about the halfway point of the book.
My only criticism was the handling of Jesus’ interaction with John the Baptist. Felt the author missed an opportunity to further punctuate the uniqueness and divinity of Christ.
I “read” the audiobook and enjoyed the actor’s narration.
April 1, 2024
After finishing the original Ben-Hur I was really curious about this one mostly because it was written by Lew Wallace's great, great granddaughter and there were some things about the original that bugged me.
I easily got lost in the story even though I just finished the original! Carol Wallace got rid of the tiresome aspects while staying very true to the plot and characters. Also, the women in the story came to life more and I found myself connecting more with our main character. She was able to supply the emotional aspect that was a little lacking.
At the end of the book she writes about her great, great grandfather's life, how he came to write the novel, and how, even though it got off to a rocky start, it was wildly successful. That alone was worth the read!
My only complaints: in the original Ben-Hur the setting was carefully described in great detail. Carol intentionally cut most of that out. I understand her reasoning but I think she took it a little too far and lost the strong sense of place. In addition to that, and maybe more importantly to me, I missed seeing what happened to Masala and Iras in the ending. I wish she would have included that.
Overall, it was great and I would probably recommend this version to most people I know.
I easily got lost in the story even though I just finished the original! Carol Wallace got rid of the tiresome aspects while staying very true to the plot and characters. Also, the women in the story came to life more and I found myself connecting more with our main character. She was able to supply the emotional aspect that was a little lacking.
At the end of the book she writes about her great, great grandfather's life, how he came to write the novel, and how, even though it got off to a rocky start, it was wildly successful. That alone was worth the read!
My only complaints: in the original Ben-Hur the setting was carefully described in great detail. Carol intentionally cut most of that out. I understand her reasoning but I think she took it a little too far and lost the strong sense of place. In addition to that, and maybe more importantly to me, I missed seeing what happened to Masala and Iras in the ending. I wish she would have included that.
Overall, it was great and I would probably recommend this version to most people I know.
December 20, 2018
I loved this story and the underlying themes. I couldn't put it down. After seeing the latest Ben Hur movie, I knew I wanted to read the book. However, when I looked into it, the original book far exceeded my brain power. I opted for this newer simplified version by the original author's great-great-granddaughter. It did not disappoint.
January 9, 2020
Very good and well written story. This is a rewriting of an original Ben Hur by Lew Wallace (author's great-great grand father, which I haven't read) with modernized brushed-off language. It was also made into several big screen movies (which I haven't seen).
The story was quite straightforward and was in a nutshell rags to riches story with background in 1st century Palestine. I liked it a lot.
The ending felt a bit rushed and quite simplistic, but it didn't spoil the overall satisfaction from the story.
The story was quite straightforward and was in a nutshell rags to riches story with background in 1st century Palestine. I liked it a lot.
The ending felt a bit rushed and quite simplistic, but it didn't spoil the overall satisfaction from the story.
Read
June 16, 2017Loved it but would like to read the original.
March 19, 2020
I almost gave this book 4 stars because of the last 40 pages. I love the movie that came out 6-7 years ago. This book was just ok until the end when it focused on Christ and then it was really good. Overall - I liked it ok. It took me forever to read.
October 5, 2023
This audiobook wasn’t the book I had thought it was, but an updated edited version by the original author’s great-great-granddaughter. While the story is apparently the same, the language has been nipped and tucked to make it more appealing and accessible to modern readers. This was especially good as an audiobook.
February 5, 2024
DNF this for a while. I will go back to it in the near future.
July 9, 2023
5⭐ I loved it!
July 12, 2016
Author Carol Wallace has definitely “Breathed new life,” into her great-great grandfather’s masterpiece written in the 1800s. I felt the excitement seventeen year old Judah had when he ran around his house getting ready to meet his childhood friend, Messala, (son of a tax collector) who was returning home after five years in Rome. Juda was twelve and Messala was fourteen when they last saw each other. Messala finished his education and in the process became a Roman soldier. This man in front of Judah was a stranger, filled with beliefs they differed on. Messala says, “Jerusalem raised men to study, not to fight.”
Judah thinks, “Was fighting always wrong?” This young man starts to think about his future. He tells his mother, “I want to know what I don’t know! ..I want to be surprised! The world is large and Jerusalem is small. But I’m not allowed to look any further.”
Ben-Hur and his family get a huge surprise alright when Messala betrays him in public as the new Roman Governor walks through town. Judah’s faith and endurance is tested. Their family is stripped of everything.,,”the swift, violent reaction to an accident tears apart Judah’s world, separates him from his family, and ultimately turns him into a slave. It’s his longing for reunion that powers the rest of the book – along with his yearning for vengeance.” the author says in her notes to readers.
This novel focuses on three men about the same age and from completely different walks of life. Readers see the three (Messala, Judah and Jesus) make choices that have them walking on the same roads for different reasons. Sometimes their paths intersect. At other times they clash. All of them have opinions about the purpose and meaning to their lives. Judah Ben-Hur is asked to help the Nazarene be the King of the Jews. He doesn’t know what that means but he’s on the lookout for Jesus; to learn more about him and hear what he has to say.
I liked how the author showed what some Jews believed the role Jesus would play in Jerusalem. They believed he was born to be king of the Jews and that he would need their help to be King and bring Rome to its knees. I liked how Judah, Ben-Hur watched Jesus from a distance. Then he heard his message. It started to affect his wounded heart. It made him want to get closer to Him and had the courage to walk into Jesus's presence. Readers see Judah start to realize that Jesus didn’t need the army he had been training; and maybe he didn’t need their help at all.
I found the “Afterward” section to the book fascinating. There are about 10 pages that give readers the rest of the story; Lew Wallace’s biography and how Ben-Hur came into being. Lew Wallace was a General who fought in the civil war, became a lawyer after the war ended and for fun wrote novels. It was a great escape for him and a way for him to go on adventures and never be far from home. I found it interesting to read about the obstacles Lew faced on the ways to publication.
I was surprised to learn that one of the obstacles was the fact that Jesus Christ appeared as a character in a fiction novel. The author states, “No matter how reverent the portrayal, no matter that the author had only given Jesus dialogue that came direct from the gospels.” After the book was a success and they adapted it for stage one of the stipulations mandated by this author was that Jesus must never be played by a human. Instead, the Christ would be represented by a powerful beam of light.”
I purchased the original novel by Lew Wallace to read on my kindle. When I compared the two novels I saw what an amazing job Lew’s great, great granddaughter Carol Wallace has done in up-dating this novel to make it a more powerful, thought-provoking engaging read for today’s audience.
There is a new Ben-Hur film being released by MGM and Paramount studios August 2016. MGM studios originally made the full color epic film starring Charlton Heston in the 1950s. This would make a great book club field trip. Your group could discuss how the film is different and/or similar to the book. The author includes fifteen discussion questions to help create lively discussion for your meeting. I highly recommend this for your club and/or a great summer read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network site and Tyndale Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
Judah thinks, “Was fighting always wrong?” This young man starts to think about his future. He tells his mother, “I want to know what I don’t know! ..I want to be surprised! The world is large and Jerusalem is small. But I’m not allowed to look any further.”
Ben-Hur and his family get a huge surprise alright when Messala betrays him in public as the new Roman Governor walks through town. Judah’s faith and endurance is tested. Their family is stripped of everything.,,”the swift, violent reaction to an accident tears apart Judah’s world, separates him from his family, and ultimately turns him into a slave. It’s his longing for reunion that powers the rest of the book – along with his yearning for vengeance.” the author says in her notes to readers.
This novel focuses on three men about the same age and from completely different walks of life. Readers see the three (Messala, Judah and Jesus) make choices that have them walking on the same roads for different reasons. Sometimes their paths intersect. At other times they clash. All of them have opinions about the purpose and meaning to their lives. Judah Ben-Hur is asked to help the Nazarene be the King of the Jews. He doesn’t know what that means but he’s on the lookout for Jesus; to learn more about him and hear what he has to say.
I liked how the author showed what some Jews believed the role Jesus would play in Jerusalem. They believed he was born to be king of the Jews and that he would need their help to be King and bring Rome to its knees. I liked how Judah, Ben-Hur watched Jesus from a distance. Then he heard his message. It started to affect his wounded heart. It made him want to get closer to Him and had the courage to walk into Jesus's presence. Readers see Judah start to realize that Jesus didn’t need the army he had been training; and maybe he didn’t need their help at all.
I found the “Afterward” section to the book fascinating. There are about 10 pages that give readers the rest of the story; Lew Wallace’s biography and how Ben-Hur came into being. Lew Wallace was a General who fought in the civil war, became a lawyer after the war ended and for fun wrote novels. It was a great escape for him and a way for him to go on adventures and never be far from home. I found it interesting to read about the obstacles Lew faced on the ways to publication.
I was surprised to learn that one of the obstacles was the fact that Jesus Christ appeared as a character in a fiction novel. The author states, “No matter how reverent the portrayal, no matter that the author had only given Jesus dialogue that came direct from the gospels.” After the book was a success and they adapted it for stage one of the stipulations mandated by this author was that Jesus must never be played by a human. Instead, the Christ would be represented by a powerful beam of light.”
I purchased the original novel by Lew Wallace to read on my kindle. When I compared the two novels I saw what an amazing job Lew’s great, great granddaughter Carol Wallace has done in up-dating this novel to make it a more powerful, thought-provoking engaging read for today’s audience.
There is a new Ben-Hur film being released by MGM and Paramount studios August 2016. MGM studios originally made the full color epic film starring Charlton Heston in the 1950s. This would make a great book club field trip. Your group could discuss how the film is different and/or similar to the book. The author includes fifteen discussion questions to help create lively discussion for your meeting. I highly recommend this for your club and/or a great summer read!
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from The Book Club Network site and Tyndale Publishers. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine www.bookfunmagazine.com
November 30, 2016
I'm both surprised and happy to see that this book has a pretty high average rating. This means that Carol Wallace accomplished what she set out to do: provide a more accessable version of her great-great grandfather's classic tale of the Christ. Certainly those who love the original are bound to be disappointed but, of course, this book was not written with those people in mind. Let's be honest about this: Lew Wallace's prose was considered dated when it came out in the late nineteenth century! If critics considered it somewhat inaccessible even back then, certainly it is fair to think that it is inaccessible to modern readers.
Nor do I think that the charge that this book is typical modern-day Christian pablum a fair one. In my search for truly excellent writing in this genre, I have read far more of the most awful representatives of this genre than I care to admit. My biggest fear was that this book would come across as an advertisement for modern day Evangelical Christianity with another indigestible cardboard Christ. As in the original Ben-Hur, Jesus stays firmly in the background, although his role is somewhat more pronounced. More than anything else, I think, I appreciated this aspect.
The true gold in this book is the excellent afterword which gives a 15 page summary history of Lew Wallace's literary and political career, and a history of his most famous book. I recommend that even if you have no interest in reading the story, pick up a copy of the book from your local library and read the afterword. For those who don't have the time or inclination to do even this, I'll quote the bit that I found most fascinating:
As it happened, [well-known agnostic Robert] Ingersoll was on Lew Wallace's train to the Boys in Blue reunion on September 19, 1876. Ingersoll invited Lew into his private compartment, and as the train clattered along the rails towards Indianapolis, the two men started talking.
Basically, Ingersoll took Lew apart. Did Lew believe in Christ? Yes. Why? He didn't know. Had he read the Gospels? Um . . . some of them. Did he really believe in those miracles? Um . . . maybe. Why? Did Lew really beleive Jesus had risen from the dead? All that nonsense about Lazarus, three days dead and half-decomposed—how could an educated man believe such a thing?
Lew didn't know. He didn't know much, he realized. And his talk with Ingersoll embarrassed him. Faith was a vital issue in those days, and though Lew was no churchgoer, he recognized Christianity as fundamentally important. How could he, an educated, inquiring man, have reached his age without ever giving serious thought to his faith?
And then, being Lew Wallace, he decided to look into the issue, which meant writing a book about it. In fact, as he walked through the quite Indianapolis streets to his brother's house that night, he realized that he had already begun it. His novella about the voyage of the magi—what else was it but the beginning of a novel about Jesus? He'd already written the Nativity section, and it would obviously have to end with the Crucifixion. The material in between would bring to life the ancient world of Jesus' time—and Jesus himself.
Nor do I think that the charge that this book is typical modern-day Christian pablum a fair one. In my search for truly excellent writing in this genre, I have read far more of the most awful representatives of this genre than I care to admit. My biggest fear was that this book would come across as an advertisement for modern day Evangelical Christianity with another indigestible cardboard Christ. As in the original Ben-Hur, Jesus stays firmly in the background, although his role is somewhat more pronounced. More than anything else, I think, I appreciated this aspect.
The true gold in this book is the excellent afterword which gives a 15 page summary history of Lew Wallace's literary and political career, and a history of his most famous book. I recommend that even if you have no interest in reading the story, pick up a copy of the book from your local library and read the afterword. For those who don't have the time or inclination to do even this, I'll quote the bit that I found most fascinating:
As it happened, [well-known agnostic Robert] Ingersoll was on Lew Wallace's train to the Boys in Blue reunion on September 19, 1876. Ingersoll invited Lew into his private compartment, and as the train clattered along the rails towards Indianapolis, the two men started talking.
Basically, Ingersoll took Lew apart. Did Lew believe in Christ? Yes. Why? He didn't know. Had he read the Gospels? Um . . . some of them. Did he really believe in those miracles? Um . . . maybe. Why? Did Lew really beleive Jesus had risen from the dead? All that nonsense about Lazarus, three days dead and half-decomposed—how could an educated man believe such a thing?
Lew didn't know. He didn't know much, he realized. And his talk with Ingersoll embarrassed him. Faith was a vital issue in those days, and though Lew was no churchgoer, he recognized Christianity as fundamentally important. How could he, an educated, inquiring man, have reached his age without ever giving serious thought to his faith?
And then, being Lew Wallace, he decided to look into the issue, which meant writing a book about it. In fact, as he walked through the quite Indianapolis streets to his brother's house that night, he realized that he had already begun it. His novella about the voyage of the magi—what else was it but the beginning of a novel about Jesus? He'd already written the Nativity section, and it would obviously have to end with the Crucifixion. The material in between would bring to life the ancient world of Jesus' time—and Jesus himself.
September 2, 2016
I was going to try to come up with a somewhat shorter review for this, but, hey. It's Ben-Hur, folks. Besides, it was a pretty special decision of mine to read Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by author Carol Wallace.
Lover of classic literature that I am, I'm not someone who "worships" classics or who thinks all of them have to be marvelous to me just because they're old and celebrated. But even with its few aspects that I must have read with a lifted eyebrow, I truly appreciated the original Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace, finding it engrossing, thought-provoking, and amazing on more than one level.
I'll admit that I don't normally go for contemporary adaptations of classics when the originals are available. It's not my preference to read a reworded or whittled down version that may leave out much of what the first author wrote, since it was written for a reason, and I'm not looking for an easier read. Even if a classic novel may be a challenge, I'd rather set out to rise to that challenge.
With that said, I chose to read this 2016 adaptation of a novel from 1880 specifically because the present author is a direct part of her great-great-grandfather's legacy. I was curious to see exactly what she did with his work.
And I think Carol Wallace has done a fine job, taking the great material she had to work with and doing justice to it for a new audience. There's action and intrigue, tragedy and triumph on the journey that leads Judah Ben-Hur to a peculiar Nazarene, the one who's rumored to be the imminent king who'll liberate his people from Roman rule.
The historical and biblical settings on land and sea are wonderfully realized, and I especially enjoyed Judah's process through disillusionment, rage, determination, and the path that ultimately humbles and gives him a new purpose. I wasn't particularly impressed by the romance here but wasn't expecting it to be one of this story's strongest points anyway. I did miss the omitted opening, some of the dialogue, and Judah's musings that were left out, as I found much of the original novel's richness in those parts, but not everyone will miss them. And I liked the depiction of Christ here better, as the older version of the character came off as overdone and soft to me, too much of an ethereal beauty.
My inevitable comparisons of the two novels aside, I still enjoyed this new work from beginning to end. I'm sure many other historical and biblical fiction fans who like epic reads will enjoy it as well.
______________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
Lover of classic literature that I am, I'm not someone who "worships" classics or who thinks all of them have to be marvelous to me just because they're old and celebrated. But even with its few aspects that I must have read with a lifted eyebrow, I truly appreciated the original Ben-Hur by Lew Wallace, finding it engrossing, thought-provoking, and amazing on more than one level.
I'll admit that I don't normally go for contemporary adaptations of classics when the originals are available. It's not my preference to read a reworded or whittled down version that may leave out much of what the first author wrote, since it was written for a reason, and I'm not looking for an easier read. Even if a classic novel may be a challenge, I'd rather set out to rise to that challenge.
With that said, I chose to read this 2016 adaptation of a novel from 1880 specifically because the present author is a direct part of her great-great-grandfather's legacy. I was curious to see exactly what she did with his work.
And I think Carol Wallace has done a fine job, taking the great material she had to work with and doing justice to it for a new audience. There's action and intrigue, tragedy and triumph on the journey that leads Judah Ben-Hur to a peculiar Nazarene, the one who's rumored to be the imminent king who'll liberate his people from Roman rule.
The historical and biblical settings on land and sea are wonderfully realized, and I especially enjoyed Judah's process through disillusionment, rage, determination, and the path that ultimately humbles and gives him a new purpose. I wasn't particularly impressed by the romance here but wasn't expecting it to be one of this story's strongest points anyway. I did miss the omitted opening, some of the dialogue, and Judah's musings that were left out, as I found much of the original novel's richness in those parts, but not everyone will miss them. And I liked the depiction of Christ here better, as the older version of the character came off as overdone and soft to me, too much of an ethereal beauty.
My inevitable comparisons of the two novels aside, I still enjoyed this new work from beginning to end. I'm sure many other historical and biblical fiction fans who like epic reads will enjoy it as well.
______________
Tyndale House provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for an honest review.
February 23, 2017
Excellent retelling of her great great grandfather's novel bringing it up to date! I really enjoyed it but couldn't stop wondering what it would've read like if I hadn't seen the films so many times? I was visualizing Charlton Heston the whole time!
September 12, 2016
I had actually never heard of this book until I saw the 2016 movie trailer. But that trailer captured my attention and so when I saw this book I was really excited to read it. That said, since this edition is a modern adaptation, my review will include both my opinion of the story as is and my opinion of it as a modern story, though I cannot fully compare it to the original.
If you love Biblical fiction, as well as the more wandering tales found in classics, and yet are less comfortable with the language of many of those classics, this should be a good fit for you. Ben-Hur is an intriguing read that follows Judah through a number of different settings and situations. The history is phenomenally woven in, as are the Biblical aspects. Taking into account that it was originally written more than a hundred years ago, back before today's standard of editing, I found the story itself to be well worth the hype surrounding it.
It is difficult to critique this as a modern adaptation, as I have not read the original to know how much as changed. However, the book did not live up to my interpretation of a modern story. From what other reviewers have said, the edition is considerable shorter, with much of the descriptions and internal musing removed in order to make the story more palatable and also to fix pacing issues. Yet there were other issues that Carol Wallace did not fix. One that stood out to me were the number of times that the story would contradicted itself in ways that could have been remedied by the change of a sentence or two.
Ben-Hur is a great story, one I am still glad to have read. However, there is still much that I think could have been improved upon in a modern adaptation.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you love Biblical fiction, as well as the more wandering tales found in classics, and yet are less comfortable with the language of many of those classics, this should be a good fit for you. Ben-Hur is an intriguing read that follows Judah through a number of different settings and situations. The history is phenomenally woven in, as are the Biblical aspects. Taking into account that it was originally written more than a hundred years ago, back before today's standard of editing, I found the story itself to be well worth the hype surrounding it.
It is difficult to critique this as a modern adaptation, as I have not read the original to know how much as changed. However, the book did not live up to my interpretation of a modern story. From what other reviewers have said, the edition is considerable shorter, with much of the descriptions and internal musing removed in order to make the story more palatable and also to fix pacing issues. Yet there were other issues that Carol Wallace did not fix. One that stood out to me were the number of times that the story would contradicted itself in ways that could have been remedied by the change of a sentence or two.
Ben-Hur is a great story, one I am still glad to have read. However, there is still much that I think could have been improved upon in a modern adaptation.
I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2016
The author attempted to put her great, great grandfather's novel in more modern language and make it more interesting for today's readers. I have never read the original to know what it was like, but I have read the movie and it seems to stick to it pretty well.
Since I never read the first book, I shall treat this as a new book I have never read, instead of an updated version of the book.
The book is set in the time of Jesus and centers around a young Israelite prince wrongly accused of attempted murder and betrayed by his best friend. It follows his imprisonment and life afterwards with his path crossing the path of Jesus several times. It was indeed an interesting and easy read, and was a book I didn't want to put down, but had to several times. The author brought the book to life in such a way that it was easy to picture the scenes in my mind.
My one complaint is the author skipped over the resurrection and Judah coming to believe in Christ, though they were referenced later in the book. I liked the whole plot, setting, and characters. One part of the book that stood out was the famed chariot race. The author did a tremendous job of describing that in (I think) more pages than the original book spent on the race.
The book contains some photos from the movie, along with a mini biography about the original author.
This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
Since I never read the first book, I shall treat this as a new book I have never read, instead of an updated version of the book.
The book is set in the time of Jesus and centers around a young Israelite prince wrongly accused of attempted murder and betrayed by his best friend. It follows his imprisonment and life afterwards with his path crossing the path of Jesus several times. It was indeed an interesting and easy read, and was a book I didn't want to put down, but had to several times. The author brought the book to life in such a way that it was easy to picture the scenes in my mind.
My one complaint is the author skipped over the resurrection and Judah coming to believe in Christ, though they were referenced later in the book. I liked the whole plot, setting, and characters. One part of the book that stood out was the famed chariot race. The author did a tremendous job of describing that in (I think) more pages than the original book spent on the race.
The book contains some photos from the movie, along with a mini biography about the original author.
This book was given to me in exchange for my honest review.
June 22, 2016
Classic Wonderful Book
I read Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Carol Wallace. I choose to read this book because I heard of it and know its a classic, but never actually read it. I am glad I choose to read this book though because it was a wonderful read. The story is an old one, but it is one that modern readers still find fascinating. This story is filled with lots of emotions of the main character. From anger, revenge, courage, drive to changing and becoming forgiving, and peaceful, The book is one of inspiration and discusses the power of redemption. I recommend this book to those that have not read it. Its a great story. I also recommend this book to those that read it long in the past. Its one of those great stories that you can read about again.
I also didn't realize it, but the new version of the movie is coming to movie theaters this summer. Now I loved the story so will see the movie, but hope it can stand up to such a great book. I have found many times the movies don't do the book justice.
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.
I read Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ by Carol Wallace. I choose to read this book because I heard of it and know its a classic, but never actually read it. I am glad I choose to read this book though because it was a wonderful read. The story is an old one, but it is one that modern readers still find fascinating. This story is filled with lots of emotions of the main character. From anger, revenge, courage, drive to changing and becoming forgiving, and peaceful, The book is one of inspiration and discusses the power of redemption. I recommend this book to those that have not read it. Its a great story. I also recommend this book to those that read it long in the past. Its one of those great stories that you can read about again.
I also didn't realize it, but the new version of the movie is coming to movie theaters this summer. Now I loved the story so will see the movie, but hope it can stand up to such a great book. I have found many times the movies don't do the book justice.
I received this book free from Tyndale Publishing in exchange for my honest opinion.
July 15, 2016
Originally published in 1880, Wallace has updated her great, great grandfather’s novel using language for today’s readers. This is a meaty tale filled with adventure, family and faith. The only drawback is that the events after the crucifixion are almost glossed over. With so much lead-in, the ending epilogue feels tacked on. Overall, this is a book to be savored.
Judah Ben-Hur accidentally knocks a tile from his roof while watching the procession of the newest procurator. His error slightly injures the man, but he is accused of attempted assassination by his Roman friend Messala. Judah is sentenced to life as a slave on a galley ship, and his family is taken into captivity. Through miraculous circumstances, Judah survives. An encounter with a man who claims to have seen the Messiah leads Judah to begin plans to help this “King of the Jews” rise in power against the Romans. Yet is this really what this “King” intends?
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
Judah Ben-Hur accidentally knocks a tile from his roof while watching the procession of the newest procurator. His error slightly injures the man, but he is accused of attempted assassination by his Roman friend Messala. Judah is sentenced to life as a slave on a galley ship, and his family is taken into captivity. Through miraculous circumstances, Judah survives. An encounter with a man who claims to have seen the Messiah leads Judah to begin plans to help this “King of the Jews” rise in power against the Romans. Yet is this really what this “King” intends?
https://www.rtbookreviews.com/book-re...
April 30, 2022
Let me begin this review by saying that I have not read the original text, nor had I seen the movies before reading this book, nor am I religious although I have some familiarity with Biblical texts.
With this out of the way, I enjoyed this story and while reading it, it is evident why this story has remained relevant over the past 150 years or so. Were I able to give 3.5 stars, I would do so. Following our underdog Ben-Hur through his hardships in Roman occupied Judea and seeing him overcome them is always entertaining and I felt myself rooting for him whenever relevant.
The major theme in the story is clear from the first page: christianity and the birth of christianity. This to me felt as both the strongest and the weakest part of the story. The love of and for Jesus is, sometimes literally, wonderfully described and the stark contrast with the Romans makes this shine brighter. On the other hand, this description of christianity makes the story feel predictable or one-dimensional.
One example in this is that all Romans feel 'bad' and all Jewish/Christian people feel 'good' with some minor exceptions. Apart from this, while Ben-Hur is a great character, with great inner monologue, other characters fall flat. The timid wife to be, the changed childhood friend, the femme fatale, these characters feel predictable and cliché. However, taking into consideration the age of the book, I think we should forgive classics this flaw.
Overall this trimmed down version of the classic tale (more tempo and fewer flowery descriptions according to the author), is an interesting read on religion, and the good parts of christianity specifically, all the while following a great underdog story. The best summarisation is that this story is a classic and its characters are a result of this.
With this out of the way, I enjoyed this story and while reading it, it is evident why this story has remained relevant over the past 150 years or so. Were I able to give 3.5 stars, I would do so. Following our underdog Ben-Hur through his hardships in Roman occupied Judea and seeing him overcome them is always entertaining and I felt myself rooting for him whenever relevant.
The major theme in the story is clear from the first page: christianity and the birth of christianity. This to me felt as both the strongest and the weakest part of the story. The love of and for Jesus is, sometimes literally, wonderfully described and the stark contrast with the Romans makes this shine brighter. On the other hand, this description of christianity makes the story feel predictable or one-dimensional.
One example in this is that all Romans feel 'bad' and all Jewish/Christian people feel 'good' with some minor exceptions. Apart from this, while Ben-Hur is a great character, with great inner monologue, other characters fall flat. The timid wife to be, the changed childhood friend, the femme fatale, these characters feel predictable and cliché. However, taking into consideration the age of the book, I think we should forgive classics this flaw.
Overall this trimmed down version of the classic tale (more tempo and fewer flowery descriptions according to the author), is an interesting read on religion, and the good parts of christianity specifically, all the while following a great underdog story. The best summarisation is that this story is a classic and its characters are a result of this.
May 15, 2017
Ben-Hur, A Tale of the Christ, is a very adept and satisfying rewrite of the original, best-selling novel by Lew Wallace. The author is the great-great-granddaughter of Lew Wallace. She has crafted an updated, easier-to-read version, full of action and drama, in keeping with the original story.
Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman, is falsely accused of attempted murder of the Roman governor, as he parades through the streets. The accuser is Judah’s childhood friend, a Roman soldier, whom he has only encountered once since their lives took different paths. Sentenced to the galley ships with no chance of freedom, he vows revenge upon Messala for this atrocity. Not only is his life ruined, the lives of his mother and his sister are changed forever.
Through several chance and fortuitous encounters, Judah’s life is turned around. On the ship, where Judah serves in the galley, the Roman tribune, Arrius, takes interest in him and his story. During battle Judah saves the tribune who then adopts Judah as his son. Another encounter is the one with the wealthy Ilderim who sees Judah as a potential charioteer for his team of fast steeds. The most important encounter is the one with Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth. All of these contribute to his life and destiny.
I recommend this novel which contains all of the intrigue, romance, and drama of the earlier work but without the difficulty of reading. I received this novel through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman, is falsely accused of attempted murder of the Roman governor, as he parades through the streets. The accuser is Judah’s childhood friend, a Roman soldier, whom he has only encountered once since their lives took different paths. Sentenced to the galley ships with no chance of freedom, he vows revenge upon Messala for this atrocity. Not only is his life ruined, the lives of his mother and his sister are changed forever.
Through several chance and fortuitous encounters, Judah’s life is turned around. On the ship, where Judah serves in the galley, the Roman tribune, Arrius, takes interest in him and his story. During battle Judah saves the tribune who then adopts Judah as his son. Another encounter is the one with the wealthy Ilderim who sees Judah as a potential charioteer for his team of fast steeds. The most important encounter is the one with Jesus, the carpenter from Nazareth. All of these contribute to his life and destiny.
I recommend this novel which contains all of the intrigue, romance, and drama of the earlier work but without the difficulty of reading. I received this novel through TBCN in exchange for an honest review.
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