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The Body
A skeleton found in Jerusalem, believed to be the body of Jesus, may plunge the world into “Totally riveting—right up to the last page” (The San Diego Union). In a hidden tomb in the ancient city of Jerusalem, the skeleton of a man who died two millennia ago is uncovered by Israeli archaeologist Sharon Golban and her team. The body bears the unmistakable marks of crucifixion; an inscription written in Aramaic identifies the remains as belonging to the “King of the Jews.” It is a discovery that could rock the civilized world—inciting riots, toppling governments, and destroying the very foundations of the Christian Church—if it is truly the unrisen body of Jesus Christ. Dispatched by the Vatican to investigate in secret, Jesuit priest and former US Marine Jim Folan joins Dr. Golban in a frantic race to uncover the truth. The shocking revelations that await them will test his beliefs, his will, and his sanity as never before—leading Father Folan and his beautiful, brilliant partner into forbidden temptations while casting them both into a roaring maelstrom of fanatical faith and deadly politics. The Body is an ingenious “what if” tale that combines action, science, discovery, romance, and spirituality. Acclaimed author Richard Ben Sapir envelops the reader in the rich atmosphere of the mysterious and volatile Middle East while providing an enthralling adventure certain to provoke deep thought and inspire debate.
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1983
222 people are currently reading
326 people want to read
About the author
Richard Ben Sapir
9 books18 followersUnder this name, Richard Ben Sapir wrote standalone
thriller/fantasy novels.
Under the name Richard Sapir, he was the creator and original author, with Warren Murphy of the immensely popular series The Destroyer.
thriller/fantasy novels.
Under the name Richard Sapir, he was the creator and original author, with Warren Murphy of the immensely popular series The Destroyer.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 25, 2015
Fascinating
This book is perfect for the Christmas season, when I read it. It examines the basic premise of Christianity; that Jesus rose from the dead, and what would happen to two thousand years of faith if that were demonstrably untrue. Along the way it discusses the bible, Judaism, Islam, and the politics of the Middle East. Jim Folan, S.J., is a real man who became a priest, not a construct, but a real man who any of us might know. His spiritual and emotional journey through the book is as good as a character on a novel gets.
The ending is a shocker. It's also a warning against false conclusions and over reliance on technology.
I highly recommend this book.
This book is perfect for the Christmas season, when I read it. It examines the basic premise of Christianity; that Jesus rose from the dead, and what would happen to two thousand years of faith if that were demonstrably untrue. Along the way it discusses the bible, Judaism, Islam, and the politics of the Middle East. Jim Folan, S.J., is a real man who became a priest, not a construct, but a real man who any of us might know. His spiritual and emotional journey through the book is as good as a character on a novel gets.
The ending is a shocker. It's also a warning against false conclusions and over reliance on technology.
I highly recommend this book.
July 8, 2020
A Tangle of Opposing Needs
This book was, for me, one of the best of the genre. Better than Dan Brown. The story revolves around a skeleton found in a cave below the streets of Jerusalem. The entryway is blocked by a heavy stone, and there is a rust stain on the tibia (the larger of the two lower leg bones), and a ceramic disk on the chest that bears the word 'king'. The Vatican is alerted, and they go through a highly secretive selection process to find an appropriate priest to be sent to investigate. The priest selected is teamed with the Jewish female archaeologist who headed the dig that found the body. What could possibly go wrong with such a situation?
Richard Ben Sapir was a journalist before he turned to writing novels, and it shows in his writing style. He keeps the story moving, through all the twists and turns of the Vatican's relationships with Muslims, Jews , Orthodox and the politics bound to be problematic around such a find. No matter that we've seen similar themes. No matter whether you are faithful or agnostic. This book drew me in, and I'm a retired pastor. And while I could see that the solution had to have consequences such as Ben Salir leads us to, I did not expect his explanation at the end.
I wish he had not died at an early age. His talent was amazing.
This book was, for me, one of the best of the genre. Better than Dan Brown. The story revolves around a skeleton found in a cave below the streets of Jerusalem. The entryway is blocked by a heavy stone, and there is a rust stain on the tibia (the larger of the two lower leg bones), and a ceramic disk on the chest that bears the word 'king'. The Vatican is alerted, and they go through a highly secretive selection process to find an appropriate priest to be sent to investigate. The priest selected is teamed with the Jewish female archaeologist who headed the dig that found the body. What could possibly go wrong with such a situation?
Richard Ben Sapir was a journalist before he turned to writing novels, and it shows in his writing style. He keeps the story moving, through all the twists and turns of the Vatican's relationships with Muslims, Jews , Orthodox and the politics bound to be problematic around such a find. No matter that we've seen similar themes. No matter whether you are faithful or agnostic. This book drew me in, and I'm a retired pastor. And while I could see that the solution had to have consequences such as Ben Salir leads us to, I did not expect his explanation at the end.
I wish he had not died at an early age. His talent was amazing.
February 21, 2012
This book was published in 1983 and is probably a very early example of the archaeology/suspense genre that is so popular today.
It is an extremely interesting premise: Is the body found in a Jerusalem tomb that of the unrisen Jesus?
Jim Folan, former Marine who worked for the CIA and now a Jesuit priest, is sent by the Vatican to discover the story of the body. He works with a Jewish archaeologist who found the body.
They begin an affair in the months during which Jim is investigating.
Jim comes to believe that the body is that of Jesus and attempts to steal it rather than see it become a pawn in the politics of the Middle East. He crosses into Syria with the bones which he then believes are destroyed by an agent of the KGB.
Back in Rome to deliver his report to the Pope, Jim is distraught and begs for release from his priestly vows so he can return and marry his lover.
The book ends with a surprise for Jim, his lover, and the reader.
Very well-written with good characters. Probably a good deal of the political machinations are what would have happened in 1983 is such an archaeological find was really made. Overall, a good story that held my interest. I wouldn't bother reading it again, though.
It was made into a movie @2001 with Antonio Banderas as Jim.
It is an extremely interesting premise: Is the body found in a Jerusalem tomb that of the unrisen Jesus?
Jim Folan, former Marine who worked for the CIA and now a Jesuit priest, is sent by the Vatican to discover the story of the body. He works with a Jewish archaeologist who found the body.
They begin an affair in the months during which Jim is investigating.
Jim comes to believe that the body is that of Jesus and attempts to steal it rather than see it become a pawn in the politics of the Middle East. He crosses into Syria with the bones which he then believes are destroyed by an agent of the KGB.
Back in Rome to deliver his report to the Pope, Jim is distraught and begs for release from his priestly vows so he can return and marry his lover.
The book ends with a surprise for Jim, his lover, and the reader.
Very well-written with good characters. Probably a good deal of the political machinations are what would have happened in 1983 is such an archaeological find was really made. Overall, a good story that held my interest. I wouldn't bother reading it again, though.
It was made into a movie @2001 with Antonio Banderas as Jim.
September 22, 2019
3.5 stars.
Picked this up on my mom's recommendation after I couldn't get past the first few pages of the similar book A Skeleton in God's Closet. I'm agnostic, and while the plot sounded intriguing, I didn't want to be preached at. (Plus, the dialogue was terrible.) The Body was, as promised, far superior. I think the synopsis does the book a disservice by suggesting it's an action-packed espionage thriller. In reality, it's quite introspective and heavy on character. The main character is a Jesuit priest, but he is also a man, with a man's struggles, doubts, and temptations. I enjoyed his personality, and the look into how he reacted when his faith was shaken. I wasn't so much a fan of the ending, which I would have preferred to be more ambiguous and open to interpretation, but I enjoyed the ride.
Picked this up on my mom's recommendation after I couldn't get past the first few pages of the similar book A Skeleton in God's Closet. I'm agnostic, and while the plot sounded intriguing, I didn't want to be preached at. (Plus, the dialogue was terrible.) The Body was, as promised, far superior. I think the synopsis does the book a disservice by suggesting it's an action-packed espionage thriller. In reality, it's quite introspective and heavy on character. The main character is a Jesuit priest, but he is also a man, with a man's struggles, doubts, and temptations. I enjoyed his personality, and the look into how he reacted when his faith was shaken. I wasn't so much a fan of the ending, which I would have preferred to be more ambiguous and open to interpretation, but I enjoyed the ride.
October 11, 2018
Interesting story
Interesting story but somewhat hard to follow. Too many characters with back stories that added to the confusion. It does come together by the end with some twists. Unfortunately the characters were not well developed and therefore hard to care about. Choppy writing was a distraction.
Interesting story but somewhat hard to follow. Too many characters with back stories that added to the confusion. It does come together by the end with some twists. Unfortunately the characters were not well developed and therefore hard to care about. Choppy writing was a distraction.
December 1, 2015
It was interesting to read about the different religions in Jerusalem and to think about all the archaeologists go through when finding artifacts and bones. I didn't like the idea that it was Jesus' body but it all turned out ok in the end...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2019
Por la cresta! Que buen libro! Que libro más espectacular!!!!! Otro libro a la lista de los esenciales en mi vida
Evaluación: 10 estrellas si fuera posible darlas
Evaluación: 10 estrellas si fuera posible darlas
August 8, 2020
THE BODY by Richard Ben Sapir recalls a number of novels of several decades ago proposing theories of the empty tomb in which the crucified Jesus was placed. This one, however, is not only well-written fiction, but filled with thoughtful, well-researched, thought-provoking moments of theological, historical, biographical, and cultural references. Very brief summary: a Jesuit priest is chosen by the pope and his Secretary of State to investigate an archaeological dig in Jerusalem that has uncovered a body and tomb remarkably resembling the account in the Gospels of Jesus' death and burial. He struggles with his faith and faithfulness to his vows as a priest as he investigates, with intense pressures and interests in play from the Vatican, the state of Israel, Russia, and Jewish leaders. One of the most enjoyable books I've read this year, and an ending that will surprise and satisfy. Five stars.
May 17, 2025
I watched the film of this a few years back so thought I’d give the book a go. It’s quite laborious. A crucified body is found dating to the time of Jesus. Could it be him? If so then Christianity is out the window, as it would prove that Jesus hadn’t risen from the grave.
The writing was all over the place at times and difficult to comprehend. The ending regarding the body being a young man having been put in the hidden tomb by his father didn’t pan out either, as the dating of the bones was a male 30 to 35, not a young man. Average age of death back then was 30. That was classed as very mature. Bit shoddy to be honest. Also the Jesuit priest and the female archaeologist are constantly horny for each other. As if 😂
The writing was all over the place at times and difficult to comprehend. The ending regarding the body being a young man having been put in the hidden tomb by his father didn’t pan out either, as the dating of the bones was a male 30 to 35, not a young man. Average age of death back then was 30. That was classed as very mature. Bit shoddy to be honest. Also the Jesuit priest and the female archaeologist are constantly horny for each other. As if 😂
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 20, 2008
What I like so much about this book is that it takes on a simiilar them that Dan Browne's books take (Angels and Demons and The Da Vinci Code) and yet was written at least 10 years earlier.
May 26, 2009
As you can see from the cover, the book is about the search of Christ's body. A wonderful book that really makes you think. They've filmed this at some point, although I missed the movie.
July 21, 2013
provocative, "what if" book.
July 27, 2015
Made a person think, about religion but did not convince me of anything new. Took a long time to get thru this book.
August 8, 2025
I truly enjoyed this book. It was easy to read and engages the reader from the beginning. I was half way through when I realized that I just finished another book from the same author, also very engaging. The subject of the book really pulls one in and I thought the development of the characters was outstanding. Religion and spirituality are in the forefront but you do not get bogged down in belief systems. You get a real feel for who the priest and the architect were. I also liked the way other story lines were brought in to the mix. There were many threads that all came together eventually. I highly recommend this novel.
December 14, 2017
Even though this was written over 30 years ago many of the same tensions still exist in Israel and the Middle East. A body is discovered in a tomb beneath the streets of Jerusalem. The body had been crucified and bore the same wounds as Jesus. Is this His body? Lots of interesting facts about history, archaeology, and religion. Overall, I found the book to be tragic, sad, and ironic. Still worth reading.
September 6, 2020
Masterful...
The precision of the writing is superb. The masterful blending of pain, love, belief, faith, intention are so very rare. Ben Sapir has taken a difficult & volatile subject, and crafted a book of uncommon compassion, wisdom & hope: it is at once a work that creates a new standard in literature, and a work that honors the three Abrahamic Faiths with a depth and maturity that truly speaks of God beyond the deformed thinking of factional dogma...
The precision of the writing is superb. The masterful blending of pain, love, belief, faith, intention are so very rare. Ben Sapir has taken a difficult & volatile subject, and crafted a book of uncommon compassion, wisdom & hope: it is at once a work that creates a new standard in literature, and a work that honors the three Abrahamic Faiths with a depth and maturity that truly speaks of God beyond the deformed thinking of factional dogma...
May 9, 2023
Started this book because I just finished the author’s book “The Far Arena” (which I loved). The first two chapters were great. I thought the pace & clear story line would continue…I am in chapter 5, and cannot go on. Maybe I should have written character notes to refer to but too late.. I am listening to the audio. Not my favorite narrator.. I will try another book by the author cuz I really enjoyed The Far Arena!
May 22, 2017
Loved the story and the characters (Sapir was a true master of character building), and the religious implications were really thought-provoking. I wasn't really satisfied with the ending, however.
May 6, 2025
Somewhat predictable, but a good story.
An Israeli archeologist is assigned by the government to study what appear the bones of Christ. The Vatican assigns a Jesuit with a past to the project. The implications are momentous, drawing a host of religious fanatics, terrorists and the KGB. Interesting premise, well written and suspenseful.
An Israeli archeologist is assigned by the government to study what appear the bones of Christ. The Vatican assigns a Jesuit with a past to the project. The implications are momentous, drawing a host of religious fanatics, terrorists and the KGB. Interesting premise, well written and suspenseful.
September 16, 2019
Interesting premise
I really found this book to be interesting. Well written but starts out slow. If I was the author O would have left off the last chapters. It all got seen up e very question answered . I would have preferred an ending that could be dicussed.
I really found this book to be interesting. Well written but starts out slow. If I was the author O would have left off the last chapters. It all got seen up e very question answered . I would have preferred an ending that could be dicussed.
June 1, 2021
A Stunning Premise
Sapir brings together elements of theology, sectarian strife, and humanity into a riveting and well written story with impressive research and deft pacing. What if the body in an archeological dig is the unrisen remains of Jesus?
Sapir brings together elements of theology, sectarian strife, and humanity into a riveting and well written story with impressive research and deft pacing. What if the body in an archeological dig is the unrisen remains of Jesus?
January 1, 2026
This is a Dan Brown type mystery written 20 years before The Da Vinci Code. It is one of the best, most exciting and riveting books I’ve ever read, and it has a killer ending that comes out of nowhere.
February 26, 2017
Not a smooth read, choppy and hard to keep reading.
August 1, 2017
A thoroughly gripping read. Fascinating.
February 11, 2019
Very good historical fiction based in Jerusalem. Did an excellent job of portraying the complexity of modern day Israel with religions
November 1, 2019
Excellent read, based on a fascinating premise. A bit disappointing in parts, including the ending, but overall worth 5 stars.
September 11, 2020
Well written but....
I didn't like the ending. There were times it seemed to go slow. It seems it was very well researched.
I didn't like the ending. There were times it seemed to go slow. It seems it was very well researched.
May 15, 2021
Um corpo é descoberto numa escavação em Jerusalém, um padre Jesuíta Americano é chamado a averiguar a identidade.
Actual e bom entretenimento.
Actual e bom entretenimento.
Read
August 22, 2023Terrific overview presented in clear, concise, and cogent language.
February 13, 2024
Great drama in the Holyland!!!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews