Quintus

by R. Weerstand

The history of the Church in a.d. 64 is written with blood and tears. This book, based on historical facts, relates what happened in Rome in the summer of that year. It is a gripping chronicle. In the story we meet Quintus, the central character. He is a typical Roman boy, who through a number of ordeals experiences the grace of God.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Christianity, Childrens

136 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Nathaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this a long time ago. Just forgot about it until today. Don’t really remember my thoughts lol.

[Godly Gadfly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining, educational, enriching: persecuted Christians in Rome. (5 stars)

Quintus is a Roman boy from around 64AD. First a pagan, he comes to learn about the Christians, his initial curiosity eventually becoming more than just a passing interest. The book chronicles his spiritual growth over a short period of time.

In the course of events, Weerstand weaves in all the typical circumstances faced by the early Christian church: the house congregation, secret meetings, hidden refuge in the catacombs, the fire of Rome, persecution under Nero, and of course the famous arena, where gladiators fought to the death, and Christians were thrown to the lions. We even meet some of the Bible characters such as the tentmaker Acquilla and his wife Priscilla.

Quintus is a very suitable story to read aloud to older children - not only to entertain, but to educate. Readers are treated to a enriching picture of the early church and its enemies in first century Rome, and along with Quintus, reminded of the only comfort in life and death: Jesus Christ.

[Heather Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as did my kids, but it was VERY graphically violent. I’m typically not one to shy away from harsh realities in our read alouds, but this one was a little over the top at times and I found myself trying to edit on the fly. For clarity, the part about the Christians being used as human torches for Nero’s party, while awful, wasn’t as graphic as the descriptions of the wild animal attacks in the arena. The book painted an all too clear picture of the gory scene as it unfolded. I would not hand this book to a child below high school level to read independently, but if you don’t mind censoring as you go, it is a good family read aloud that does a great job portraying the life of Christians under Nero’s rule.

[Judy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book helped me to understand a bit better how someone immersed in the Roman culture of biblical times would have viewed Christians and Christianity. It was also helpful and understanding Nero, his fascination with the arena, his burning of Rome and the consequent persecution of the Christian church. It was not particularly well written nor did it always hold my attention, but it does have value. A bit gruesome, especially the end, but undoubtedly based on history.

[Candace · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical fiction during the reign of Nero. We ought to be thankful and dismayed that our first century Christian ancestors were so bold in light of great persecution. Quintus, a Roman boy, comes in contact with followers of Christ for the first time. Riveting. Candace read 2/08--very intense, but amazing.

[Amelia Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is probably my third time reading this book, and every time I've read it it's made me sad, angry and conflicted throughout. It's compelling and thought provoking and particularly pointed at middle school/high school kids. I really enjoy it and the ideas it portrays.

[Katie Rew · Rating 5 out of 5]

A simple story, but inspiring.

[Peter Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book for three reasons.

First, it gave me a ground level picture of Rome in the 1st century. We get see the amphitheaters, rich homes, poor homes, Rome during the day, Rome at night, a house-church meeting, meetings in the catacombs, and Nero in his palace.

Second, it reminded me of the brutality of the Roman Empire at that time and the great courage our fathers and mothers in the faith had. Several scenes in the book describe in graphic terms the martyring of Christians. My kids eyes got big as the author described Christians being burned for the faith. It reminded us all that of what loyalty to Jesus really means.

Third, I enjoyed the depiction of the pastor/elder who lead the Christians into the arena. He was a man full of faith in Christ and love for his people.

[Trish · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was translated from the Dutch, so there are a few problems I had with it: namely, words like 'uptight' and 'girlfriend' probably should not be in an historical fiction of A.D. 54 and the time of Nero. Also, the graphic details of unwanted babies thrown out into the streets, the Christians being used as torches for Nero's garden party, as well as being eaten by wild beasts in the arena as a spectacle for Nero and guests - well, this would be disturbing for many children. I'd have to put this at 6th grade and older. The writing is clunky and Scripture is stuffed here and there in paragraphs to try and get it into the 'story'. Reviewed for Logos Library

[MeKency · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quintus is a wonderful story of the life of a Roman boy during the reign of Emperor Nero, and the horrible persecution of Christians. It's a touching reminder of what the early church endured for Christ's sake and how God worked through the lives of those martyrs.

The first time I read this I cried... A lot!

I wouldn't suggest this for very young children because of several graphic or intense sequences. But all in all, it's a wonderful biblical book that parents would enjoy reading to their kids.

Ages: 11 and up

[Michael Cunningham · Rating 3 out of 5]

The writing was not amazing but good. The subject matter was intense but well written, I thought, for children. I wouldn't recommend it for very young children because of the intensely violent scenes in the arena. It was quite challenging to read of the early persecuted church but it was important to do so for me and my children. I hope it will help us remember those who suffer for their faith today.

[Katy Schmitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a book I look forward to reading with each new child that studies Greece and Rome. No, it is not flawlessly written, but the heart within is so beautiful. I love that this book shows the genuine struggle of a young boy learning about Christ in the time of Nero. It makes the horrors of the day come to life for young readers without being unnecessarily graphic. I have read it three or four times now, and the look on my little students face is priceless.

[Audrey · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a gripping and heart wrenching story of the persecution of the Christians during the time of Nero. It isn't the most well written book but its very graphic. I wouldn't recommend young children or the faint hearted to attempt reading it but its a good reminder of the evils that the Christians faced under the Romans.

[Cade Chicoine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scary if you read at night!