Ben Hur (Classic Fiction S.)

Rating:
Summary: This is the best book ever!
Review: I read this book in three days. I couldn't put it down. I can honestly say that Ben-Hur, without a doubt, is my favorite book.

It's about a Jew named Judah Ben-Hur living in Israel during the time of Christ. He accidentally "kills" a Roman governor. Judah was on the roof of his house and the Roman guy was below him on his horse in the street. One of the tiles on the roof of Judah's house comes loose and it scares the horse, who rears, sending the Roman flying off it.

Judah is accused as an assassin and is sent to work as a galley slave for life. On his way there, Joseph the carpenter and Jesus come into Jerusalem. Joseph is talking with Roman soldier when Jesus sees Judah, who is in agony (it's sweltering hot), and gives him water.

You'll just have to read the rest for yourself. It's definitely worth it! But I will tell you that later in the story is a really cool chariot race scene between Judah and his enemy, Messala. It's so awesome! I know you'll enjoy Ben-Hur.

Rating:
Summary: Very interesting and informative
Review: This novel is the tale of a Jewish prince in the time of Christ. The main character, Judah Ben-Hur, has a series of exciting adventures that take him through the Mediterranean world as a galley slave, the son of a powerful merchant, a soldier, and a chariot racer; and all the time he is struggling with his own christian views. In all, this was a good book with well developed characters and good action; but while I was reading it I kept having images of Charlton Heston (who played Ben Hur in the popular movie) pop into my mind and generally ruin the scene. The other thing I didn't really like about this book is its portrayal of the cruxifiction of Jesus; but you'll just have to read it yourself. I have read most of the religous accounts of the time and this one takes a few liberties, and I had a hard time determining exactly what was happening at times. An interesting tidbit that is usually overlooked about Ben Hur is that the book was written by Lew Wallace, a general who fought for the Union in the American Civil War.

Rating:
Summary: A pure classic worth the Time and Money
Review: This novel written by Lew Wallace in the 1870's, and published in 1880 is nothing short of a timeless classic. It's timeless because it has been a big seller ever since it was published 124 years ago. Because the story is rich in character, people from all walks of religion and life can appreciate this story set in a time of global religious turmoil. Ben-Hur is the story of a Jew's life-long quarrel with his counterpart and nemesis Messala, amid the Roman occupation of ancient Palestine and among the rise of the Christian Religion.

Brief Synopsis: As childhood friends-become-enemies, Judah and Messala always had a burning desire to over achieve each other. As tensions grew with the end of childhood and the beginning of adulthood, the two parted ways only to meet one day under a very peculiar and dark circumstance. As a Roman Prince strode through the streets on his horse, followed by his royal guards and gang, Judah, on his home's rooftop, came flying out to see what all the hype was about. Upon his looking down at the Prince from the rooftop, Judah could scarce get close enough to the magical prince. As though kicked over by the foot of fate, a parcel of the rooftop was sent tumbling down toward the horseman sending his beast to run amuck. Then Roman Guard, Messala, in his final attempt to spite Judah Ben-Hur, quickly pointed his finger in the direction of the innocent Judah casting a glow of malice over him. Ben-Hur became nothing, and his life was reset anew, forever to surrender his soul to his captors. Now a slave, Judah, of the house of Hur, must redeem his life, and that of his family's name. He must rise above slavery and into poverty where he must begin his life anew. Quick is the rise of a true hero, one who knows defeat but cherishes freedom. Read Ben-Hur to find out how Judah's life long quest of redemption leads to salvation and conversion to Christianity and how the restoration of his name and life comes on the day Christ Himself is crucified.

Ben-Hur is the story of freedom, and how quickly it can be torn away from us. This story teaches you that you must forever and always be mindful of, and merit, your good fortune. To those interested in the history of Christ and the religious standoffs of the times, I would strongly suggest reading this novel.