Fountain of Life - A Book Review

Laura and I finished this book as a read aloud just this morning.  It was wonderful.  This was probably one of the best fictional books I have read so far that discusses Jewish life in the time of Jesus.  It talks about more than just how people lived, but gets right into their thoughts.  It gives opinions of the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Sanhedrin, and the early followers of Christ.  I loved it!

Eli, the main character, is the son of a ill Pharisee.  He hears about Jesus and his curiosity is aroused.  He makes friends with a Sadducee that has become a follower of Jesus.  The curiosity about Jesus turns into more despite the fear of family rejection and the deep traditions the family is steeped in.  Eli shows his confusion over some of the teachings of Jesus.  He shares his hopes and dreams.  His emotions and thoughts are especially intense when he has a loss in his family the same day that Jesus is crucified. 

Laura liked this book too.  I'm not sure she understood all the Jewish customs, but the book did give us a lot to talk about.  Laura, my little romantic, was a strong supporter of the fledgling romance in the story between Eli the Pharisee and a Sadducee girl.  Even that part of the story showed just how the differing opinions clashed in the times of Jesus.  It also showed just how those that were drawn to Christ were able to set aside differences in exchange for a growing love that even they didn't understand at first.

I would recommend this book to anyone.  It was educational and heart-felt.  Many of the Jewish traditions may seem foreign to many of us living today, but hearing about them helped explain so much about Jesus, the true Lamb of the world and the Fountain of Life.