The Centurion's Wife Transports Reader to Another Time and Place (Review)

By Pam Nelson

Guest Reviewer

I had a heart transplant several years ago and consequently have lots of time on my hands. One of my greatest passions is reading. I was introduced to Davis Bunn when he first began to co-author books with Janette Oke, and he was quickly added to my list of favorite authors. I have never been disappointed in his books, and this one was no exception.

The story begins immediately following the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ and revolves around two main characters.

Leah is the niece of Pontius Pilate and servant to his wife, Procula.

Alban is a Roman centurion who has lofty goals for advancement and wishes to be granted the hand of Leah in marriage. The same centurion whose servant Jesus healed and said, "I have not seen such a faith in all of Israel."

Pilate sends him on a mission to find out what has happened to the body of Jesus and also determine the probability of a revolt against Rome by the Jews. If he succeeds, he will be granted Leah's hand and his coveted advancement.

At the same time Leah is sent by Procula on the same mission. Their separate journeys lead them to places they did not anticipate and a quest they did not desire. Somewhere along the journey, their quest changes from simply finding answers to finding the truth. And the TRUTH will change them in ways they never dreamed possible.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book for a number of reasons.

First of all, the history woven through these pages was fascinating. It was a beautiful look at the birth of the first-century church.

I felt like I knew the characters intimately after reading this. Lazarus, Mary, Martha, Mary Magdalene, Cleopas, the disciples, and others were all vividly brought to life.

Also, the characters, Alban and Leah, were compelling. I fell in love with them both, partially because I could see myself in their hopes, ambitions, and their searching hearts. Their story was a picture of how God draws us, changes our perspective, and gives us life abundant.

In addition, this book drew me in so much that I wanted to close my eyes and be transported to another time and another place. In reality, for a few hours, I was!