The Davidson Affair

by Stuart Jackman

A thriller which retells the story of Christ's death and resurrection in a 20th-century setting. From the author of DEATH WISH.

Genres: Christian, Fiction

184 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1973

Reviews

[Marsali Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This reads very well after 'Who Moved the Stone', as it uses the same period - the last days of Christ - but this time the story is told as a TV documentary. Cass Tennel, a well-known presenter, is sent by his boss to investigate rumours of dead Jesus Davidson being seen alive again. The book follows the format of his programme, with interviews with Pilate, Caiaphas, a guard from the tomb, Thomas, Zechariah, Mary Magdalen and Cleopas. Between the interviews are Tennel's own reactions, and the stories of how the witnesses were found.
A gripping narrative which brings the story up to date, and focuses on the question: if it's really true, do we want to believe?

And - in passing - does anyone out there ever remember having read an Easter short story in the Observer in which 'time tourists' could travel back to Jerusalem, and the trial of Jesus? The punch-line was that all the real inhabitants were staying indoors, out of the way of so many strangers, and it was the 'time travellers' who called for the release of Barrabas.

[Tweedledum · Rating 5 out of 5]

How and where I came across this brilliant little exploration of the life of Jesus is lost in the mists of time. Jackman has a TV crew present during the lead up to the crucifixion and its aftermath and shows us the impact on the chief reporter who is effectively an independent eye witness to the events and able to interview the main players. It's a pity this book did not receive a wider readership. It certainly deserved to.

[Ben · Rating 1 out of 5]

Truly awful. Avoid!

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first read this book in my late teens, which wasn't yesterday or the day before, and at that point it was almost a decade old. I thought it was so good that I foolishly loaned it out only for it disappear into the ether. Tried to get another copy for a few years but gave up eventually. Now out of print, I was amazed to come across a second hand edition in good order for its age. It is IMHO, one of the best books I've ever had the good fortune to read and enjoy. For me, it is a "Must Read. Once you get past the language of yesteryear it becomes a fascinating concept which genuinely raises some thought provoking questions. I have just learned of three follow-ups two of which I was unaware of, so my search for them now begins!

[Douglas Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good. Also read in September of 1980.