I stumbled upon this fiction book in our local library, then read a recommendation in the quarterly newsletter from the OCAs St. Michael's Skete in Canones, New Mexico. So, I read it. Anne Rice has returned to the faith of her childhood, Roman Catholicism, and writes an extended essay after the book itself detailing her journey, and thanking a great many people who have helped her to rediscover her faith.

As to the book, it is about 300 pages, and Ms. Rice did extensive research in hagiographic texts as well as other historic sources before attempting it, and does not lapse into error as far as I can see from an eastern point of view. The text follows the life of Christ from about 7 years of age in Egypt through to the Finding of Jesus in the Temple about age 12. Some of it is slow going if you prefer more action and less atmosphere. But I kept reminding myself that, after all, Ms. Rice had made her career writing vampire novels which are highly atmospheric, so that was understandable.

It is a book I would recommend for older readers, not children because it is too complex for them, and I would also be interested in the views of others who have read it.

Praise God that Anne Rice has come back to Christ (I say this on the assumption that she had at some point fallen away).

I've read all of the Vampire Chronicles-- Lestat was my favorite character. She's a great writer.

I'll look for this book!

God bless,

Karen