A common thread among the reviews seems to be that those who approached the book looking for a spiritual journey, rated the book high. Those who simply read the book because they like Rice's storytelling abilities and style, seemed somewhat disappointed. I also found this to be the case. I've read all of Anne Rice's books. When this was in hard-cover, I read the first chapter in the store and thought "I'll pass". In paperback, I bought it. I found the story dry, and although (for a chapter or two) I enjoyed the intimate look into what Christ and his family may or may not have been thinking, I was struck by the repetitiveness of the emotions and thoughts communicated by Christ, and the unnecessary details. Paint the scene, jeez, but don't do it over and over again. I get it. It was difficult to finish - I have read of few of Rice's early books that were stinkers, but I thought that these were due to inexperience. It seems that this is not the case. Genres out of her usual type may be the issue? I found the story stiff, complicated and unimaginative. I would not recommend this book to my close friends and family.
