To the Ends of the Earth: A Novel [Hardcover]

If only the subject of History could always be so palpable, or the genre of Fiction so substantive. T. Davis Bunn has achieved both in his novel, "To the Ends of the Earth." History aficionados and devotees of drama both will appreciate Bunn's melding of historical fact with personal spirit and individual perspective. Bunn states is his acknowledgment, "Inspired by my interest in Byzantine history, this novel was developed over several years of research and reflection." Bunn's research and reflection are evident with every page turned. The Roman cities of Carthage and Constantinople become more than archeological interests; the fetid smells and dry, prevalent dust are sensed as if actually there. Moreover, the agony wrought by the mixing of political intrigue with religious faith following the death of Emperor Constantine is expressly shared with Hannibal the Merchant. Whether riding aboard captured pirate vessels on the Mediterranean or worshipping in the first public church buildings of a young religious faith, Bunn expertly crafts a sense of the places and times and people of the Roman Empire in A.D. 338. "To the Ends of the Earth" is sure to satisfy any thirst for entertaining historical fiction.

I love a well researched historical novel which makes you come away from it with a little more knowledge of the times in which it was written (here, A.D. 338). All the better if it can be slipped in amidst a riveting novel with well developed characters and a sense of living life on the edge. From the opening pages where we meet with the young heir Travis and his trained guards and servants aboard a ship at sea as they wait for the pirates to strike; through intrigues, past soldiers, slaves and monasteries, the characters and times live so vividly one can see it unfold as a movie in the mind.. Informative as well as entertaining, with faith and love woven into the fabric of this work, it was an artistic gem which I enjoyed immensely.

When one deals with historical fiction, the author has two jobs. The first, as with any other story teller, is to give you an interesting story with memorable characters. The second job is to give you a better understanding of the era of the story than you had when you started it. Depending on my mood, I would give Bunn (the author) a B- or a C+ for the first part. He deserves an A+ for the latter.

I am the fifth reviewer of this book. Often, I avoid reading other reviews first so my review is based on my views alone. Or I'll glance at the most recent one or two. I read all the previous ones of this book (only having four others helped). Two were positive, and two were negative. I thought all four were honest and helpful. I can understand why some felt the book was too slow moving. I liked the characters, but they did not leap out at you enough for this to be across the board. In other words, this book could have been better. But I still enjoyed it okay as a novel; I have put down two other novels recently so I can do it if the novel is too boring or not my type.

Now, to the history lesson. This book describes itself as a Novel of the Byzantine Empire. Let me pinpoint it even closer. This book deals with time immediately following the death of Constantine, where three of his sons were vying for to be Caesar. Besides the political tensions, it points to the theological debate between orthodoxy, which says Jesus is God, and Arianism, which denies Christ's deity (though this is not as important to the story, in spite of the fact that it aids to the development of one of the characters).

There are some things I want to comment on from a church history point of view. It deals with Donatism, an exclusivist group that was considered by some to be orthodox theologically (Catholics disagree and consider them heretics) but were separatists and would not welcome those who denied Christ during persecution into their folds. Bunn did a good job of treating the Donatists views with respect while at the same time refuting them. He also alluded to another group considered heretical, the Montanists, though this was not as developed.

One thing I disagree with Bunn was whether Constantine was a positive or negative influence for the church. Bunn is very positive, seeing Constantine as a hero of the faith, and using a fear of renewed persecution as part of the setting. I have more misgivings about Constantine than he does.

Do I recommend this book? I would as far as learning about this period of time. I found the arrival of our characters to Constantinople to be exciting as well. Some will struggle with the story, as some of the reviewers have; others will enjoy it as, again, some of the reviewers have.

Let me conclude. This is basically a Christian novel. If you have no interest in Christianity, you won't be interested in this book.

› Go to Amazon.com to see all 5 reviews  3.2 out of 5 stars