Christ the Lord: Out of Egypt

A Novel

By: Anne Rice

Narrated by: Josh Heine

Length: 9 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

Having completed the two cycles of legend to which she has devoted her career so far, Anne Rice gives us now her most ambitious and courageous book, a novel about the early years of Christ the Lord, based on the Gospels and on the most respected New Testament scholarship.

The book's power derives from the passion its author brings to the writing and the way in which she summons up the voice, the presence, the words of Jesus who tells the story.

Listen to Anne Rice talk about Christ the Lord on Charlie Rose.

©2005 Anne O'Brien Rice (P)2005 Random House, Inc.

Critic reviews

"Rice's painstaking historical research is obvious throughout." (Publishers Weekly)

"Riveting....Rice's book is a triumph of tone (her prose lean, lyrical, vivid) and character. As he ponders his staggering responsibility, the boy is fully believable, and yet there's something in his supernatural empathy and blazing intelligence that conveys the wondrousness of a boy like no other." (Kirkus Reviews)

Christ the Lord Out of Egypt

Christ the Lord Out of Egypt, puts Jesus into plausible context: the context of Jewish culture, of world history, and of childhood. The story opens in Alexandria where Jesus, Mary and Joseph, along with other close family members are living and working together. When Jesus is pummeled and taunted by a playmate, the boy falls dead. Only vaguely aware that he may have been responsible, Jesus is distressed. However, not until his cousin Salome suggests he tell the little boy to wake up does Jesus consider he might be able to undo the terrible deed. Shortly thereafter, Joseph, who is portrayed by Rice as the kind of man any one would wish for as the leader and protector of a family, announces that King Herod is dead and that they will shortly return to Nazareth. Mary does not welcome this news.

Ann Rice allows us to look through the eyes of the child Jesus who has many questions that the adults around him, particularly Joseph, are disinclined to discuss with him, continually putting him off with assurances of answers in a distant and illusive future. Like a master craftsman, Rice molds the familiar but static New Testament characters into living flesh and blood; human beings with a full spectrum of emotions, fears and uncertainties.

As the story unfolds, some of the questions Jesus has are answered and as a result many more questions arise. The story is rich with Psalms, Bible stories, vivid imagery of everyday life and the often violent political climate that prevailed in the Holy Land at this time in history. What gives the story its riveting impact is that all these things are seen through the eyes of the child Jesus, not yet fully aware of who he is.

Just as Mel Gibson's The Passion of The Christ brought insight and refreshment to the Christian faith, so too does Ann Rice's Christ the Lord Out of Egypt.

Wonderful Book

I thought this book was entertaining and thought provoking. The epilogue is also very interesting; Mrs. Rice goes into how and why she wrote the book.

Many claim that the narrator is different to listen to. I thought his performance was great and the sound of his voice goes well with the young Jesus character.

spell binding

Absolutely thrown into the childhood of Christ! Immersive and all encompassing. Worth every minute!

A new genre for Anne Rice?

I thoroughly enjoyed this title. It does follow Catholic tradition, though I doubt Protestants would be offended. This Methodist wasn't offended. I was hoping the author might consider a second title, picking up where the first ended.

my new-age pagan heart adored this book

If you have a general angst against Christianity you may not be able to enjoy this book. However, I do believe anyone on a spiritual path can appreciate all this book has to offer. It does not preach or recruit, or try to "save" anybody. It simply puts a different spin on a story that most are already familiar with. I have always thought it a pitty that most dramatic stories about Christ are about how he was murdered, and completely miss the point that his death is only significant because of his life. However, if you aren't interested in all the historical information in this book, then it may bore you. This book is not for everybody.

Christ the Lord

I can't wait for the next installment.

Thank you!!!

God bless your and yours, my he be in the hearts of all that read this. Thank you again Mrs. Rice.

Interesting

Follows much of the apochrypha writings, written for women's Bible study, men will have a hard time following the story with any interest.

Exceptional description. I felt I was in the story

Loved it. She really tapped into the inquisitive Jesus child/teen, making him more human. Touching.

The voices of the readers and the delivery of of the written text into an amazing picture of a fictional yet historical Jesus.

The unfolding continuity and beauty and brutality of an era Jesus may have encountered brought to life by an amazing scholar and author, Ann Rice O’ Brien