The Cross Bearer

By: E. James Harrison

Narrated by: Jason Tatom

Length: 7 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's Summary

The name Simon of Cyrene has been all but forgotten, his heroic tale lost to the ages. Now, his story is being told - a powerful reminder of the faithful man who bore a terrible burden for the One who bore the sins of the world....

Simon has long dreamed of celebrating Passover in Jerusalem. Yet the journey of a thousand miles seems impossible: Simon is crippled, and his beloved wife has been ravaged by a debilitating affliction. So when his sons arrange special passage to Jerusalem for Simon and his wife, the couple is overcome with joy and anticipation. It seems that an impossible dream is within reach...but their journey is fraught with unexpected perils, from deadly gales to dangerous thieves. 

As Simon’s path intertwines with both friend and foe, each painful step he takes brings him closer to his destiny. More than a tale of physical hardship, intrigue, and deceit, The Cross Bearer is the story of one man’s spiritual journey from nonbeliever to fearless crusader in the cause of Jesus Christ.

©2015 Covenant Communications, Inc. (P)2015 Covenant Communications, Inc.

A look in to the life of one who carried His cross

I am glad I listened to this story.
at first it was tedious but then it grew on me.

Unnecessarily Off Script

Narrator's voice was good, but listening to him inhale before each line was very distracting.

The Italian accent of the soldiers and description of the man who flogged Messiah made those parts a lot more real. I liked Aaron and Hedva. However, going off script by having Alexander and Rufus not be there was truly unnecessary! The business could have been Simon's, especially since wood (crossbeam) was so essential to the story. Aaron could have still been a family friend, with same basic plotline. Alexander and Rufus, as young boys or preteens being left with a disabled mother in a relentless crowd, would have been just as necessary a part of why Simon needed to be coerced to help!! And the strong, tenderhearted, capable Hedva would not have to have had to break character, becoming whiny!! Adding characters is expected! Hedva being there wouldn't detract from the sons being there.

This story was written years ago. I wish the author would do a rewrite, because even if we don't understand "why" things and people in Scripture are done a certain way, YHWH knows why! That alone is a reason to honor the text!! In reading Biblical fiction, I often come to understand things I hadn't thought of in that way. So much of this book was like that, and much, much appreciated.

Touched my heart

I really enjoyed this book. It was perfect to listen to during the Christmas season and reflect on Christ.

I enjoyed this book. Great imagination!

Great narration. I love the mix of imagination and history. it drew me back to that time in history.