Christ the Lord: The Road to Cana

Anne Rice

Knopf, Mar 2008, $25.95

ISBN: 9781400043521

Rumors have always abounded that Yeshua bar Joseph was miraculously a virgin birth child.  However, he never gave that a second thought as he faithfully attends synagogue every Sabbath just like his brother James and everyone else in the village of Nazareth.  However, recently Yeshua has had emotional issues between his religious calling and his love for a kinswoman.  He knows what he must do, but is reluctant to embrace it as he sadly realizes he is about to lose his youth though he accepts the cause is worth the cost. His baptism makes him realize the time has come     to begin openly serving God instead of his desires.  Yeshua starts preaching the Romans must go and the people must return to God.  He performs miracles as he walks the path that the Lord has assigned to him.  Three years into his ministry sees him on the “Road to Cana” where he changes water to wine at the family wedding of Reuben and Avigail.

The first Christ the Lord tale (see OUT OF EGYPT) was a strong opening story, but added little poetic license to the gaps of what is already known of Jesus.  THE ROAD TO CANA is much deeper and better as Anne Rice provides an insightful look at Yeshua that miraculously makes him human as he covets love and feels loneliness with his increasing understanding of the heavenly mission bestowed on him.  He displays human feelings yet Godly responsibilities that converge at the wedding where a family dispute has led to unhappiness at a moment that all should be rejoicing.

Harriet Klausner