Pontius Pilate

An Unexpected Memoir

Christian - Non-Fiction
393 Pages
Reviewed on 08/30/2022
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Gordon D. Durich for Readers' Favorite

Pontius Pilate: An Unexpected Memoir by Pablo Zaragoza is an evocative story about Pilate and his life. In this intense, often graphic, yet gripping account, the author tells the story of a young Pontius Pilate and his family. A raw new retelling of a true story, Zaragoza presents Pontius Pilate to readers in an enlightening way. Set in Italy in Roman times, the book is based on broad research of the times and is epic in its tone, with the appearance of Julius Caesar, Mark Antony, and Junius Brutus Albinus - one of Caesar’s assassins.

With liberal references and battle scenes, the book is a historical tale and biblically based. For instance, Claudia, Pilate’s Jewish wife is woven into the memoir, and her baptism was performed by John the Baptist. Jesus himself is introduced in the latter chapters of Zaragoza’s tome, as the scene shifts to the holy city of Jerusalem. Pilate ordered the crucifixion of Jesus and remained notorious for this, yet this book shows a very different perspective of the man, the myth, and the legend.

Personalizing the period’s characters was very effective. Pablo Zaragoza lifts the veil and the reader can get a glimpse behind the scenes of history’s famed figures. Pontius Pilate: An Unexpected Memoir is gritty, fast-paced, and often emotional. Christians, like this reviewer, will enjoy it. Depending on your beliefs, you will as well. Reading this work by Zaragoza will leave you with plenty to ponder.