LitPick Review
The Butcher of Nazareth by David Scott Hay tells the story of a butcher from Hebron who was recruited to join the bunch of loyalists assigned by King Herod to assassinate all male children ages two years and below in all of Bethlehem (the Culling), in a selfish attempt to kill the new born king of the Jews. Titus, a butcher turned assassin, receives horrific visions from YHWH about a flame deluge destined to take place in a coming generation all because of the one child responsible for the Culling, yet who escaped it: Jesus of Nazareth. This child, who is now much older and fully grown, must be found and killed along with all those affiliated with him, so as to prevent these visions from coming to fulfillment. He is on a mission to save humanity. But on the quest for this Nazarene, he discovers empathy, redemption, and hope. Will this strengthen or shake his resolve of doing YHWH's bidding? Is YHWH guiding him to personal or worldwide salvation?
Opinion:
The Butcher of Nazareth is historical fiction at its finest. It's fascinating just how a tale as old as time gets woven with fiction that is so convincing. It reveals how vastly imaginative the mind of the author is. Titus, the butcher, is a fascinating character who I think is a self-righteous person beclouded with a need for purpose or higher calling. Apart from the main character, Joseph the father of Jesus, was another interesting character. Growing up as a Bible scholar, I've always wondered how accepting any man could be to accept a child that is not his! This book critically analyzed the human nature, and I learned that there are reasons and consequences for every action and inaction. The places the Bible left unspoken, the author dared to speak volumes. This book is a refreshing read for those of us who love to question the truth that has been laid out to us and fills up every crack with the wildest of our imaginations.
