This #HistoricalFiction, it might be argued, could be controversial. It’s the story of the wife of Pontius Pilate – the man religious history has damned with the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. This is Claudia’s story – starting with the person barely out of girlhood with big and dangerous ideas, and a terrible foresight.
The author crafts this well enough, with sympathy, despair at what will come, but from an intriguing perspective. What did Pilate think? Did he have a choice? Of course, we don’t know that – but that’s what historical fiction is about – it’s the might have been.
The chapters jump between Claudia, setting out to marry a man she has never met, and Pilate’s promotion to Governor of Judea – and the inherent troubles therein.
Although the jumping between points of view is a little confusing at times the story is very engaging.
4 stars.
Library of Erana 