Centurion Witness by Ed Mitchell
Description: Calix, the centurion, is a highly decorated, skilled soldier and a known leader of men in the Roman Army. He is also haunted by something he did in a recent battle. In his last assignments, he interacts with the governor of Judea and Pontius Pilate. And he meets Jesus. What else happens in his last months of service?
Review
First, know who was a Centurion — A centurion was a commander of a centuria, the smallest unit of a Roman legion. A legion was circa 6,000 soldiers; each legion was divided into 10 cohorts; each cohort contained 6 centuria. Thus a centurion commanded 100 men.
One likes the centurion immediately and sincerely hopes he is able to retire. A good centurion is a teacher of men as well as a leader of men. Calix was all of that. And more. He was wise, not only in leading his men but also in dealing with those appointed above him.
I wanted to love this book. First, I was drawn by the cover. Then the description, especially the final sentence “The immediate political and religious struggle for control of the body of Jesus propels the centurion to guard his tomb.“ The Holy Bible does not mention Jesus’ tomb being guarded but given the upheaval and demands of the Sanhedrin, it is quite possible Pilate had guards at the tomb.
I like this book and I do recommend it. This was my first Ed Mitchell book and I will add his books to my To Read list. But I did have a problem and it is not an uncommon pet peeve.
Historical books should not use 20th and 21st-century references; at least without notifying the reader. The further back in history — the centuries need to also fall back. This book takes place when Jesus was alive on this earth. In Chapter 2 – “The Orders”, Mitchell writes “Thirty minutes late the new arrival…” Clocks were not invented yet. There wasn’t such a thing as “30 minutes”.
In the same chapter, “Happy to be here” is used. That phrase stopped my reading; it seemed wrong for the period. A bit of research and WordReference.com has this. Ah, those three years of Latin in high school!!! Thank you Miss Branam. I just had to swallow Mitchell was going to use words and phrases not applicable to the historic period of the novel.
How to make it right? Include in the Preface a short statement such as “The writer has chosen to use now-common words and phrases for the ease of the reader.” If the reader does not read the Preface, their loss. Often goodies are in those Prefaces. In other words, if I had known — it would not have bothered me.
Rating: 4.25 stars BUT Centurion Witness is a wonderful read. If you had been in the Roman Army, you would have hoped to have Calix as Your Centurion.
I received a complimentary e-ARC copy of Centurion Witness from the publisher, California Coast Publishing, via NetGalley. A positive review was not required; the opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
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