004 - Chapter 4

Callista, A Tale of the Third Century, is a captivating novel penned by John Henry Newman, an esteemed Anglican theologian who eventually became a Catholic priest and cardinal, guiding many of his Protestant friends into the Roman faith. This compelling story emerged from a friendly challenge with Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman, who also ventured into fiction with his novel Fabiola. Published in 1855, Callista introduces us to a beautiful yet troubled Greek woman living in pagan Roman North Africa during a tumultuous third century. As she grapples with her desires and a growing curiosity about Christianity, she encounters a lonely young Christian man who hopes to win her heart. However, the eras perilous climate, marked by the brutal persecution of Christians under Emperor Decius, casts a shadow over their budding connection. Each character navigates the challenges of faith and survival in different ways, with some facing the ultimate test of their beliefs amidst torture and death. Newmans vibrant and occasionally humorous writing style breathes life into the narrative, although modern readers may find certain parts a bit dense, especially the detailed geographical descriptions (take heed of Chapter 1!). Nevertheless, readers will undoubtedly find themselves invested in the characters journeys, cheering for their triumphs, and gaining insights into the rich history of the third century.