Of Such Is The Kingdom, A Novel of Biblical Times by James M. Becher

Step back into New Testament times--to Ancient Jerusalem at the time of Christ and of the historical Roman Empire, and ask: What could a cynical, non-conformist dry-goods salesman, a disgruntled blacksmith, and a musing mendicant all have in common? The answer: Down deep, they all seek something better. But will they find true fulfillment they are seeking? The non-conformist, Manaheem, Herod’s foster brother, is hired by Herod to foment an insurrection against Pontius Pilate, whom he distrusts. Manaheem recruits the blacksmith, Barabbas, to be the insurrection leader, to the dismay of Barabbas' Godly but fearful wife (when he finally tells her). The mendicant, an unfortunate but pensive young man named Timotheus, joins with an older beggar completely unsympathetic to his musings. Pontius Pilate sees himself as a weak ruler, but his wife pushes him to be stronger and to even take over Herod’s territory. After another visit to Barabbas, Manaheem re-unites with his former wife, Claressa. In need of more money, he tries to blackmail Herod over his illicit affair With Herodius, his brother’s wife, but is foiled when Herod decides to marry Herodius and send his present wife, Samantha back to her father in Arabia. Meanwhile, in an effort to take over Herod's territory, Pilate and his wife plan to send letters critical of Herod to Caesar. Barabbas is successful in forming a group of insurrectionists to go against Pilate and they rehearse for the big day. John the Baptist decides to go and preach on Herod's palace lawn. Herod has him arrested. Herodius’ daughter, Salome dances at Herod’s birthday party and is rewarded with John's head on a sliver platter, after which the palace is attacked by Samantha’s father. Herod suspects Pilate had something to do with the attack and sends for Manaheem to continue with the mission of readying the insurrection leader. Barabbas’ men plan the insurrection carefully, but it still fails and they escape into the woods. Barabbas, having failed at insurrection and still hiding out, decides to try robbery but his men desert him, so he enlists the aid of the two beggars. Timotheus, the younger beggar is hesitant. The intended robbery victim is Benjamin, the rich shopkeeper, who is just making plans to expand his business so he can send his son to the academy.. Meanwhile, Manaheem, in need of money, decides to blackmail Herod over his part in the insurrection attempt. This upsets Claressa and they break up. ----------------------- WRITING STYLE: The writing style is a unique eclectic style, combining poetry, straight dialogue and 1st person stream-of-consciousness narrative with the 3rd person narration.