The Centurions Wife

By: Janette Oke and Davis Bunn
Genre: Inspirational Romance
Grade: Writing A
Setting A
Plot A
Characterization A
Romance C/D


Alban is a Gaul but a centurion in the Roman army. A second son who was a threat to his non-warrior brother, Alban hungers for advancement in the government of occupied Judea. He knows one sure way to win it is to wed Leah, Pilate's niece. Her family has been utterly impoverished and disgraced and she now serves as maid to Procula, Pilot's wife. But occupied Judea is not a good place to be for anyone right now. The crucifixion of the Jewish spiritual leader Jesus has led to more political unrest rather than lessened it as hoped. In a land and time ruled by politicians who lived on bribes and deceptions, how can two people tossed to the bottom of the pile hope to rise again? Especially when the situation grows more and more charged with every moment.

This is a fascinating look at a portion of the occupied Roman Empire in a period of great political unrest. I had never really understood what all was happening in Jesus' time from the viewpoint of the Roman's and this gives us a look into what they were dealing with by occupying Judea. Fascinating stuff. I liked the fact that though this book has a primarily Jewish view point they do not paint the Romans as strictly villains. Both Pilate and his wife Procula come across as OK people. They are not violent, are willing to listen, are open minded as they can afford to be -- yes, they watch their backs. You would too in their position. But they aren't portrayed as monsters just because they happened to occupy a hostile land.

Alban, Linux and other Romans are also portrayed in a favorable light. Again, they are not shown to be villains but soldiers doing their duty to their own kingdom.

The "Followers of the Way" or Christians are portrayed in an interesting manner. Much of the book deals with them, with how they differ to the other Jewish communities and yet how very Jewish they themselves are. This isn't an anti-Jewish Christian group but is instead a Jewish community following a new teaching. It was VERY interesting watching them sift through the old and new to arrive at what their own beliefs are, even while everyone around them seeks to find out just how much a danger they pose.

Another aspect I found interesting was Judean politics. It is clear that the political center was the Jewish Temple and it was interesting to see how the mix of religion and politics just didn't work. The Sanhedrin were presented as a mix of both good and bad. I was glad the author took a more balanced approach, although being an inspirational it was clear who they thought was in the right.

I had only a few quibbles with the book. For a romance, we sure didn't see much of Alban and Leah falling in love. They do but it is subtle and a very small part of the plot. The other quibble is that Leah wanted to marry for love. Hearing these words come from a girl in her position just astounded me. Arranged marriages were a fact. Really. It just seemed ridiculous that this girl wanted to choose her own husband.

Overall, a great look at the history of the early Christian church with a sweet romance.

Tea: Maybe just a tiny bit of wine??