Lewis Wallace

Ben-Hur Lewis Wallace

One of the most popular American novels of all time, Ben-Hurvividly reimagines the oppressive Roman occupation of ancient Palestine and the rise of Christianity. The saga of Judah Ben-Hurs spiritual journey from slavery to vengeance to redemption is both a vivid historical adventure and a powerful story of one mans religious awakening. Born the son of a Jewish nobleman, Ben-Hur is condemned to a life of slavery when his former friend wrongly accuses him of attempting to kill a Roman official. While his mother and sister are imprisoned in a leper colony, Ben-Hur heroically escapes to challenge Massalas domination in a chariot race. Before the cheering multitudes at the Roman Circus in Antioch, he achieves his revenge and glory. But it is later, at the foot of a cross on a hill in Jerusalem, that he fulfills his true destiny. This is a performance of sustained excellencesustained across a range of characters and emotions, across time and geography. [Jamess] reading is at once evocative, moving, and entertaining. AudioFile