Thief of Corinth by Tessa Afshar

"Thief of Corinth" by Tessa Afshar - Biblical fiction!

This book is published by Tyndale House Pub in 2018 and has 379 pages. 

Areadne, a young beautiful girl, escapes (with her foster brother Theo) from the house of her tyrant maternal grandfather,  to escape unwanted forced marriage, and goes to her father, Galenos, in Corinth. Here she discovers a secret of her father. She meets a young man Justus in Corinth. Years after,  Areadne's brother Diyonisus brings a Jew, Paul, to the house. This Jew preaches love. His thoughts are very different from Greek religion of that time. When everything seems to be coming together, an unwelcome person comes to know about the secret.

What is the secret of Galenos? Does Areadne have feelings for Justus? Who is the thief of Corinth? What ground breaking ideas does Paul preach? Can Areadne's family survive the unwelcome person?

It's a story set in 1st century Greece when Greek Gods and Greek religion were prevalent. Author creates the atmosphere of old times. She brings the world of bible to life. Every household had slaves. Some treated them well, some didn't. The thief of Corinth operates in those times. He robs the corrupt officials and distributes a portion of stolen wealth to the needy and poor. Sort of ancient Robin Hood. Here he is also called Honourable Thief. 

The society has become decadent and materialistic. Lives of family of Areadne too are on the same path. Areadne lives a life of defiance and rebellion. She is on a moral decline. Time is right for a saviour. The saviour comes in the form of the Jew and his religion. He preaches the message of love and peace. Unconditional love and unconditional forgiveness. Sequence of events lead Areadne towards confession and realization. But the test doesn't end here. With the entry of unwelcome person, resolve and faith of Areadne and her family are put to test.  It's a riveting story of adventure, bravery and self realization. 

Characters are interesting. Areadne is an athlete. She is winner of the sprint race. Yet she does not get the deserved recognition because of her sex. This makes her rebellious and makes her do the unthinkable. Theo is berated as foundling by others but is loved by his foster family. He craves for legitimacy. He accuses his father of sacrificing him for the rest of his family but wants to be claimed legally by him. Justus is ideal, virtuous young man. Diyonisus loves his father but one secret alienates him from his father and as collateral damage,  his sister. Galenos is alienated from his wife but loves his children fiercely. He is ready to protect them at the cost of his reputation. The character of Areadne appears towards deficient towards the end. For most of the book,  she is portrayed for her virtues but suddenly she sees herself full of flaws. If the same flaws were also shown subtly in the book earlier, it would have justified the character. 

Although it's 1st century Greece,  author has avoided falling into trap of over specifying the times and lifestyle. She has described the surroundings and lifestyle only as much as the story demanded. 

The Jew in this book is not the Jew that we know today. He is follower of Jesus Christ, today's Christian. Jesus Christ was a Jew. His followers named the religion Christian. Until then they too were referred as Jew.  

Tessa Afshar is born in Iran,  educated in England and settled in USA. She is award winning author of historical and biblical fiction. However, surprisingly, I could not find her on Wikipedia. 

Why did I read this book? 1st century tale. Highly rated by Goodreads. 

What I didn't like? Deficiency in the character of Areadne. 

What did I like? Story.   

If you are interested in biblical fiction,  read it.