Welcome to First Chapter, First Paragraph Tuesday Intros,
hosted by Diane @
Every Tuesday, each participant
shares the first paragraph
shares the first paragraph
(sometimes two) from a book
they're reading,
they're reading,
or thinking about reading.
The book I've picked this week is...
The Robe
Lloyd C. Douglas
Trade Paperback, 508 pages
A Mariner Book
Houghton Mifflin Company
April 7,1999
Christian Fiction, Classics, Historical Fiction,
Religion, Spirituality
About the Book
A Roman soldier, Marcellus, wins Christ's robe as a gambling prize. He then sets forth on a quest to find the truth about the Nazarene's robe-a quest that reaches to the very roots and heart of Christianity and is set against the vividly limned background of ancient Rome. Here is a timeless story of adventure, faith, and romance, a tale of spiritual longing and ultimate redemption.
Chapter 1
Because she was only fifteen and busy with her growing up, Lucia's periods of reflection were brief and infrequent; but this morning she felt weighted with responsibility.
Last night her mother, who rarely talked to her about anything more perplexing than the advantages of clean hands and a pure heart, had privately discussed the possible outcome of Father's reckless remarks yesterday in the Senate; and Lucia, flattered by this confidence, had declared maturely that Prince Gauis wasn't in a position to do anything about it.
But after she had gone to bed, Lucia began to fret. Gauis might indeed overlook her father's heated comments about the extravagances and mismanagement of his government, if he had had no previous occasion for grievance against the Gallio family. There was, however, another grievance that no one knew about except herself -- and Diana. They would all have to be careful now or they might get into serious trouble.
Last night her mother, who rarely talked to her about anything more perplexing than the advantages of clean hands and a pure heart, had privately discussed the possible outcome of Father's reckless remarks yesterday in the Senate; and Lucia, flattered by this confidence, had declared maturely that Prince Gauis wasn't in a position to do anything about it.
But after she had gone to bed, Lucia began to fret. Gauis might indeed overlook her father's heated comments about the extravagances and mismanagement of his government, if he had had no previous occasion for grievance against the Gallio family. There was, however, another grievance that no one knew about except herself -- and Diana. They would all have to be careful now or they might get into serious trouble.
I read this great novel many years ago,
and it has left a lasting impression on me, so I want to re-read it.
Have you ever read this classic?
and it has left a lasting impression on me, so I want to re-read it.
Have you ever read this classic?
If so, what did you think?
If not, has the selection above
enticed you to do so?
enticed you to do so?
I would love to know!
16 comments:
That isn't a book I would gravitate toward but, from that intro I can tell the writing is very good. I hope you enjoy this one.
I have heard about this book and the intro intrigues me enough to keep reading. I love Historical Fiction so I have to check it out, especially since it's a 're-read for you!
I don't think this is one for me ... am I right thinking it was a movie or TV show?
I have not read much in the way of historical fiction set in this particular time period. I admit it doesn't draw me in quite the same way as later history does (WWI and WWII, for example). It certainly was an interesting time period though.
I remember reading this one when I was a teenager...and I was very captivated by it. There was also a movie, and it was shown at some of our youth groups.
Thanks for sharing...and here's mine: “SOMEWHERE OUT THERE”
I can remember some of my mother's friends reading this book a really long time ago. I did not read it myself, but I think I might be more interested now that I am older. Thanks for sharing it and reminding me!
Hi, Diane!
Yes, the writing is excellent. Douglas draws the reader right into the story.
I read this novel when I was a teenager, and it left a very strong impression on me! I think this is the perfect time of year to read this book, too, although I have other reading commitments right now. But I want to start on it soon! Besides, I also love historical fiction from time to time.
Thanks for commenting!! :)
Hi, Heather!
Oh, this is a true masterpiece!! It's an unforgettable book! Besides, historical fiction is a fascinating genre. I really would like to read more of it!
I want to re-read this especially because it's such a powerful book! Looking forward to doing so!!
Thanks for commenting!! :)
Hi, Emma!
This is an AWESOME novel, but I guess it would appeal more to Christians who are very much into their faith -- Catholics as well as Protestants.
Yes, this novel was made into a movie back in the 1950s. I didn't like what they did with the character of Marcellus (played by Richard Burton), though. In the book, Marcellus is just your average worldly young man, basically going along with the flow, not questioning the Roman system and its 'justice'. He's basically just a regular guy, not overly hedonistic, but not pious, either. And he's certainly NOT cruel. However, he knows nothing about the one true God.
In the movie, by contrast, Marcellus's personality was DRASTICALLY altered. He was cruel, totally hedonistic, a typical callous Roman soldier. I suppose this was done to heighten the drama, but it TOTALLY turned me off. I liked Marcellus in the book, and liked him even MORE as he sought answers about Jesus. I totally DETESTED the Marcellus in the movie! I wish they would do a remake....
Thanks for commenting!! :)
Hi, Wendy!
I haven't read much of this particular time period, and I don't know whether other novels set in it would be as good. However, this novel made a huge impact on me! I wonder why I haven't re-read it much sooner.
I'm also interested in the Medieval and Renaissance periods, as well as the WW II period. For some reason, the WW I period doesn't interest me much. Maybe it's because I saw a lot of WW II movies when I was around 11 and 12 -- the height of my tomboy days. Lol.
Ancient history is equally fascinating to me. I really should read more about that as well -- like the times of the Greeks and Egyptians. Fascinating stuff!
Thanks for commenting!! :)
Hi, Laurel!
Oh, that's a great word to use regarding this novel -- "captivated"! Yes, indeed it is a totally captivating novel! As for the movie, I would have enjoyed it more if they hadn't changed Marcellus's personality as drastically as they did. He was NOT the same Marcellus depicted in the book! Not at all!! (See my reply to Emma.)
In spite of my objection to the character of Marcellus, this movie is still a powerful Christian one, and great to show to any church groups, not just youth groups.
You're very welcome for the sharing! Thanks for commenting!! :)
Hi, Kay!
I read this as a teenager, and yes, I think my mom might have read it, too. It's a very powerful novel! You really should read it, especially if you're a Christian very much into your faith, whether you're a Catholic or a Protestant.
You're very welcome for the reminder! Hope you do read it, as you will really enjoy it!
Thanks for commenting!! :)
Yes, I have read this one. I remember really being impressed with it. Lloyd Douglas wrote quite a few good books. Were some Medical novels? I did see the movie too.
I have not read the book. I did see the film. I loved the movie. I tend to really like the Biblical epic films that were made about fity years ago.
If you have not seen the film I think that you would like it Maria,
I found the story to be very moving and positive. As per our discussion on on religion, I found tis faith based story promotes that are a great benefit to humanity. I think that many stories that come out of the Old Testament do.
Hi, Tea!
Oh, this is a GREAT novel! I saw the movie, as well, but much prefer the book.
I believe you're right -- Douglas wrote some medical novels, too. I think "Magnificent Obsession" was one of them. What an AWESOME writer he was!
Thanks for commenting!! :)
Hey, Brian!
This book had a tremendous impact on me. I read it when I was a teenager, but saw the movie much later. While I did enjoy the whole presentation of the movie, I did not like the changes made to Marcellus's personality. The way he was portrayed in the movie was not at all the way Douglas presented him in the book. I guess the director and producer decided to make these changes to make the movie more dramatic, but I just didn't like this. If you ever read the book, you'll see what I mean. This is not to take away from Richard Burton's performance, which was brilliant. While I never liked him as a person, I do think he was a great actor.
The New Testament is full of many positive stories, in contrast to parts of the Old Testament. The story told in "The Robe", while fictional, is based on the fact that, at the Crucifixion, Roman soldiers threw dice to see who would get Jesus's robe. I think what the author, Lloyd C. Douglas, did with this one detail, was absolutely brilliant! This is one of my treasured classics of all time.
Oh, and I agree about the Biblical movie epics of the 1950s. I wish Hollywood would go back to making such films....
Thanks for the great comment!! :)
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