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John

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John

By: Niall Williams
Narrated by: Nicholas Bell
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About this listen

 In the years following the death of Jesus Christ, John the Apostle, now a frail, blind old man, lives in forced exile on the desolate island of Patmos with a small group of his disciples. Together, the group has endured their banishment, but after years awaiting Christ's return, fissures form within their faith, and, inevitably, one of John's followers disavows Christ's divinity and breaks away from the community, threatening to change the course of Christianity. When the Roman emperor lifts the banishment of Christians, John and his followers are permitted to return to Ephesus, a chaotic world of competing religious sects where Christianity is in danger of vanishing. It is against this turbulent background - and inspired by Jesus's radical message of love and forgiveness - that John comes to dictate his Gospel. Immensely impressive - and based on actual historical events - John is at once an ambitious and provocative reimagining of the last surviving apostle and a powerful look at faith and how it lives and dies in the hearts of men.©2008 Niall Williams. (P)2008 Bolinda Publishing Fiction Historical Fiction Literary Fiction Heartfelt

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Editor reviews

A formidable work of scholarship and imagination, this is a beautifully written reimagining of John the Apostle's final years in exile. Old, frail, and blind, John has instructed his small group of followers on the island of Patmos to wait for Christ's return, but he is slow in coming. The faith of the men dwindles, and even John himself is tested. Eventually John and his followers return to Ephesus, where John dictates his Gospel. Performer Nicholas Bell brings beautifully enunciated and rhythmic narration to this richly imagined account of the last surviving apostle.

Critic reviews

"Irish novelist Williams takes spiritual issues seriously – and continues to write compellingly about them." (Kirkus Reviews)
"Plenty of imagination … beautifully portrays the Christ-followers' loneliness as they yearn for the return of their Messiah." (Publishers Weekly)
"Powerful and moving... an absorbing and intelligent novel." (The Times Literary Supplement)
"Narrator Nicholas Bell is the perfect match for this profound novel based on the life of the Apostle, John. Bell's clear delivery reflects both pathos and joy at the events depicted in the story. John is now aged, exiled on the island of Patmos with a small group of his followers. Having seen a vision of the end of time and penning the book of Revelation, John eagerly awaits the return of Christ. His followers ply him with their doubts and questions, yet John continues looking to the future. Filled with descriptive language, the story at times seems poetic. Intensity and passion are real in the voice of Nicholas Bell. This fascinating book defines the talents of author and narrator." (AudioFile Magazine)
"The writing is unfailingly resourceful and strong, able to range from the physical realities of poverty and deprivation to the exaltation of religious faith and the poignancies of memory. And the novel as a whole constitutes an eloquent and moving statement of the power of love and the belief that it will triumph in the end." (The Guardian)

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Profile Image for Maria Potter

Absolutely wonderful

Niall Williams what a writer- such a gift to us all . Thank you Niall Williams
The narrator Nicholas Bell - sublime voice such a great narrator

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