Disclaimer: I am not Christian and do not want a book that is a sermon in disguise. I’m merely an enjoyer of religious imagery and stories in general.
I just think that a beautiful lyrical tragedy featuring some biblical figures would be neat! Doesn’t need to be biblically accurate. Even just “inspired by Christian mythology” would be cool. Also doesn’t need to be about Jesus necessarily (though I do think a book that dramatizes and romanticizes Jesus & his relationship with his disciples leading up to his betrayal by Judas and crucifixion would be very cool if well done).
Like what I said in the title, I want what Madeline Miller did to Greek mythology, but for Christianity.
by IReadBooksSometimes
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The Book of Longings by Sue Monk Kidd
Unholy Night – Seth Grahame-Smith
*The Red Tent* is a reimagining/retelling of the life of Jacob’s daughter, Dinah.
The Book of God – Walter Wangerin Jr
I know that you’re looking for a novel but there is a beautifully written short story by author Robert Joseph Greene entitled “Halo’s Golden Circle.” It was commented on by Rabbi Stephen Greenberg (first openly gay orthodox rabbi) as a beautifully written story. It tells how the “halo” became an icon symbol. It was meant to be a missing verse in the old testament. It’s in his book The Gay Icon Classics of the World (REVISED EDITION). I hope it helps.
The Dovekeepers by Alice Hoffman might fit. The audiobook is especially wonderful. I cried at times while listening. It’s the story of 4 Jewish women who fled their homes (with many others) to escape Roman soldiers. It’s told in 4 parts- each woman gets her section, but they live in the same place. It’s one of my favourite books of all time.
I’ve never read Circe or Song of Achilles, but…
‘Joseph and His Brothers’ by Thomas Mann is what I imagine you’re talking about. It’s also one of my favorite books. Over 1000 pages but I read it in a few days because I was entranced… he took a few pages in the Bible and made it into this whole rich world. Absolutely wonderful.
It’s YA but *Many Waters* by Madeline L’Engle (book 4 of the *Wrinkle in Time* set but works by itself) fits. It’s set right before the flood. The main characters travel (accidentally) from our time to theirs and end up spending that time with Noah’s family.