This was a powerful and thought provoking book about compassion and suffering. While it is set during Jesus’ fasting in the desert, the narrative focuses more on the other people in the same area and their struggles and dreams. I especially liked the interactions between the women Miri and Marta.

From the description on the back of the book, I must confess I wasn’t incredibly excited about the prospect of the book. Not being religious, I can’t say I knew much about Jesus’s 40 days in the desert besides the fact that he was tempted by the devil. And I wasn’t really looking forward to learning more about it. However, Crace’s writing is beyond superb – the story is breathtaking – simply incredible. Mostly it follows six people who were also going through their quarantine (some forced, some optional) in the same area as Jesus. Although the story focuses on religion, I highly recommend it to everyone, regardless of faith or belief.