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Linda Rhodes, an American archeologist leading an expedition in Jordan, discovers an ancient manuscript which appears to have been written by Judas Iscariot, the betrayer of Jesus Christ. But sabotage, poison, murder, and terrorists soon devastate the project. The men blame Linda and believe she is "marked."
After the murder of Dr. Fawzi, the liaison between the American expedition and the Jordanian government, Linda is held for questioning by military officials. As soon as they release her, she is captured by Muslim terrorists and forced to translate the scroll. Linda is well-versed in world religions, but weak in faith. During her captivity, she calls on God to spare her. I was touched by her thoughts about kneeling during prayer: "The physical act of getting down, the discomfort of it, the humility it required, lowering oneself, also transformed prayer and made it more real. More complete." The author's vivid descriptions of the physical and psychological effects of captivity and abuse were chilling.
I especially appreciated the author's characterization of Israeli professor Henri Gold, Linda's colleague, and their mutual respect and affection. Baldino also touchingly portrays Linda's excruciating attraction to Abu, the expedition's Arab overseer. Linda senses her feelings are returned, but Abu cannot touch her or even speak of their feelings.
The entire "translation" of the scroll is included and is similar to the apocryphal "Gospel of Nicodemus."
I have only one complaint about this book. The beginning scenes about a camel spider seemed exaggerated to me, and research on the web confirmed that there is an "urban legend" which inflates the damage these spiders can do. The rest of the book, however, kept my interest and I enjoyed learning about the Middle East and other religions. THE ACTS OF JUDAS is an interesting, well-researched novel and I highly recommend it. I'll look forward to reading other works by Georgiann Baldino.
Reviewed by Marie DisBrow
for The Road to Romance
February 17, 2005
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