The Twin by Kevin St. Jarre
A thinking person’s retelling of the story of Jesus of Nazareth focusing on the “lost years”.
Using the literary frame of a translator revealing a newly discovered gospel Mr. St. Jarre paints an insightful commentary on the narrative of Jesus, religion, and the human yearning to believe.
“The Twin” is given to the reader as a translation of an unknown gospel, notably, the Gospel of Thomas. The figure of a translator is shadowy and only intrudes in the notes, but there is a hint of humanness when he speaks of the importance of this discovery and his work.
He is guilty of the very craving that is spoken against so strongly throughout the rest of the novel.
Some who are dedicated to the written story of Jesus of Nazareth as given in the Bible may have problems with the portrayal of logic and human nature as larger components to the reported miracles than actual – well, miracles.
The Gospel begins with the search for a new Dalai Lama, which has led the travelers from the east to Jerusalem. There they meet Thomas who guides them to Bethlehem – and this is where people who are faith bound may start to have problems.
It has been speculated for decades that the teachings of Jesus of Nazareth were heavily influenced by the teachings of Gautama Buddha. That is precisely where this novel takes us. Through the eyes of Thomas, we follow the chronicle of Jesus of Nazareth.
After the revelation of Jesus to the Buddhist priests, Thomas chooses to follow the visitors from the east . He returns with them to their home. In the intervening years he studies the Vedas and becomes a student of the path described by Gautama Buddha.
When Thomas returns to Jerusalem years later, he once again finds Jesus of Nazareth and invites him to the east where he might learn. Jesus, accepts the offer and he and Thomas both return to the east. Another approximate decade passes and when we see Jesus again, he is versed in the path of Buddhism – and still devoted to God.
This is where we start to see both the strength and the problems with the novel. Through the lens of Buddhism, the events of Jesus of Nazareth’s ministry and crucifixion are narrated. The author manages to stuff most of the holes in the Jesus of Nazareth chronology with simple reason and clarity. Present is the persistent call to compassion that both Buddha and Jesus taught.
Some readers might find the rational explanation behind the events of the Crucifixion and the Resurrection belittle the message. It places the question of “are the means justified if the cause is just” squarely in front of the reader. It almost asks – Are you a person of faith or a person of reason?
Afterward there are actions taken by Jesus of Nazareth that seem petty, driven by jealousy and even evil. I won’t spoil the idea – but do be aware that the episode puts Jesus solidly in the ‘human’ camp, with all the pettiness that can imply. Some readers might also find this fallibility upsetting.
Thomas, as the primary conduit for these events, is what might be referred to as ‘an unreliable narrator’. Indeed, throughout his narration he is troubled by the presence of “the Other.” The ambiguity used in giving us a nuanced oppositional voice is well crafted. We are left to wonder if Thomas was schizophrenic or tormented by the Devil – as he would have been considered in 0 ACE. So, perhaps the answer is that it was both.
In conclusion, this novel will challenge some and it will entertain others. But it should make all of its readers think.
To read more about Kevin St. Jarre or more of her work trundle on over to KevinStJarre.net
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Photo credit:
Pixabay/stux