St Martin's Fenny StratfordParish Magazine

'WHERE YOU GO, I WILL FOLLOW'

A book review by Fr. Ian Thomas

There have been many books over the years, which take an episode or particular aspect of Christian belief, and develop a fictitious story around them. The most famous recent speculation to have a series of books written about is, that, Jesus survived the crucifixion, married Mary Magdalene and fathered at least one child. This curious interpretation of Jesus's life has inspired a series of books over the last twenty five years from the 'Holy Blood and the Holy Grail', through to the best selling 'Da Vinci Code '.

It is therefore a relief to move away from the wilder shores of religious fantasy to a book based around the events of the life of Christ for which there is firm support.

'Where you go, I will follow', is the story of Peter's wife, in the book called Rachel. Did Simon Peter have a wife? She is not referred to directly in the Bible, but her mother is! In the preamble to the book, the author, Richard Fletcher, quotes three verses from the Bible which refer to Simon Peters mother-in -law having a fever; Here is one from Mark;

Mark 1 v 30: "But Simons wife's mother lay sick with a fever and they told him about her at once ".

If Simon Peter had a mother-in-law, then it follows he had a wife. In the book, Simon and Rachel grow up together in a fishing village on the shores of the Sea of Galillee. They meet Jesus for the first time as they travel to Jerusalem and Jesus stays behind in the temple, talking with the Rabbis. When the party discover he is not with them, Mary and Joseph turn back and find him; The Rabbi's had been amazed at his knowledge.

The great charm of the bookfor me was not only recognising thefamiliar events of our Lord's life, but seeing them through the perspective of a totally new character, Rachel.

Rachel is a tom-boy who loves playing with the village boys. She is a very engaging and open person, and the narrative moves swiftly through the scenes of her exciting life.

The book is a very enjoyable read which will enable the reader to see events in the Gospels through a new light. Richard Fletcher is a local Christian who lives in Furzton. If anyone would like to have more information about the book please come and speak to me.

Fr.Ian.