James Frey is arguably one of the most controversial literary figures of the last decade following the furore after his appearance on Oprah’s Book Club with “A Million Little Pieces”. With his latest novel Frey not only courts controversy but invites it in a imagining of what it would be like if the Messiah returned in Modern day New York City.
When Ben Zion awakes from a coma after a hideous accident he has other worldly powers and is perceived to be the second coming of Jesus Christ. Throughout each section or gospel written in the first person you are introduced to Ben Zion, his supporters and detractors. Zion explores the darker side of modern life from crack addicts, prostitution and homophobia. He experiences group sex with men, women and in heady orgies.
And no matter what you think of the controversy surrounding Frey in the past there is no denying that he is a truly unique author who has the ability to inhabit his characters with complexity and dexterity.
‘The Final Testament of the Holy Bible” is highly readable and ambitious in the exploration of humanity, religion, homosexuality and the very nature of existence. He is highly critical of religion which the protagonist describes as “a beautiful con…the longest running fraud in human history”.
Admittedly I am a huge fan of Frey’s style and his blatant disregard for punctuation and grammer, but this is what draws you in. For me there is no-one who writes like Frey and this latest novel did not disappoint.
When Ben Zion awakes from a coma after a hideous accident he has other worldly powers and is perceived to be the second coming of Jesus Christ. Throughout each section or gospel written in the first person you are introduced to Ben Zion, his supporters and detractors. Zion explores the darker side of modern life from crack addicts, prostitution and homophobia. He experiences group sex with men, women and in heady orgies.
And no matter what you think of the controversy surrounding Frey in the past there is no denying that he is a truly unique author who has the ability to inhabit his characters with complexity and dexterity.
‘The Final Testament of the Holy Bible” is highly readable and ambitious in the exploration of humanity, religion, homosexuality and the very nature of existence. He is highly critical of religion which the protagonist describes as “a beautiful con…the longest running fraud in human history”.
Admittedly I am a huge fan of Frey’s style and his blatant disregard for punctuation and grammer, but this is what draws you in. For me there is no-one who writes like Frey and this latest novel did not disappoint.
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