I, Claudia

Wilder (The Fragrance Shed by a Violet) provides a fresh, entertaining take on one of the lesser-known women of the Bible: Claudia Procula, daughter of the last Oracle of Pythia in Delphi and wife of Lucius Pontius Pilate. Told from their alternating perspectives, the story begins with Claudia recognizing in adolescence that she is gifted with premonitions and a knack for academics. Meanwhile, Lucius distinguishes himself in battle as a standout soldier and is named Roman tribune by the end of his first campaign. Lucius moves quickly up the ranks, but when he is promoted to Prelate of Judea he realizes he is unable to control the unrest of the land he now must govern. After Claudia’s aunt arranges for her to marry Lucius, she departs for Delphi, which is also the burial site of her parents. On her way, she has premonitions of the tumultuous land where she will live, and finally meets Lucius as the strife around Jesus begins. Christian readers will recognize the familiar story that unfolds from there, as Claudia (a nameless woman in the Bible) experiences a tormenting dream and unsuccessfully warns her husband not to execute Jesus. Wilder paints a vibrant portrait of biblical times in this enjoyable story. [em](BookLife) [/em]