Three from Galilee is a 1985 novel by Marjorie Holmes that explores the “lost years” of Jesus’ life, from age twelve to thirty, a period not detailed in the Bible. The book, a sequel to her bestseller Two from Galilee, portrays Jesus as a young man with relatable human emotions and struggles, focusing on his family life, work, and growing understanding of his divine nature. While revered for making Jesus’s humanity more accessible, the novel also faced criticism for taking liberties and offering sentimental interpretations of the sacred narrative.
Key aspects of the novel:
The “Lost Years”:
The story fills the biblical void between Jesus’s departure from the Temple at age twelve and the start of his ministry at age thirty.
Humanity of Jesus:
Holmes emphasizes Jesus’s human side, showing him experiencing everyday trials, developing relationships (including a potential love interest named Tamara), and growing as a person.
Family Life:
The novel delves into the dynamics of Jesus’s family, including his parents, siblings, and extended family members in Nazareth.
Thematic Focus:
A central theme is the portrayal of Jesus as a fully human being who, though divine, consciously chose to live a normal life and resist sin.
Literary Approach:
Holmes uses her talent for recreating historical settings and characters to bring the story to life, presenting a speculative but reverent account.