by Crystal Raen

Created on: July 13, 2010

While I loved this book greatly, and it will continue to reside on my top ten list for many many years to come, I will (begrudgingly) admit that it is definitely not a book to be read by all.  Case in point, my grandfather nearly had a mild heart attack just from flipping through the pages and briefly reading a few sections here and there.  Lamb does have several sacrilegious aspects contained within its pages, so I can see where my grandfather might get upset.  Then again, he also was never big on fictional works.

In Lamb, you are led through the eyes of Levi who is called Biff, who in addition to telling about Christ’s childhood, also throws in a few remarks on how things have changed from the time of Herod the Great to the time of Pizza Delivery.  You will be taken on a satirical journey through many missing years of Christ’s childhood, visiting China and India along the way.  Biff’s talents at stretching the truth and his devious ways help to get him and Jesus out of many jams.  While telling of their journey, accomplishments and (many) mishaps, Biff also tells the endearing love story that existed between Christ and Maggie (Mary of Magdala).

This book is a great example of how historical fiction can be done in a fun touching and occasionally slightly offensive way. It is highly imaginative and gives many laughs along the way, it is very humanizing, and visits several religions from a different angle than you typically find on bookshelves anywhere.  This is a book that I recommend to nearly all of my friends.   

However, I do not recommend it to anyone who is easily offended by religious humor particularly that of the Christian persuasion.

Christopher Moore writes books that tend to have more of a cult feel to them, and you can sometimes sense that among the pages of Lamb.  And while Lamb does contain many sacrilegious features, they are not nearly as offensive as many of the books I have come across in my readings.  They have more of a lighthearted feel that incorporates them seamlessly into this fun, quick book.

If you decided that Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal is a book that you must read keep in mind that while reading this humorous delightful tale, you need to bring a very open mind to your armchair, after that all you need to do is kick back, read and enjoy.

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