Lois Drake

I love reading Biblical Fiction, and was thrilled to receive a copy of Issa. I had a very hard time trying to get into the book, and I thought perhaps I was having a hard time because of my Christian beliefs. After reading the other reviews on the book I realize this wasn't the case at all.

Honestly, if this hadn't been a book that I had promised a review on, I wouldn't have finished it.

That old saying is so true when it comes to a difficult read, or one that you're struggling with. "So many books..so little time"
Something like that.

I didn't enjoy this book at all, which was disappointing, as I was hoping to find a new author to love.… (altro)

"The greatest story never told" remains untold.

This is less a story about the lost years of Jesus than it is an attempt to imply the one true god can be reached via myriad of paths/religions and Christian teachings are merely a combination of Buddhist and Hindu teachings retold without an exact definition of Buddhism or Hinduism being applied. The important lessons learned from these supporting religions by Issa were left to the reader's imagination and interpretation, which leaves room for gross misinterpretation by those readers who have little or no knowledge of these religions or the civilizations from which they sprang.

Detailed imagery was sporadic. Writing style seemed a bit inconsistent. The reader's ability to develop opinion for characters is taken away, as Drake tells you exactly what to think. The book struggles abruptly for an ending. Overall, the book seemed more like a poorly researched outline for a much larger and more concise novel.… (altro)

Loved this book!!! I'm usually leery about biblical fiction, and the "maybe this happened" type books, but this is wonderfully done. No preaching, no wild suppositions. Ms. Drake takes a legendary tale from Ladakh and weaves her story around it.

The story of Jesus (Issa) during his "missing" years is told in a very realistic manner, not hard to take in, unless you are of a narrow-minded, fixed viewpoint. The reader journeys with Issa in his travels and learning, his friendships and seperation from his family.

Despite knowing "the rest of the story," I was left wanting the story to continue, I didn't want Ms. Drake's rendition of the story to end. I hope that she writes more like this, I will definitely keep an eye out for it. I definitely felt a spiritual connection through this book.

I also enjoyed being sent to the computer looking up different facts from the book, like the history of the Kushan's and such. Made me wish that the present region would reclaim the unity and glory of it's past, especially after all the tragedy and turmoil that has occured in recent years. I hope that the people can remember it's culture and dignity they had prior to the Taliban and other oppressive regimes and share with the rest of the world the richness and beauty of their forgotten culture.… (altro)