Ben-Hur

This, like the book I am reading now, took way too long to get through. I honestly gave up halfway through and went through an art phase before coming back and reading the second half. By doing that, I did not make myself miserable for reading a book that was heavy in language and description.

I liked the story, especially after watching both the original and the recent version. I love the themes that run through it. I do not know of any other book really where it consistently lays down the idea of forgiveness, within family, over the major issue of religion and cultural differences, which historically without getting into theology was a huge turning point for the world at that time, given that the world was to the demographic such a small place compared to what we know now. You have someone who is raised in wealth while not being an asshole about it, and you have someone who was adopted into it and therefore feels like they would never belong to that world; when they grow up and realize how different they truly are, this overtakes them and their relationship, creating this unnecessary hatred toward one another with no way of returning to the love and care they had. This is a Jesus-ey book without being Jesus-ey, if you know what I mean. He is only present in small areas. This is a story of human nature and revenge; this is how you can overcome hurts done by others, especially by those you love.

I appreciate that the culmination of Ben-Hur and Messala’s anger toward one another comes down to a chariot race and not some stereotypical direct combative moment. I remember the 2016 movie version better, and I admittedly do not remember off the top of my head if this was the starting point in the book, but Ben-Hur opens with them racing. That is the special thing in their relationship, so to have that be the thing that they come back to with the intent to use as something of hate rather than joy says something about human relationships. I do not know if you know, if it is like a common knowledge thing, of someone using something that is a mutual joy with someone else as a negative tool against them; apparently that happens all the time (half sarcastic upward inflection). I just thought it was great to read this happening as a way to wrap the book together.

I would read this again, especially when I do need that reminder to forgive and choose love over built up walls by hate and resentment. Honestly, we all need this. I would recommend this as a discussion book as well. If interested, you can find Ben-Hur here.

9/10