Barrabas (1896) is a novel by Marie Corelli. Published at the height
of Corelli's career as one of the most successful writers of her
generation, Barrabas combines Biblical fiction, spirituality, and
tragedy to tell the story of the crucifixion from the perspective of the
man who was spared. Due for reassessment by a modern audience, Marie
Corelli's work--which has inspired several adaptations for film and
theater--is a must read for fans of nineteenth century fiction. "The
heavy heat was almost insupportable, and a poisonous stench oozed up
from the damp earth-floors of the Jewish prison, charging what little
air was there with a deadly sense of suffocation. Down in the lowest
dungeons complete darkness reigned, save in one of the cells allotted to
the worst of criminals..." In one of these cells, the thief Barrabas
awaits punishment for his crimes. Expecting death, he goes through
phases of despair and rage, trying with all his might--and failing--to
break his heavy chains. In another cell, Jesus himself awaits his trial.
While their stories are well known, and despite the infamy associated
with such names as Judas and Pontius Pilate, Corelli does her best to
provide a unique angle on Jesus' crucifixion, focusing on Barrabas, the
man who was spared. Addressing philosophical, historical, and religious
themes, Barrabas is a moving work of fiction which asks important
questions about faith, guilt, and the meaning of Christian sacrifice.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript,
this edition of Marie Corelli's Barrabas is a classic work of English
historical fiction reimagined for modern readers.
