The Lost Letters of Pergamum: A Story From the New Testament World (2nd Edition)

It has been said that, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. This is true in reading Longenecker's The Lost Letters of Pergamum, a fictitious account of historical characters, cultures and events set during the first century era of the New Testament. Unlike most historical fiction, which marries contemporary ideas with scant historical knowledge, Longenecker draws from his knowledge and research to construct a fictitious world so historically accurate, he has pioneered a new pathway for teaching history. It is a fictitious collection of letters recently unearthed and translated into English, between Antipas the biblical historian and physician Luke. . The tone of the letters become like that of works in the field of Christian apologetics, as Antipas raises concerns, problems and questions pertaining to the gospel and the person of Jesus Christ and the God He is one with. These are intertwined with various observations and stories regarding events around them, pertaining to them or involving them. The strengths of the book are easy to highlight. It is well structured and written and engages the reader from the beginning. The dialogue and events are creative and realistic and one is inclined to finish the book in one sitting. Its historical authenticity is admirable, achieving the author's desire not for it to be like most modern day historical fiction. As with all works of fiction, one must be discerning. Even so, it is recommended work of fiction.