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What is it like to be possessed by MADNESS?
Better yet, why would one want to know? Tracy Groot provides an amazing
glimpse into the mind of madness. She guides us on a journey with a
philosopher’s servant named Tallis, to a place far from his comfort zone.
Drawn into an unraveling mystery surrounding the Greek academy which his
master is financing, we quickly learn that the school has disappeared and
no one seems eager to talk. Not only that, the faculty has been bizarrely
misfortunate; one of which is now a Madman roaming the tombs of Kursi.
Throughout the novel the reader is constantly
engaged in the internal dialogue of a madman. In keeping with the
mysterious intrigue of the book, the definition of and fall to madness
becomes as important to unravel as the obvious plot of the book. At some
points, the readers will find themselves wondering to whom the madman in
the title refers. In addition, an introspective reader might begin to
wonder about their own touches with “madness”.
Groot's dynamic body of research gives us a
realistic portrait of the events surrounding Biblical accounts. The
historical setting, social dynamics and religious climate at the time of
Christ is much more tangible after reading MADMAN. She also
provides a fresh look at the Biblical stories of Jesus, not from the
perspective of His followers, but rather from those, at the time, who
were not fully aware of His message. While the unique and engaging
historical plot that is the bulk of the book is compelling in itself,
the final impact provides a fresh and exciting perspective of the
wholeness God brings to life.
This book may be a challenge for those who
have difficulty following many characters in a plot line. Character names
can also get especially confusing because they are foreign and sometimes
look similar. Taking time to write down the character names, and who they
are, while reading might be a helpful solution. A cursory understanding
of the historical time period should be sufficient for most readers.
Groot writes in such a way that the knowledgeable reader would enjoy the
historical content and yet a lack of familiarity would not take away from
the novel’s impact. In the back of the book, she also provides notes that
give an interested reader valuable resources with which to become better
acquainted with the historical events.
MADMAN provides an opportunity for
those who want to know and understand the Biblical texts to gain a more
well rounded view of the time period. In addition, the novel has the
potential to impact one’s perspective of an intimate relationship with
Christ. Finally, readers who enjoy a captivating and intellectual plot
will be caught up in the stimulating story-line.
Review contributed by: A. V. Warkentin.
She attends First Baptist Church - Reedley, California, is a full time
mom and wife, and enjoys tutoring, reading novels and analyzing just
about every part of life.
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