Review of The Sun and the Moon of Alexandria

[Winnie Walter oj]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Sun and the Moon of Alexandria" by Ray Filby.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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The Sun and the Moon of Alexandria” by Ray Filby. is an historical novel with much fiction that tells the story of Apollos, a rather important but unrecognized figure in the New Testament. The social context of Alexandria is brilliantly described, and the events that are related to the biblical teachings of the early Christians contribute significantly to the complex creation of the story. He was a great teacher and a man of faith, tradition, and interpersonal relationships. New persons participate in the story and play the roles of biblical characters as St. Paul, John Mark, affects Apollos. The author focused on themes like faith, redemption, and his desire for knowledge. The book protrayed early Christians, their living conditions, and the interactions of their groups, amongst others. To the author, the target audience is provided with an opportunity to observe the early stages of a growing faith in a chaotic and hostile environment.
 
 
Apollos, a smart and loving character, struggles with faith and judgment. John Mark's hope and mentorship enrich Apollo's character. The story explores the struggle between self and religious soul, as well as Diana's journey into faith with bulimia. It remains one of the most engaging aspects of the story because of how it explores the struggle that often exists between the person (self) and the religious (soul). The themes of relationships and faith are integral to the development of the story.
 
The book is an entertaining and historical exploration, with some plot narratives that detract from the core development of Apollo's divinity. The Roman Claurinius and Valerian subplots may have been more thought-provoking. However, the well-developed historical aspect and the well-developed characters like Caligula could have been more detailed. All in all, the historical aspect of the book is very well developed, and there are moments in the plot when the author could have been more sparing to stick to the main character’s growth as well as the book’s themes. Overall, I will give this book 4 stars tars out of 5.
 
This historical fiction book is recommended for readers interested in early Christian history, particularly those based on biblical stories. It presents unfamiliar characters and the author's perspective, providing a true impression of the Elizabethan period in England and meaningful characters.

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The Sun and the Moon of Alexandria
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