OK, so most people haven't read all of the Bible, or even most of it, but almost everyone has a working knowledge of the general course of things-you know, the good guy dies in the middle. \Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal"" by Christopher Moore is precisely the type of book that is both amusing and educational; too bad it's only a novel.
Moore proves himself authority enough to discuss the untold childhood of Christ. Born and schooled in Ohio, Moore moved to California and started waiting tables and roofing houses, among other things.??At age 30, he decided to give up drinking and started writing novels.??Now in his late-30s, Moore has written his sixth book with ""Lamb.""
He's done his research; Moore drops all the right places, like Nazareth and Galilee.??And he drops all the right names, but in this case, makes them easier for the modern reader: Changing Jesus to Joshua and Mary of Magdala to Maggie.
Our story is set in modern day with the angel Raziel, who watches TV most of the time, resurrecting Biff, Jesus-cum-Joshua's best bud from back in the day.??
The purpose of Biff's resurrection was for the writing of the new gospel, that is, according to Biff.??Because of course, who better to speak of the Lord other than Our Savior's best friend? Biff not only serves as our window into the elusive childhood of Jesus, but also writes his gospel as an author under an impending deadline, with Raziel peering over his shoulder.
We follow Biff and Joshua from age six, when Christ revives dead lizards, to age 10, when the Savior's profile magically appears on baked goods across Galilee.??In many ways ""Lamb"" is Christ's coming-of- age, told with witty sarcasm as reflected through Biff.??
While the novel is about Jesus, it is as much about Biff, who is always at Christ's side, ready to check his friend if J.C. perchance delves too deeply in, say, the Law of Moses.??
Biff learns too, mostly from the Roman ""graven image"" statues.??He continues, ""You could see her breasts??...??I've never seen a breast without a baby attached to it.??They're more-more friendly in pairs like that.""?? You might be comforted to know that Joshua preferred to keep his mind off matters sexual.??
""Lamb"" attacks and answers some of those lingering questions we have about the early years of Christ.??Did Jesus ever lie'Well, no, he had Biff to do that for him.?? Did Christ ever play with his snake' He did, she was a cobra named Sarah that refused to bite the Prince of Peace-go figure.
Although Moore had an opportunity to offend, he instead conveys intelligent humor.??""Lamb"" is in no way a mockery of the Lord many of us know and love, but rather a sophisticated and modern re-telling of this most-famous story.??The lessons are life-long.??Christ learns-in reference to resurrection-that ""two out of three ain't bad.""??Now that's Jesus for you!
""Lamb"" reads very much like a gospel with long, drawn-out stories but Moore's use of puns makes the reading quick and enjoyable.?? Critics have recently praised ""Lamb"" as Moore's best work to-date and if this book is any indication of his current direction in fiction then his next novel, slated for release in mid-2003, should be a rewarding read.''
""Lamb"" is for those of us who have told others that, yeah, we've read the Bible all the while knowing that, well, we actually haven't.??But in the meantime, the Gospel of Biff will just have to do. Not a bad substitute.
