Book Review:

Quo Vadis
by Henryk Sienkiewicz

Every so often I will read a novel that changes my perspective on life. It opens my eyes and bolsters my faith. Some of my favourite authors, gifted writers like Francine Rivers and Karen Kingsbury, produce such books.

Quo Vadis is in a class all of its own. It is an extraordinary and inspiring work of fiction. Sienkiewicz wrote this masterpiece over one hundred years ago in Polish. The novel has since been translated into over 40 languages and Sienkiwicz was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1905. I read a modern English translation by W.S. Kuniczak published in 1993.

Quo Vadis is "an epic saga of love, courage and devotion in Nero's time. (It) portrays the degenerate days leading to the fall of the Roman empire and the glory and the agony of early Christianity." Key characters include members of Nero's court, wealthy Roman citizens, persecuted members of the early church, and the apostles Peter and Paul.

This novel is graphic and intense. Sienkiewicz describes the extravagant depravity of Rome in vivid detail. Many scenes describe Nero's mad whims, his eccentric self-absorption and the wild debauchery of his royal court. The destruction of Rome and subsequent martyrdom of thousands of Christians are key plot points. Sienkiewicz's descriptions of these violent events are especially gruesome and disturbing.

This is the most graphic novel I have read, however, I did not feel the violence was gratuitous or unnecessary. Sienkiewicz's writing is built upon the foundation of meticulous research. Quo Vadis is based on actual historical events and many of the books characters are real historical figures. I believe Quo Vadis is a fairly accurate rendering of life during a dark and corrupt period of human history.

Further, Sienkiewicz brilliantly contrasts Christ's redeeming power and the glory of His death and resurrection against the depravity of the Roman Empire. Nero persecuted the early Christians with unimaginable terrors and horrific executions. Thousands of people perished. Quo Vadis places these key events of the Christian church within an historical context. This novel clearly highlights the saving grace of Christ against the fallen nature of man.

Quo Vadis is a brilliant work of literature, but without question, it is a challenging and difficult read. I believe it is an appropriate book for mature, adult Christians. This novel is a powerful, heart-changing work of fiction.