First published 1977
Pontius Pilate sits in judgment over a Galilean preacher whose followers claim he is the son of God. The Roman governor finds himself caught between Jewish religious leaders demanding crucifixion and his own doubts about the prisoner's guilt. Political pressure mounts as Pilate weighs his options. The crowd grows restless outside his palace walls. His wife warns him through dreams and omens. Pilate must decide whether to condemn an innocent man to preserve Roman order or risk his career to uphold justice. The choice he makes will echo through centuries, but in this moment he struggles with the weight of power and the complexity of truth. Kiefer explores the human drama behind history's most famous trial, revealing a man torn between duty and conscience.
Genres: drama, historical-fiction, political-thriller
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: duty-vs-conscience, moral-dilemma
Setting: Judea, Roman Empire
Period: 1st Century AD
288 pages · Paperback · Jove