The Transmigrant by Kristi Saare Duarte

I was given a copy of The Transmigrant by Kristi Saare Duarte in exchange for an honest review.

After a few pages, Duarte made me stop and think about everything I knew about Jesus and challenge it with: what if Jesus was just an ordinary, down-to-earth boy on a religious quest?

Duarte has taken the story of Jesus and woven it into a captivating story of Yeshua who leaves his home and future as a carpenter, setting out to cross the strict caste laws and become a rabbi. His love of God and his passion to share the Word of God is present in his day to day travels and struggles to find the inner peace and presence of mind that others before him had found – Lord Buddha, Krishna and the White Brahmins. Yeshua wants only to teach the word of a loving God but is challenged to wait patiently and teach only when he is deemed worthy and learns to only teach to those “more appropriate.” Yeshua breaks with tradition and begins teaching peasants and farmers and women.

The story of Yeshua mirrors the life of Jesus closely but with significant changes that are likely closer to reality than not; Duarte invites you to see the story of Jesus in a different light. Duarte’s telling of the story of Yeshua flows smoothly, weaving naturally in with stories from the Bible and history and reported experiences of Jesus. Duarte snags the imagination of her audience and challenges them. She encourages questions and further examination of one’s beliefs.

The life of Jesus is widely known but with her research of ancient scriptures and reported new findings by others, Duarte creates another version that could have happened. One that leaves room for thought.

Duarte’s writing style and vivid use of imagery captured me and held my attention. Her use of inner dialog allows the reader to experience the same questions and emotions as Yeshua. The reader cannot help but become enmeshed in his struggles and ultimate sacrifice. Her writing is calming and subtle – it is not forceful nor over powering. She simply offers a different scenario.

WordsAPlenty highly recommends this book with a five-star review; Duarte is an accomplished writer who questions and challenges the norm with a passion for other possibilities.

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