The Gaze of Jesus

"The Gaze of Jesus" by Riccardo Bacchelli, translated by Anthony Esolen, explores the life of the Gerasene demoniac after his miraculous healing by Jesus. Rejected from following Jesus closely, he struggles with his newfound freedom and seeks understanding of who Jesus truly is. Through encounters with figures like Herod, Herodias, and Judas, and amidst the complexities of first-century Jewish society, he embarks on a psychological, historical, and theological journey towards faith. This novel, introduced and elegantly translated by Esolen, offers a profound exploration of seeking Jesus from a distance, filled with rich character studies and a vivid New Testament backdrop, challenging readers to consider the depth of following Christ.