In the Light of the Sun
Clamor and confusion of early church portrayed in vivid detail
Novelist Brings Ancient Ephesus to Life
Clamor and confusion of early church portrayed in vivid detail
2007-08-10
LONGWOOD, FL-Journey back in time with In the Light of the Sun (paperback, 978-1-60266-199-8), a historical novel by Marie Dawson that recounts the extraordinary life of a young Jewish woman born at a critical time in the world's history. As a child, Rachel witnesses the crucifixion of Jesus the Nazarene, the carpenter who claims to be the Son of God. This event sets in motion an intense investigation into a new cult called "The Way," which changes Rachel's life and destiny irrevocably. Later, as a woman living in Ephesus, she is caught up in the clamor and confusion of the early church at the beginning of its history. It is an unprecedented moment in time: raw, urgent, and illuminating, when men and women, as emissaries of a new revelation, are inspired to pioneer a radical vision of love and liberty in the cosmopolitan, dynamic city.
An award-winning British journalist, Dawson started her investigation into ancient Ephesus in New York, where she worked as a writer/editor for national magazines. With the help of two distinguished scholars, Helmut Koester of Harvard University and Catherine Kroeger of Boston Theological Seminary, she began what would amount to years of research for the book. "It is difficult for so many people today to find faith, or indeed anything of any substance to hold onto," says Dawson. "Our world can feel so bleak and the problems so insurmountable. As a journalist, my impetus has always been to reach out to people, to bring something of value to them."
Marie Dawson's articles on social and humanitarian issues and psychology and religion have been published throughout the world. She lives with her daughter in Essex, England. In the Light of the Sun is her first novel.