Madman by Tracy Groot Published by: Moody Publishers (2006) 350 pages Rating: 10/10 Buy it Now:    Also by Tracy Groot: The Brother's Keeper Stones of My Accusers

Tracy Groot wrote one of the best Biblical-fiction novels ever with The Brother's Keeper, the story of James, brother of Christ. Even during that story, she couldn't stay away from multiple references to the Gerasene demoniac. After her second novel, she mentioned her intent to return to that story. It's been some time coming, but it's finally here, and what a story it is.

Some people will avoid this novel for a variety of reasons: they don't like stories based on Biblical events, they suspect it'll be too preachy, or they think "real" writers should look for inspiration in the world outside the Bible. Somehow, some Christians have even gotten the idea that to write a story based on a Biblical account is less "artistic" or "literary" by definition. Well, they're all wrong (in my humble opinion, of course). Yes, there's some terrible Biblical fiction. Yes, there's some that attempts to add modern motivations and concepts to Biblical characters. Yes, there are some that do nothing more than re-tell the actual Bible stories. This is not anything like that.

In fact, except for the incredibly dramatic scene when Jesus walks into the lives of the characters, this is not even what you might imagine in a Biblical-based story. It's more of a historical novel that just happens to take place at the same time as the life of Christ, but in a different location.

The story is not told from the point of view of Jesus, or even the point of view of the demoniac, but from the viewpoint of those who know the demoniac, both before and after his possession. The primary character is a young servant named Tallis, who is sent to the Decapolis region by his philosopher master to uncover what happened to a Greek academy that was founded there. No one will tell Tallis what happened, but he's slowly able to uncover what took place and it leads him to the most famous man in the region - Kardus, the madman, who lives in the tombs.

Kardus' situation - in fact, all of the mystery - is rooted in the cult of Dionysus, whose horrors are told in excruciating detail. Tallis himself has personal experience with this evil, experience that defined his entire life. Kardus' family, Tallis, and the remnants of the Greek academy uncover the rest of the mystery, unaware that the only hope for the madman will come from across the Sea one day and change all of their lives forever.

With The Brother's Keeper, Tracy Groot took characters that we know vaguely from the Biblical record and breathed life into them. This time around, she has created a fascinating and intriguing group of supporting characters for the demoniac, all of whom have their own personality, fears and foibles. None of them have encountered Christ or even know about Him. They're basically good people, struggling against a massive evil, but with no idea of what it takes to fight the battle.

The emotions experienced are raw and gut-wrenching. The storytelling is perfectly balanced between suspense and eager anticipation. When the words are finally spoken that indicate that the climax is coming... it's a moment of pure joy, a celebration of the coming of the One who will save, the only One who can resist the evil. This is a book of hope. Highly Recommended.