Paul Trittin’s “Jacobus” receives accolade from The US Review of Books
Book reviews add to the credibility and reputation of a literary work, giving them a stamp of approval from professional book critics. At Author Reputation Press, your reputation is our focus, and nowhere is it more obvious than with the recent spate of positive reviews given by major publications to our authors.
We’re proud to announce today that Jacobus, a historical novel written by Paul Trittin, has received critical acclaim from The US Review of Books (USRB). The book is only one of the many titles published by ARPress that have been positively reviewed by the USRB.
Book critic Dylan Ward writes:
“Trittin’s controversial novel may surprise some yet appeal to others. Through Jacobus, Trittin weaves a venturesome narrative of sexual discovery, love, and courage. Mature themes and situations are handled carefully, but the sentimental similarities of the characters leave little room for connection and exploration, especially of Jacobus.”
Jacobus is a coming-of-age story of the eponymous protagonist who was contracted by his father to their relatives in Sicily as an apprentice to manage the shipping enterprise of his Jewish family. Being what the Greeks called a “natural eunuch”, he found himself living with two “cut eunuch” Carthaginian slaves who eventually became his lowers.
As his apprenticeship progressed, the family recognized his natural leadership abilities surpassed his age. By sixteen, he developed a strategy to enter the India trade which succeeded beyond expectations. He also became the second “spouse” of his cousin, the director of Aetna shipping.
Everything, in his life changed when his brother-in-law, Simon from Cyrene, was awoken one night by a frightening vision causing some of the family, with their Judeo-Indian partners to take Simon to Jerusalem for Passover.
Ward notes that the author spends tremendous amount of time examining their “deep and rewarding” love while Jacobus wrestles with himself as an “uncut eunuch.” Trittin also looks into themes of “identity, belief, and faith until Jacobus’s life is profoundly transformed with the arrival of a prophet named Jesus of Nazareth,” Ward writes.
You can read the full review here. The book can be purchased through ARPRess‘ online bookstore, Amazon.com, and Barnes & Noble, both in digital and paperback versions.
