Jacobus by Paul Trittin offers a renewed perspective on eunuchs

Paul Trittin’s novel Jacobus is a story of gay romance and acceptance that crisscross with the Judeo-Christian faith systems Roman maritime world and beyond into India during the first century. The book is a historical fiction, and Trittin himself is a closeted gay man who lived most of his life in a religiously conservative surrounding.

Jacobus revolves around the themes of pride, acceptance, tolerance and love. It aims to connect the author’s faith and sexuality. The book’s characters, most notably the titular protagonist Jacobus, an “uncut eunuch,” live out their faith with strong convictions while living in a world of personal battles within.

The book follows the story of Jacobus and his twin brother, Josephus. Jacobus is sold by his father to his relatives to become an apprentice at the family’s shipping business in Sicily while his brother is left behind. As a result, Jacobus feels lonesome at being far from his brother while also feeling excited at the thought of exploring the world outside.

Jacobus’ first year at sea allows him to discover his ability to love without condition and his curiosity for what an emerging prophet  has to say. He also mingles with anyone throughout his travels and starts to feel at home with strangers along the way despite the stigma of being an “uncut eunuch”. Readers will surely come to take away lessons from the messages of equality and social justice from the book.