Books 1 and 2 of Paul Trittin’s “Jacobus” are among our Featured Books for March 2020
This month, we celebrate a special acknowledgement of the books that have earned a reputation for themselves, not only for being an engaging read but also for the contributions they have given to the literary world. Without these books, the advancement of literature would not have been possible.
Among the books that have made it to our list for March 2020 are Paul Trittin’s novels, Jacobus: A Eunuch’s Faith: The Apprentice and Jacobus: India Connection. The book is a coming-of-age story of the eponymous main character who was sent by his father to their relatives in Sicily as an apprentice to manage the shipping enterprise of his Jewish family. His journey led to the discovery of his extraordinary leadership skills.
Book 1 is a riveting read about the life of a eunuch named Jacobus set in the biblical times. His father contracts him to become an apprentice to his relatives at the age of 14, thus the start of his journey in Sicily. This also leads to his separation from his brother, with whom he has developed a special kind of romantic relationship.
As a result, Jacobus feels lonesome at being far from his brother while also feeling excited at the thought of exploring the world outside. Later, he learns his way around his Jewish family’s shipping business. During this time, Jacobus lives with two cut eunuchs who are also Carthaginian slaves. Eventually, he falls in love with the two of them.
Book 2 follows a chapter in Jacobus’s life when he and members of his extended family arrive in Jerusalem for Passover. The day after Passover, they encounter The Prophet in a crowded street in Old Jerusalem. In shock, they follow the crowd to a hill where they watch his execution.
Soon, Jacobus fulfills his dream to represent his family on their first trading mission to India. While there, two local kings gift him with an orphaned baby elephant and its trainer. The next year, while preparing for another Indian voyage in Alexandria, Egypt, Jacobus encountered the Apostle Thomas while entering a local synagogue.
Thomas decides to join them when they sail up the Nile and by caravan across the desert to board their ship for India, where he worked for the rest of his life. In Jacobus’ senior years, he is joined by his freed Carthaginian slave as they travel by elephant from south India to Jerusalem and witness another terror in that ancient city.
