Book Review: The First Easter

The First Easter

written by Peter Marshall, edited by Catherine Marshall

137 pages // published in 1985 // Christian non-fiction

BOOK DESCRIPTION

Peter Marshall's sermons proved him to be not only a devout man of God but also a stimulating, sparkling storyteller. In this beloved book, Catherine Marshall skillfully weaves a magnificent dramatic narrative of Easter from Peter's many thought-provoking messages.

If you're going to read an Easter book this year – let it be THIS ONE.

In a way that only a true storyteller can, Peter Marshall brings to life the story of the first Easter. It reads as if you were there, experiencing the last days of Christ's life on earth with Him. There is so much detail included too – detail that can only come from study, as not every little bit comes from the Bible itself. For some of the details, one would just have to research the Biblical times and customs, in order to understand little bits of information modern readers might skip over, not realizing the significance of it. Truly, this book brought out some interesting elements about Easter that I either didn't know, or didn't remember hearing before.

It's a dramatic telling of the greatest story of redemption known to man. It's lyrical prose invites the reader to enjoy a familiar story from a fresh viewpoint, complete with minute facts and biblical knowledge.

Actually, “The First Easter” is a collection of sermons by Peter Marshall, interlaced into one cohesive book. It's done so well (by his wife Catherine) that it is seamless, where one sermon passage ends and another begins. It all feels like one full-length book he wrote.

Furthermore (and maybe my favorite bit) is that the integrity of Peter's unique writing style of how he penned his sermons is preserved. His paragraphs cascade down the page, visually similar to poetry. I have learned that he wrote in this way to provide emphasis on certain words or key phrases. Well, as a logophile myself, this is magnificently done, and it makes Peter's work a joy to read.

I can easily see myself re-reading this title again, perhaps during some future Lent season. It's a beautiful experience, a spotless interpretation.

“We are to remember His death.
Never did He ask that we should commemorate His birth...
Not once did He request that any of the wonderful deeds He performed should be immortalized...
Only this – His last and greatest work –
the work of redemption.”

Available on Amazon in paperback format.

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