The last temptation

This is a narrative of the story of Jesus, focused on the final years of his life. Jesus is depicted as an ordinary carpenter, even making the crosses used by the Romans to execute Jewish revolutionaries. Having steadfastly refused to undertake the mission of salvation, he eventually decides to submit to divine will.

Up until the crucifixion, the story develops largely in line with the gospel accounts. But while he is on the cross, Jesus opens his eyes and sees that he has been transported to the shade of a tree in blossom; an angel tells him that God has decided to save him and allow him to live a normal life.

Sometime later, Paul arrives at Jesus' house and talks to him of the crucifixion, the resurrection of the Messiah and the new religion. Jesus is infuriated by this and tells him the truth. Paul leaves, determined to continue his preaching even if it is founded in falsehood.

Several years later, a now elderly Jesus comes face to face with his disciples, who accuse him of betrayal and desertion. It is then he realises that the angel who announced his salvation from the cross was Satan - the last temptation. At that moment he opens his eyes and, seeing that he is still on the cross, realizes that it was nothing more than a dream.

Author: Nikos Kazantzakis

Category: Novels

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Dimensions: 17.50 x 11cm

Bookbinding: Paperback

Pages: 590

Language: English

ISBN: 9780571178568