Quintus: A Story about the Persecutions of Christians at the time of Emperor Nero, R. Weerstand (2d ed.; Pro Ecclesia Publishers, 2000)

This book started out a bit slow with almost too obvious “preaching points.” You could tell that the author was overtly trying to teach about life in Rome and to make theological points. At times it was a bit over the top telling you exactly what was on the devil’s mind at certain points or what the devil was doing. I always edited these portions. However, it did a good job portraying a young man struggling with the claims of Christians and the slander being spread about Christians before and after the burning of Rome. Once the story came to the point of the persecutions some good points were made (particularly from statements by the presbyter Sestianus) about suffering, trusting God even in difficulty and how God’s ways are always best.
One last note- the book is not for the very young. The death of Quintus’s mother in the fire is related forthrightly. Then, the tortures of Christians by burning in Nero’s gardens and being torn apart by wild animals are related in much gory detail. It appears the author is wanting to bring the point home- a viable position, but not so much for younger children.