I have read several Par Lagerkvist novels that I would consider masterpieces, such as Barabbas, The Sibyl, and The Dwarf. Those are three unforgettable novels that are so simply written and easy to read, yet also exemplify the personal understandings and philosophies of so many people around the world when it comes to faith and understanding humanity. Unfortunately, I found that Herod and Mariamne did not present any ideas that I could connect to.

Herod is the Jewish client king of Jerusalem who builds the Second Temple and then orders the Massacre of Innocents. Lagerkvist presents him as a gross, detestable tyrant. Mariamne is a Jewish woman with a familial connection to the Maccabee revolt. Lagerkvist presents her as a delicate, innocent woman who is far better than Herod. Nevertheless, when Herod sees her, he must marry her. They try but are unable to connect with each other on an emotional or spiritual level, and eventually they have a violent "falling out."

I know there was a message about tyranny and love somewhere in this quick novel - it can be read in about two or three hours - but I could not find it. Lagerkvist is such a talented philosopher that I'm sure smarter readers than me can connect with this book. ( )