A galloping adventurous tale is brought back to vibrant life in this updated version of Ben-Hur by the great-great-granddaughter of the author of the novel written in 1880. Judah Ben-Hur grows up in Jerusalem, after a horrific betrayal he becomes a galley slave before escaping a watery death and battling to right the wrong to his family. On his journey Ben-Hur meets Jesus and Balthasar, and while Jesus comes to the fore at the end, this really is Ben-Hur’s story, and what a bold and heroic story it is, too. The sea battle was immense and the famous chariot scene vividly scored the page. I’ve watched the 1959 film version of Ben-Hur so was fully aware of the sweeping epic tale this is, but I really didn't know anything about the book itself, so the foreword and afterword made for compelling reading. Lew Wallace had a fascinating life, in later years he became governor of the (almost) lawless New Mexico Territory, where outlaw Billy the Kid threatened to kill him, and it was during his time here that he wrote Ben-Hur. Wallace later become US minister for Constantinople and travelled widely through the Middle East. I felt in incredibly safe hands when I started this tale, Carol Wallace, herself an author (including historical fiction) has judged the pace and story perfectly, providing excitement, drama, honour and love, ensuring Ben-Hur is a thrilling and thought-provoking tale.
The new film version of Ben-Hur is released on Friday 26th August. Click below to view the trailer.
As one of the bestselling stories of all time, Lew Wallace's Ben-Hur, has captivated and enthralled millions around the world - both in print and on the big screen.
Now Lew's great-great-granddaughter has taken the old-fashioned prose of this classic novel and breathed new life into it for today's audience. Coming to cinemas in August 2016 as Ben-Hur, a major motion picture from MGM and Paramount studios, the story follows Judah Ben-Hur, a Jewish nobleman whose childhood friend Messala betrays him. Accused of trying to murder the new Roman governor in Jerusalem, Judah is sentenced to the galley ships and vows to seek revenge against the Romans and Messala. But a chance encounter with a carpenter from Nazareth sets Judah on a different path.
Carol Wallace is best known for co-authoring New York Times best-seller 'To Marry an English Lord.' Cited by Sir Julian Fellowes as an inspiration for Downton Abbey. Other publications include more than 20 books and dozens of magazine articles, focusing on humor, social history, parenting, and fiction. The most recent title is an historical novel, 'Leaving Van Gogh', was published in April 2011. Carol is the great-great granddaughter of Lew Wallace, author of Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ. Adapting the original novel for contemporary audiences was both an honour and a thrill for her.
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