The Mistake
The life of a Roman soldier, Julius, dramatically changes when, under the drunken influence of Dionysius, he seduces a maiden near the god of wine’s altar. The next morning, he is promoted to the rank of centurion after the discovery of his murdered commander. Five months later, a Jewish father and his pregnant daughter, Miriam, confront him about his impropriety. Julius acknowledges his misconduct, though it was just one time, and deeply regrets his mistake. To atone, he agrees to finance and house the child and Miriam under his roof if she agrees to have no relations with another man. Three years after the birth of their son, Miriam follows Julius to Caesarea to his new assignment and marries him. The story then focuses on their son, Marcus, growing up in a family split by a strict Roman military tradition and a philosophical Jewish heritage.
The Mistake by Mara Schiffren is ancient historical fiction set in 2nd-century Asia Minor and Judea after the destruction of the Great Temple in Jerusalem. The coming-of-age tale is masterfully written with rich and vivid descriptions of locations and settings. You are immediately drawn into the underlying conflict and heartfelt emotions of a family fraying apart by its cultural differences. The tension heightens when Marcus faces the difficult decision of whether to join the Roman Legion or explore the mysteries of his Jewish heritage. This is an emotionally gripping and relatable tale about a young man’s inner struggle to understand himself and find his true purpose in life.
I highly recommend The Mistake for its engaging storytelling and compelling insight into how cultural differences can profoundly impact individuals, families, and societies—a theme relevant throughout history.
