The Childhood of Jesus: A Novel

From the Nobel Prize€“winning author of Waiting for the Barbarians, The Life & Times of Michael K and Disgrace. 

Nobel laureate and two-time Booker Prize winner J. M. Coetzee returns with a haunting and surprising novel about childhood and destiny that is sure to rank with his classic novels.

Separated from his mother as a passenger on a boat bound for a new land, David is a boy who is quite literally adrift. The piece of paper explaining his situation is lost, but a fellow passenger, Sim³n, vows to look after the boy. When the boat docks, David and Sim³n are issued new names, new birthdays, and virtually a whole new life.

Strangers in a strange land, knowing nothing of their surroundings, nor the language or customs, they are determined to find David€s mother. Though the boy has no memory of her, Sim³n is certain he will recognize her at first sight. €œBut after we find her,€ David asks, €œwhat are we here for?€

An eerie allegorical tale told largely through dialogue, The Childhood of Jesus is a literary feat€"a novel of ideas that is also a tender, compelling narrative. Coetzee€s many fans will celebrate his return while new readers will find The Childhood of Jesus an intriguing introduction to the work of a true master.