Have you ever wondered what it would be like to meet Christ? In Songs of the Deliverer by Elvo Bucci, you can do just that. This is the story of Emmanuel. A baby is born in a manger, a baby who is set to bring salvation to the world. But he is stopped by the evil king and cannot fulfil his prophecy. Two thousand years later, another man arrives to take over that job, the job of shedding evil from the world and delivering us into the hands of God. This man has nothing – no money, no title, no possessions and, in return for the deeds he does, he asks for nothing. Instead of being hailed as a hero, he is judged as a fraud and is sentenced to be persecuted. Does he appeal the verdict? No. He is sent to his death along with his teachings, but before he goes he does one thing, something that will change the course of the world forever.

I didn’t think I was going to enjoy Songs of the Deliverer by Elvo Bucci, but I was pleasantly surprised. Although it is a work of fiction, it compounded on much of what we have been taught about Christ and took the story to a different level. I found it an enlightening book, very well composed and articulate, a very different take on an old story. If Mr. Bucci was attempting to deepen our relationship with Christ by writing this book, then I believe that he has done what he set out to do. You don’t need to be religious to read and enjoy this story, but I guarantee that you will look on the world in a different light afterwards.

Songs of the Deliverer by Elvo Bucci is indeed a modern day retelling of the story of Christ, just as the subtitle states. It is well written and Elvo Bucci obviously put a lot of thought into what kind of person many well known Biblical characters would be in today's society. Some choices are a little surprising to me but they work. I have never imagined John the Baptist as a rock star, but that is one way to make sure your message reaches and moves a lot of people. The songs are an important part of Songs of the Deliverer and they are appropriately steeped in the message of the gospels. This retelling of the story of Jesus is interesting in so many ways though, and if you are intimately familiar with the story and the Bible there are few real surprises. The writing is good and the portrayal of Biblical personages refreshing.

Songs of the Deliverer is obviously a labor of love. Elvo Bucci wants to know Jesus better and, in doing so, introduce him to others. If this works for even one person I'm sure Elvo will feel it's worth it. The story of the life of Christ is a powerful thing to discover, but for those who already know and appreciate that tale, Songs of the Deliverer has a supplement which is a collection of 40 Bible Reflections. The Reflections reference the chapter of Songs of the Deliverer where each one is featured and can be a great tool for study and contemplation.

Songs of the Deliverer: A Modern Day Story of Christ is Elvo Bucci's take on Christ's story set in a time and place similar to ours. A modern retelling of a story that is the core of several religions, Elvo Bucci's work can help draw people in and make them realize that the life Christ led is as relevant and as exemplary now as it was in the past.

Some people view the Christian gospel as sacrosanct, a tale that is complete in its telling and without any need for further embellishment and reinterpretation. I was quite wary upon picking up this book, concerned that the author may not be able to fully translate the gospel's meaning and views as the entire story is transitioned from a Judeo-Roman biblical setting into the modern world. Thankfully, Bucci writes in an easy-to-comprehend and straightforward style, staying true not just to the events of the gospel, but also to the more important messages contained within each parable.

The main advantage of putting something almost everyone knows into a new setting is that one can further explore the feelings, thoughts and perspectives of the characters and make them more accessible to readers. In this aspect, Bucci excelled in making me feel the doubts, resolve and feelings Emmanuel had as he makes his way through a life predetermined by the one above.

Songs of the Deliverer can pique the interest of its target audience, and the exposition and supplements contained within can serve as good talking points in discussions, but the best thing that reading this book did for me was to make me dig out my copy of the Bible and reread the original gospel contained within.

What if Jesus came for the first time today? Yes, in 2015, not over 2000 years ago. How would His life and His mission be recorded? Think about it, there would be no Christmas or Easter celebrations. Elvo Bucci answers these questions in his novel Songs of the Deliverer: A Modern Day Story of Christ. The music of Jona has awakened the people of the state. Hundreds flock to his concerts. However, the government feels threatened by the message of hope and salvation in his music. Jona sings of a Deliverer. Jona and Emmanuel meet at his concert. Their divine encounter is abruptly ended by a police raid. Jona makes a stand and is arrested for treason, the punishment is death. Emmanuel flees with Jona’s helpers. They are the first of Emmanuel’s followers. Emmanuel daily walks the streets, gathering followers, healing the sick, feeding the destitute, and raising the dead. Soon he becomes a media spectacle. Chief Herold is outraged by the civil disobedience; he kills Jona, and begins a manhunt for Emmanuel. Emmanuel know his time is running out; he lifts his eyes to the heavens and asks, “Is this the day?”

Time, thought and research went into the foundation of Songs of the Deliverer. Elvo Bucci truly makes Jesus Christ the cornerstone of his narrative. Although basically scriptural, Bucci did take artistic and creative liberties in the contemporary depiction of the life of Christ. The opening prologue was disturbing and horrific, especially the visualization of the Christ child killed upon the cross. This shocking beginning causes the reader to plunge into the story, demanding answers to the question: “How can this be?” Bucci brings forth answers and hope by paralleling the gospels. Songs of the Deliverer echoes the everlasting theme; Jesus is the way, the truth and life. As a follow up to the story, Bucci includes reflections on the scriptures referred to in the narrative. These devotional reflections provide depth of understanding and raise thought provoking personal questions, which inspire the reader to become a true witness of Christ.