Stones of My Accusers
*Starred Review* Set sometime in the aftermath of the Crucifixion, Groot'sStones of My Accusersweaves several plot strands together but in essence shows biblical and nonbiblical Jews dealing with two local issues. First, Pilate has decreed that a certain laborer must work on the Sabbath or be flogged; second, a tree standing in the way of a new granary must be cut over the objections of a prostitute named Rikvah, to whom the tree is holy because it represents the life of her son. Orion, Pilate's kindhearted liaison to the Jews, puts his job and maybe his life on the line for the Jews in an embodiment of the mercy of which Jesus preached. And others of Groot's well-drawn characters, excepting Pilate, embody mercy in this subtle tale that cleverly avoids retelling New Testament stories, instead forming a sort of commentary by telling parallel stories. A loose sequel toThe Brother's Keeper[BKL Ja 1 & 15 03],Stones of My Accuserscan be read without reference to it, but readers will find it equally allusive and thoughtful.John MortCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved