Quentin Letts, a clever Parliamentary sketch writer and author, dives into the captivating story of Simeon of Jerusalem, suggesting he may be the first Christian recorded in history. He intertwines Simeon's ancient encounter with the infant Jesus and the poignant reflections of a modern man facing cancer. Letts humorously navigates the complexities of historical and contemporary experiences, examining themes of legacy, grief, and human connection, all while celebrating the enduring power of storytelling.
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Nunc! Novel's Opening
Quentin Letts's novel Nunc! retells the story of Simeon.
A 21st-century Englishman receives bad news about cancer and hears the Nunc Dimittis sung at evensong, sparking his imagination.
The book 'Don Camillo' by Giovannino Guareschi is a collection of humorous stories set in a small Italian village during the Cold War era. It revolves around the perpetual rivalry between Don Camillo, a strong-willed Catholic priest, and Peppone, the equally stubborn Communist mayor. Despite their political differences, both characters share a deep concern for their community, often leading to comedic confrontations and unexpected resolutions. The stories are known for their light-hearted humor and underlying themes of tolerance and forgiveness.
Testament of Mary
Colm Tóibín
In this novella, Colm Tóibín presents a deeply personal and humanized account of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The story is set in the ancient town of Ephesus, where Mary lives in exile after her son's crucifixion. She is visited by followers of Jesus who seek to record her testament, but Mary's narrative diverges sharply from the traditional gospel accounts. She recounts her memories of Jesus' childhood, his miracles, and his eventual crucifixion, all while grappling with guilt, regret, and a profound sense of loss. Mary's voice is one of a strong-willed woman, filled with pain and bitterness, who does not accept the divinity of her son and questions the worth of his sacrifice. The book explores themes of motherhood, faith, and the human cost of religious zeal[1][3][4].
Nunc!
Nunc!
Quentin Letts
In Luke's Gospel, an ancient inhabitant of Jerusalem named Simeon meets Mary and Joseph when they bring Jesus to be presented at the Temple on the 40th day after his birth. He has been promised that he will not die until he has seen Christ, and as he takes the baby into his arms he utters the words, 'Lord, now let your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.'
This prayer, known down the centuries by its opening Latin words Nunc dimittis, explains the title of Quentin Letts's novel Nunc!, a delightfully quirky retelling of the story of Simeon and his friends. It's framed by the experience of a 21st-century corduroy-wearing Englishman who, after receiving bad news about his cancer, wanders into his local cathedral and hears the Nunc dimittis sung at evensong. In this episode of Holy Smoke, Quentin touches on the real-life inspiration for his tale – and suggests to Damian Thompson that old Simeon, venerated as a saint, might be the first Christian in recorded history.
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