This is my second time reading this and I agree with the reader that assumed Brother Juniper changed his story when he wrote that book (the tearing up of his notes was pretty compelling as demonstrating a change of thought, as was his peace at going to his death). I think he was killed for saying there wasn't necessarily a "reason" the 5 died. Though I might need to reread that part. It also is ironic that his project cost his own life. The whims of the Inquisition were not just or fair at all. For me, the book was an imaginative take on Jesus' comments on the tower of Siloam - they didn't die because they were good or evil, but be alert because all of our lives could be taken (as Juniper's is).
This is my second time reading this and I agree with the reader that assumed Brother Juniper changed his story when he wrote that book (the tearing up of his notes was pretty compelling as demonstrating a change of thought, as was his peace at going to his death). I think he was killed for saying there wasn't necessarily a "reason" the 5 died. Though I might need to reread that part. It also is ironic that his project cost his own life. The whims of the Inquisition were not just or fair at all. For me, the book was an imaginative take on Jesus' comments on the tower of Siloam - they didn't die because they were good or evil, but be alert because all of our lives could be taken (as Juniper's is).
I loved this discussion! Thank you!!
This was a reread for me, but the first time was a good 20 years ago. I've suffered more since then and loved more.