Maier calls this book a "documentary novel," meaning that no events contradict history and the events are typical of the time. His work is essentially a character sketch of Pontius Pilate that paints a clear picture of the time of Christ from a Roman point of view. His detailing of the politics of Rome and their relationship to Judea as well as the politics of Judea and their relationship to Rome was outstanding. Maier's writing still sounds a little much like a professor rather than a novelist (hence the 4 stars instead of 5), but for me the engrossing way in which the events unfold more than made up for the lack of powerful writing. Ultimately, this was a book I just couldn't put down--even though I was essentially learning world history from cover to cover.