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Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ's Childhood Pal

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002

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Book Brief

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Christopher Moore

Lamb

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2002
Book Details
Pages

444

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Judea • 1st century CE

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2002, Christopher Moore’s Lamb: The Gospel According to Biff, Christ’s Childhood Pal is an adult historical fiction novel and a work of absurdist humor. The satirical story presents the lost years of Jesus’s childhood and adulthood from the perspective of his sarcastic but loyal best friend. The novel explores themes of friendship, religion, and resistance to injustice and includes mentions of violence, miscarriage, homicide, and suicide.

Humorous

Fantastical

Adventurous

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.4

185,658 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Lamb by Christopher Moore receives praise for its humor, inventive storytelling, and engaging characters. Reviewers appreciate Moore’s unique take on biblical tales, blending satire with heart. Some critics find the humor irreverent and the plot occasionally inconsistent. Overall, the novel is celebrated for its creativity and wit, though it may not appeal to all sensibilities.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Lamb?

Readers who enjoy irreverent humor and imaginative takes on familiar stories would love Christopher Moore's Lamb. Fans of Kurt Vonnegut’s Slaughterhouse-Five and Douglas Adams’ The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy will appreciate Moore's unique blend of satire and thought-provoking narratives.

4.4

185,658 ratings

81%

Loved it

13%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Joshua

A compassionate and gentle yet brave protagonist who performs miraculous healings and preaches inclusivity, reflecting his journey from uncertainty about his destiny to becoming a savior.

The novel’s irreverent narrator and Joshua’s loyal best friend, who uses his humor and cunning to protect Joshua and provide comic relief while developing themes of friendship and loyalty.

A courageous and devout character, serving as a love interest to both Joshua and Biff, who shows loyalty to Joshua and is pivotal in driving the plot through her relationship with both men.

A Roman centurion who represents order and integrity, interacting with Joshua and Biff and eventually demonstrating faith in Joshua’s miraculous abilities.

The domineering antagonist, who grows up with Joshua and Biff and becomes a formidable adversary by using his influence and power against Joshua.

Book Details
Pages

444

Format

Novel • Fiction

Period
Setting

Judea • 1st century CE

Publication Year

2002

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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