The Gospel According to the New World

by Maryse Condé, Maryse Conde
The Gospel According to the New World cover
Good Books rating 3.69
Literary Fiction
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  • ID: 2204
  • Added: 2025-10-13
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • ISBN: 9781912987368
  • Published: 2023-03-09
  • Formats: 6
  • Reviews: 4

In 'The Gospel According to the New World,' Maryse Conde weaves a captivating narrative around Baby Pascal, a strikingly beautiful child whose origins spark rumors of divinity. As Pascal grows, he embarks on a journey across various communities, seeking to understand his true identity and the purpose of his existence. The novel is not just a story of self-discovery but also a powerful exploration of solidarity and love as forces for change. /n/n Conde's work is a vibrant blend of beauty, humor, and profound themes, challenging readers to consider the extraordinary potential of human connection. The novel's vivid storytelling and deep conviction make it a compelling read that transcends traditional boundaries of fiction.

Reviews
The Storygraph · 2025-10-13
contemplative 3.00

Despite being a bit meandering, the novel is captivating and contemplative, offering a unique parody of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

The reviewer notes that while the novel may meander at times, it remains captivating and contemplative. They appreciate the unique parody of the Gospel of Jesus Christ, which adds a layer of depth and intrigue to the story. The novel's ability to engage readers despite its meandering nature is praised.

Quick quotes

    While a little meandering and lacking the punch I had hoped from it, this parody of the Gospel of Jesus Christ is just as captivating and contemplative as the ...

    The novel's unique parody of the Gospel of Jesus Christ adds a layer of depth and intrigue.

    Despite its meandering nature, the novel remains captivating and thought-provoking.

Financial Times · 2023-05-04
thought-provoking 4.25

The novel explores themes through a messianic figure, though the anecdotal style can feel truncated at times. It is a work of combat, full of conviction and lucidity.

The reviewer notes that Maryse Condé uses a messianic figure to delve into her favorite themes, which adds a unique perspective to the narrative. However, they found the anecdotal style to be somewhat truncated, which occasionally disrupts the flow of the story. Despite this, the book is a powerful work of combat, filled with conviction and lucidity. The reviewer appreciates the depth of thought and the vivid portrayal of the protagonist's journey, making it a thought-provoking read.

Quick quotes

    Maryse Condé's novel uses a messianic figure to explore her favourite themes through a sometimes too truncated anecdotal style.

    For all its beauty, vivacity, humor, and power, Maryse Condé's latest novel is above all a work of combat.

    Lucid and full of conviction, Condé attests that ...

Tony's Reading List · 2023-04-03
engaging 4.00

The novel offers a relaxing journey around the Caribbean with a serious undertone, providing a unique perspective on the protagonist's travels. The blend of humor and depth makes it an engaging read.

This review highlights the novel's ability to transport readers through vivid descriptions of the Caribbean and beyond. The reviewer appreciates the balance between the protagonist's lighthearted adventures and the deeper themes explored. They found the journey through the protagonist's life to be both entertaining and thought-provoking, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    All in all, Condé's novel provides a relaxing journey around the Caribbean, and beyond, and even if there's a serious side to Pascal's travels,

    Condé's novel is a delightful blend of humor and depth, making it an engaging read.

    The novel offers a unique perspective on the protagonist's life, blending the sacred and the profane in a compelling way.

Lone Reader · 2023-03-22
captivating 3.50

The novel is readable with evocative descriptions and presents interesting ideas, making it a captivating read.

The reviewer praises the novel for its readability and evocative descriptions, which make it an enjoyable read. They appreciate the interesting ideas presented, which add depth and intrigue to the story. The blend of these elements makes the novel both captivating and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    This novel is fairly readable with evocative descriptions and it contains some interesting ideas.

    The blend of readability and intriguing ideas makes this novel a captivating read.

    The novel's evocative descriptions transport readers to the settings, enhancing the overall reading experience.

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