Review of The Only Witness

[Bertha Jackson]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "The Only Witness" by Guy Powell.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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The Only Witness: A History of the Shroud Of Turin by Guy R. Powell is a historical-fiction story about the Shroud of Turin, covering the periods of AD 33 through AD 2020. In AD 33, Jonai of Bethlehem asked his young son, Joachim, to purchase the burial cloth for Jesus. After Jesus's resurrection, the burial cloth is found in the tomb with an imprint of Jesus's bruised and bloody body, showing the pain and suffering Jesus endured for us. Over the centuries, the Shroud went through many hands and was almost destroyed many times. Many people believe the Shroud is our most valuable relic, created by God, that proves Jesus died and was resurrected, whereas others believe it is fake and was painted by humans. Read this book and learn both sides of this controversial topic.

My favorite aspect of this book is Guy R. Powell's writing style, which reads like a fictional story with many characters across the ages. Historical facts showing the date and time are given at the beginning of each chapter to let the reader know how the narrative is moving forward. It was easy for me to relate to the characters because of events like a child not being able to eat an orange slice without juice dripping on their clothes. The origin of the words "God bless you" was interesting. The maps and illustrations were clear and easy to read. The mystery of an unidentified man dressed in black added more intrigue and suspense to the story. My favorite thought-provoking question in this book was, "Is it better to give a man a fish or to teach a man to fish?" At the end of the book, Guy R. Powell's point of view is supported by 125 endnotes.

The only flaw I encountered in this fascinating book was the lack of translations for all the Latin words. However, this content was minimal and did not have an adverse effect on my reading enjoyment. Some readers may be offended by romances between priests and nuns, but they were used to demonstrate the changes in the Roman Catholic Church and why different religions broke off from it. The gory content was necessary to show the pain and suffering Jesus suffered for us, among other things.

There are no errors in this exceptionally well-edited book. Due to the fantastic editing, the author's writing skills, the many life lessons, and my reading enjoyment, I have no reason to deduct any stars from my rating of 5 out of 5 stars. This religious book is one of the most fascinating books I have ever read.

This religious story focuses on Jesus's death, resurrection, and holy relics like the burial cloth, but it also addresses why non-believers and scientists doubt the Shroud's authenticity. Therefore, this book suits all readers, regardless of their religious beliefs, as long as they are interested in ancient relics from religious or scientific perspectives.

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The Only Witness
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[Amy Luman]

I don’t know what to think about thee shroud. Sometimes I am sure that it is real, but other times I am just as sure that it isn’t. It doesn’t affect my belief, though. I know that facts can be manipulated to mean whatever the presenter wants.

[Hazel Mae Bagarinao]

I'm curious how some Bible events in this book are narrated, especially about the shroud. I like the quote about teaching a man to fish- one of the Bible quotes I love. Thanks for your clear and on-point review, Bertha!

[vincentayo]

A nice book would like to read

[Rebecca De Figueiredo]

The Shroud of Turin has always been an enigma to be, and it’s about time someone did a story surrounding it! On reading the first few pages, the prose seems light and inviting. The reviewer has set the tone nicely.

[Chi Chiu Michael Mak]

As centuries pass, history and myth blur. Really interested in the basis that forms the arguments supporting for and against the Shroud being proof of Jesus's resurrection. The Latin makes the reading experience feel real.

[Cake Maiden]

I can say that this review provides the expectations needed from the readers regardless of beliefs. As a Roman Catholic, I am fascinated by The Shroud Of Turin. I'm the type to read these kind of books with an open mind, looking for basis in both, religious and scientific.

[Shirley Ann Riddern Labzentis]

Great review! Every time I am able to view the Shroud of Turin, it seems to have more detail in it. Some would say that it is the work of God, but I think that man has been trying to revitalize it. I've always suspected that nuns and priests get together. You can't sin, but they can.

[Stephanie Gail Stephen]

This review makes the book sound both thought-provoking and well-researched. I like that it balances faith with historical and scientific perspectives. The human touches and suspense elements make it even more intriguing.

[Irene Sejas]

I'm not a religious person so I doubt I'd like this book, although the different points of view might make it more bearable for me. Still it sounds interesting from a historical perspective.

[Ukaegbu Confidence]

I am curious about how The Only Witness" by Guy Powell tells the story of Jesusus' death and resurrection. I'd like to read bout it. Congratulations on BOTD.

[Sanju Lali]

One can find a wonderful historical fiction story in the book "The Only Witness" by Guy Powell, which follows the Shroud of Turin, covering the periods of 33AD through 2020AD. The story hints about why non-believers and scientists doubt the Shroud's authenticity.

[Macel A]

Great review I am really interested in reading about resurrection and death of Jesus and the holy relic I've never really heard of it and that makes me me curious to learn about Jesus during those times

[Anu Anand]

I’m really curious to learn more about the Shroud of Turin and the debate around its authenticity. The way real historical events are shared in a story-like style with characters across time makes it even more interesting.

[Rupali Mishra]

Congrats on BOTD.
The Christian fictional historical work "The Only Witness: A History of the Shroud of Turin" is centered on the cloth of Jesus. The interesting thing about this book is that there is an observer. This encourages you to consider the possible outcomes.