Book review: The Childhood of Jesus

So, with two Man Booker Prize accolades to his name, the anticipation for his latest work is understandable.

The South African born writer, who now lives in Australia, Coetzee, before receiving the 2003 Nobel Prize in Literature, was awarded the CNA Prize (three times), the Prix Femina Étranger, The Irish Times International Fiction Prize and the Booker Prize (twice), among other accolades.

His latest work is a religious allegory that tells the story of Simon and his young ward David. They arrive in Novilla to begin new lives and find the boy’s mother.

However, the search for this missing parent proves difficult, as neither character remembers her or anything of their past lives.

Coetzee reflects on the role of motherhood and juxtaposes this with David’s desire for knowledge. In this unnerving utopian world, both passion and goodwill are deemed wholly appropriate.

Unfortunately, the book isn’t always concise, with some backstory given little explanation. Nevertheless, it is a thoroughly considerate work, displaying the author’s talent for philosophical fiction.

An interesting study of society and human desire, this is a fitting addition to Coetzee’s oeuvre.

The Childhood Of Jesus by JM Coetzee is published in hardback by Harvill Secker, priced £16.99 (ebook £9.17). Available now.