Callista by John Henry Newman is a compelling novel that delves into the complexities of faith, love, and duty. Set in ancient Rome, the story follows a young woman named Callista who is torn between her pagan beliefs and the growing influence of Christianity in her life.

Newman's writing is rich and evocative, immersing the reader in the vibrant and tumultuous world of Roman society. The characters are deeply nuanced and the relationships between them are intricately woven, making for a captivating and thought-provoking read.

Throughout the novel, Newman explores themes of religious conversion, moral responsibility, and the power of love to transform lives. The story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking, offering a poignant reflection on the complexities of human nature and the struggle to find one's true purpose in life.

Overall, Callista is a beautifully written and profound novel that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds and beliefs. Newman's insightful storytelling and vivid portrayal of Roman society make this book a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction or exploring the timeless themes of faith and redemption.

Book Description:
Callista, A Tale of the Third Century, was written by John Henry Newman, who was a scholarly and personable Anglican theologian who became a Catholic priest and cardinal, bringing a good number of Protestant friends along with him into the Roman faith. He wrote Callista as the fruit of a challenge with Cardinal Nicholas Wiseman that each man would write a novel about the early church. Wiseman wrote Fabiola and Newman wrote Callista, publishing it in 1855. The title character is a beautiful and talented, but unhappy Greek woman living in pagan Roman North Africa in the third century. She is wooed by a lonely young Christian man, for whom she shows little interest, though she deeply desires to know more about his Christian faith. However, the third century was a dangerous time for Christians, with the onset of persecution under the Emperor Decius. The colorful cast of characters react to the persecution in different ways, but some are put to the ultimate test of whether they will maintain their faith at the price of torture and painful death. Cardinal Newman's writing style is often lively, and occasionally humorous, especially in his conversations. But there is no denying that modern readers may find parts of it quite wordy, particularly in the descriptions of geography . Most readers are likely to find themselves caring very much about the characters, and cheering for their victories, in addition to learning quite a bit about 3rd century history along the way.