To place this novel in perspective, I am going to refer to the author’s notes. Lewis Perdue calls his book fiction based on fact. The Roman Catholic Church and other faiths, such as the Russian and Greek Orthodox Churches, have, for a long time, been open to possible existence of a religious figure sometimes referred to as Sophia. The Gnostics believe she was the prime creator of the universe; while others believe that she is “the feminine” side of God; still while others believe that she was the female Messiah. In 310 AD, King Constantine is alleged to have executed her because he feared she would endanger the power of the Roman Empire and the Church.

There is no dispute regarding the existence of the Sonderauftrag Linz. Conceived by Hitler, its goal was to confiscate as much art as possible, which would later be exhibited in the planned Reich Museum after Germany’s victory. Among the confiscated art objects, Perdue places “Sophia’s Passion”, a golden box that contains the account of Sophia’s life. Daughter of God ultimately focuses on that box.

Zoe Ridgeway is a world-renowned art dealer with a reputation for integrity. Her husband Seth is a professor of Religion and Comparative Religion. A dying Nazi lures them to Switzerland with a stunning offer - to return to its rightful owners the stolen artwork he acquired during and after the war. As the novel opens, Zoe visits him for the first time. There she sees an incredible array of art. At the end of the interview, he reveals his purpose - he wants Seth to translate and assist in the identification of the many manuscripts in his possession.

As Zoe prepares to leave the hotel room, she is kidnapped. A few days later the newspapers reveal that the Nazi’s home has been destroyed by fire, all the artwork is gone, and the old man is dead. After receiving information that she is still alive, Seth starts a search for Zoe that will place him in the middle of an incredible struggle between the Vatican and the Russian Mafia. The Russian Mafia wants hard currency and “the Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith” - the most powerful department within the Vatican is seeking the gold box known as “Sophia’s Passion.”

Lewis Perdue painstakingly creates very powerful principal characters, but speeds through secondary characters, leaving them on the stage only enough to serve their purpose. The dialogue is consistent with the reader’s expectations of the characters, but its idealistic tone seems, at times, at odds with mood and character of the story.

The concept is original; the execution is brilliantly accomplished amidst a background replete with historical religious information. The suspense builds at a rapid and unrelenting pace, integrating the theft into a sweeping conspiracy. One caveat: Daughter of God is not an easy read as it is steeped in religious philosophy and history.

--Thea Davis