Many Biblical scholars believe that the gospel of Mark was the foundational source for Matthew and Luke, but these two gospels have details in common not found in Mark’s narrative. What is the mystery of the unknown source? Who was on the scene as an eyewitness but lost in the dust of centuries? The Sandal Maker reveals the possibilities in a fascinating journey of how the gospel came to be.

A. Michaelson, 2009

About the author:

A. Michaelson was born in California and grew up in the southwestern United States where his eyes and mind were exposed to the wide-open landscapes and expansive skies that would later influence his art and writing.  He graduated from the University of New Mexico with a degree in fine arts and a minor  in English and Philosophy. As well as an artist and novelist, he is an accomplished flamenco guitarist and songwriter.  A. Michaelson does not refer to himself as a writer but rather a storyteller and novelist.  The Sandal Maker was written in the manner of a representational painting, not over burdened with details, allowing readers to have their own interpretation of a scene.  

 The author has had a lifetime of religious and philosophical study.  Seeking truth in all major religions of the world, he focused most of his efforts on Christianity and its numerous sects.

In 70 AD, the Jewish wars are coming to a devastating end. The streets of Jerusalem are filled with starving pilgrims who sought safety in the holy city. Caleb, an elderly Jew, leaves the safety of hishome in Cana on a mission to find a man he believes is in Jerusalem.

Miriam, Caleb’s only remaining child, accompanies him disguised as a boy. In the desolation of the war struck Galilean countryside, father and daughter risk their lives to journey south on the Jordan River trail. As they walk, Caleb intrigues Miriam with a captivating story of his youth that will change her future destiny. A story of a time forty years prior when he became a sandal maker in order to observe a man some called the Miracle Worker, a man many believed turned water into wine at the wedding of Caleb’s brother. Caleb secretly kept notes of the events he saw and heard as he followed the crowds. With his objective, skeptical point of view, he reveals the fascinating ministry of the one he called the “Master”. Heart pounding perils and the threat of death endanger the two travelers, but nothing could foretell the fate awaiting them in Jerusalem!

Read Excerpts from the book!

 If you read as much as I do many times after reading a few pages or chapters you may not like the book; prompting you to give it away, trade it or return it to the library for another one. A good friend gave me this book and surprisingly I found each page and chapter to be very enjoyable. Here are some of the reasons I like this book.

 -There are things happening in each short chapter which kept me reading; making it difficult to put it down sometime.

- The author described the nature scenes and the surrounding places including customs of that period of time so well it made me feel like I was there with the characters.

- When I am in doubt about the story, the main characters will give me the answers in the next page or the next chapter.

- This is a fast moving and a fine novel not what I thought when I first saw the book.

- The writing is well crafted and the author seems to have done a lot of research for this book.

I    have read parts of many bad books with "New York Times Best selling" printed on the cover, and this book (The sandal Maker) deserves more. I don't work for New York Times, that's why I give this book five stars. Now you can get this book, read it and see if you agree with me.

Juan Ignacio Morales

Reader Reviews

This was a real page turner and kept me fascinated throughout. This is the Jesus I know!!! and fell in love with him even more than I already had. The historical references to the fall of Jerusalem were spellbinding, and very accurate. What an exciting time. I couldn't wait to get back to it each time I had to put it down, and so I took it everywhere I went (and it isn't a small book). I think The Sandal Maker deserves to be on anyone's best seller lists and should be taken seriously in the arena of Christian Fiction, as well as Biographies of Jesus.

  A. Michaelson has written a very well crafted story with profound meaning and life changing implications. For a first book this is impressive to say the least. Tell all your friends. This should be on the best books of 2009.

C. Biek

As the owner of Mountain Lore Books in Hendersonville, NC, I read a lot of books. But this one captured my imagination from the very first page. A solid story line and detailed characterization help the plot speed along. But it is this writer's style of writing, the way that he paints a picture that you just fall into, that captivates. Recommended reading for all ages, it is both a thought provoking and enjoyable read.

Joslyn A. Bleick

 I have been involved in many bible studies, read many books, and envisioned the Lord Jesus and his followers in my mind so many times. As I read this book I could see their shapes, hear their voices, feel their pain. Many of the writer's characters were introduced that I could see being involved in the whole of Christ's ministry; strong, hulkish men, beautiful women who loved the Lord, women and men not mentioned in the bible who were most likely there. The writer apparently puts his personality in many of the character traits and longings. A well-written book. Surprises at many turns.

Valerie J. Reed

The Sandal Maker is engrossing. The story gives you a different perspective of history and leaves you with a sense of having been there. It is a masterful weaving of fictional characters into a true story leaving you with heightened ideals and a desire for more. If you like losing yourself in a great story that elevates your spirit, then this book is for you. It is rare to find a novel written so well, so visual.

Ron Sandler MD

©2009 Blue Raven Books, All Rights Reserved

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