Exploring the Legacy of Coptic Martyrs Through the Story of the 21

Peter Ignotus: While some sections of the book stray from the primary topic, especially in regards to other Christian communities, This book unfolds an intimate understanding of the Coptic Church and the conditions that lead both to and from the 21 murders.

United States on Jun 07, 2023

Kindle Customer: I appreciated the book in many ways but regretted such an emphasis on the Roman Catholic church, it is not a large part of my experience, being an Orthodox Christian. I loved the picture the author presented us of the beautiful souls of the uneducated, simple and pious martyrs. The modern world has lost so much, doubtful of miracles and striving to rationalise the spiritual. The glimpse we get of the Coptic Church is refreshing and inspiring.

United States on Mar 08, 2023

M.C.: Very informative and an eye opener.

Canada on Mar 16, 2022

shirley: 21 men in orange jumpsuits martyred on a Libyan beach in 2015. Who were they and why did they die with the name of Jesus on their lips? The author travels to Egypt to discover their lives and backgrounds. This is fascinating reading, giving insight into modern Coptic Christianity and everyday life in modern Egypt. Illuminating.

United Kingdom on Mar 23, 2021

Paul Engle: The book provided more details than I expected, sometime going off into side roads. But this does help fill out the contextual story providing insight into the life of Coptic saints. The author spent time with extensive visits and interviews that add realism to the stories. He helps the story come alive with his details and helps avoid forgetting these dear saints.

United States on Mar 12, 2021

GN: As a 21st Century American Catholic Christian who has been secularized in ways I'm not aware of, this book provided perspective on how the Gospel is for all people in all times. It is more than about the martyrdom of the 21. They were the reason I originally purchased the book. I wanted to know what the author also wanted to know. What kind of Christian upbringing led to this level of commitment? In modern times, we in the West have rarely had to really think about the true cost of discipleship. Because this is changing, it was important for me to read this book. For me the book also revealed how much has been lost in the West's version of Christianity. For these Coptic young men, the Gospel, Church, and Liturgy were woven into their everyday lives. I am still reading it and re-reading it. It is causing me to question my commitment. Throughout their lives, they were being prepared for a moment like this - should it happen. Their commitment was made long before that day on the beach. This is an outstanding book. The author's observations and analysis of those observations provide a wake-up call to all Christians, especially those of us in the West.

United States on Feb 10, 2021

JPak: What an unusual and moving book. An honest and respectful visit to the church that gave birth to 20 of the 21 martyrs who died at the hands of IS in Libya. As a western Christian I feel both ashamed and inspired by this church who hold fast to the faith of Jesus Christ even to the point of death. I strongly recommend this book to any Christians looking to reorient themselves in Christ as the west becomes ever more hostile to our Lord. Will we capitulate or pass the test as did these saints?

Australia on Jul 05, 2020

Glynn Young: The story begins with a video in 2015. It’s difficult not to remember the line of 21 men in orange jumpsuits, their hands tied behind their backs, being marched along a beach by masked men in black. The 21 were Egyptian Copts who had been working in Libya; their captors were self-proclaimed members of ISIS. Each of the captive member were forced to kneel in the sand, and then beheaded by the masked captors standing behind them.

The highly staged and professionally produced video was meant to terrify; what it did was horrify.

German writer Martin Mosebach watched that video, and the expressions on the victims’ faces overwhelmed him. The faces did not show terror or fear. Instead, what Mosebach saw was acceptance and calm. These men were prepared to be martyred. And he asked himself, who were these men, where did they come from, and what kind of tradition and culture led to an acceptance of martyrdom?

He’s answered those questions in “The 21: A Journey into the Land of Coptic Martyrs.” He traveled to Egypt, specifically Upper Egypt, to the villages where 20 of the 21 men came from. He talked with their priests, their bishops, their families, and their...

United States on Oct 07, 2019

A. Lewis: Very will writing style.. God Bless!

United Kingdom on Aug 02, 2019

Rev. A. J. Bawtree: A fascinating read, almost an apologia for the Church of the Martyrs ( the Coptic Church) as well as being a look behind the scenes at the 21 men who died for their faith on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Would your regular C of E parishioner or vicar be prepared to die for Jesus Christ ? I put my hand up and say I am prepared because He died and rose again and my life is hid in Him.

United Kingdom on Mar 19, 2019