I just finished a book that completely upended a story I thought I knew. 'Judas: Romance lirico em quatro jornadas' (Judas: Lyric Romance in Four Journeys) is a 19th-century Brazilian dramatic poem that asks one huge question: what if Judas Iscariot was motivated by love, not money or malice?

The Story

Augusto de Lacerda structures his work in four parts, or 'journeys.' We follow Judas not as a one-dimensional villain, but as a complex man caught in an impossible situation. The central drama isn't just about the betrayal of Jesus. It's about Judas's own internal war. Here, his actions are driven by a powerful, all-consuming love—perhaps for a person, for an ideal, or for Jesus himself. That infamous kiss becomes a moment of devastating personal sacrifice, the terrible price of a passion he couldn't control. The story walks us right up to the edge of the New Testament narrative and shows us a completely different heart beating inside it.

Why You Should Read It

This isn't a dry theological debate. It's a fiery, emotional character study. Lacerda's lyrical style gives the whole thing a dreamlike, tragic quality. You find yourself in Judas's head, feeling his turmoil and understanding his impossible choice. It forces you to confront the humanity in a figure we've been taught to purely despise. The real magic is how it makes an ancient story feel shockingly new and painfully relevant. It’s about the cost of love, the weight of destiny, and how the worst acts can sometimes come from a place we recognize all too well.

Final Verdict

Perfect for readers who love historical deep cuts, poetic language, and stories that challenge ingrained myths. If you enjoyed the character complexity of Paradise Lost or the bold re-imaginings in modern retellings, you'll be captivated by this Brazilian classic. It’s a short, intense, and unforgettable plunge into the mind of history’s most famous traitor, and it might just change how you see him forever.