The Second Son by Charles Sailor

A gripping tale of survival, power, and the cost of being different

Good Condition – visible cover wear, creasing on spine, sticker present, and edge wear

Published in 1979, it has taken me forty years to get round to reading this challenging and excellent novel on my bookshelf.

Friendly, helpful charitable construction worker Joseph Turner is working on a 24-storey skyscraper when he saves the life of a friend, but in so doing falls to certain death. Miraculously, he survives the fall and thereafter he has to come to terms with his new-found powers, including his ability to heal. Within a short while he has an immense following. Joe realises that he cannot single-handedly help everyone. He asks people to find their own inner strength and to help themselves. A mixed message, at best.

The Pope seems to accept the possibility that Joe might be a – or the – Messiah, but others in Rome are not so sure. Powers in Rome and in Washington DC see Joe as a threat and a hired killer is despatched to deal with Joe.

A riveting story (no pun intended) that poses the question: What would we do if a new Messiah did walk among us? There are several poignant moments and heartfelt grief. Joe made a difference. Maybe that is all any of us can ask.

It was optioned as a movie but it was never made.