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In the first century, Jacobus and his twin brother, Josephus, form a deep emotional and physical bond. Inexplicably at age fourteen, the twins are separated when their father sends Jacobus off with the ship crew of the Dolphin to learn maritime trade. Divided from his beloved brother, Jacobus’s coming-of-age journey begins officially as a man according to Roman law. The young and wealthy Jacobus travels the waters of the Roman Empire, discovering a new world of cultures and peoples. He befriends two Carthaginian eunuch slaves aboard the Dolphin named Hanno and Mago. Jacobus assumes responsibility for them as “the son of their master,” expressing rare kindness and caring for them deeply. In turn, Hanno and Mago feel confident as men for the first time and equally return their appreciation and affection.
Trittin’s controversial novel may surprise some yet appeal to others. Through Jacobus, Trittin weaves a venturesome narrative of sexual discovery, love, and courage. Mature themes and situations are handled carefully, but the sentimental similarities of the characters leave little room for connection and exploration, especially of Jacobus. Through much of the novel, Trittin follows the three inseparable young men as they wander port cities amid danger, wonders, and tragedies. Trittin spends significant time examining their “deep and rewarding” love while Jacobus wrestles with himself as an “uncut eunuch.” He probes themes of identity, belief, and faith until Jacobus's life is profoundly transformed with the arrival of a prophet named Jesus of Nazareth. This ruminative novel is prefaced by Dr. Marvin G. Baker’s explanation and the historical context of eunuchs as understood in relation to the time of Jesus. This summons the reader into Trittin’s historical tale of “a young, precocious, Jewish boy” who witnesses and experiences a politically charged and complex biblical region.