The Mistake

The Mistake follows Marcus, born into privilege in Sardis, Asia Minor, where his unwed parents vie for his affection and loyalty. He inherits a dual legacy-combat genius from his Roman centurion father, Julius, and a fascination with Jewish learning from Miriam, his mother, born of a prosperous merchant family. When Julius is relocated to Caesarea, Judea’s Roman Capitol, Marcus’ parents marry. He grows up, amidst rising tensions between Romans and Jews and becomes the linchpin holding his family together.

Enter Yehonatan, Miriam’s charismatic brother, who takes Marcus on a trade expedition. Exposed to a society of familial warmth and mysticism, Marcus is drawn away from the military world. As Julius’ control intensifies, a destructive cycle ensues, threatening the family. Can Marcus preserve his family’s unity amidst the turmoil? The Mistake weaves a compelling tale of a mixed Jewish/Roman family’s dynamics, against the backdrop of the Roman world, in a society which is on the cusp of change.

Mara Schiffren, PhD, was born in New York City and moved around between the two coasts of the USA as a child. In college she competed in fencing and soccer, then moved to Israel to pursue her interest in studying Jewish history and religion. There, she became passionate about her studies and decided to pursue advanced academic work. This culminated in a Doctorate in The Study of Religion at Harvard University with a focus on Jewish history and theology. She currently resides in North Salem, NY, with her dog and cat, where she writes for local papers and coaches Peak Performance and Creativity.