Quarantine

by Jim Crace
I loved this book, woven around the story of Jesus' 40 days in the wilderness and presented as a fascinating alternative to the New Testament, nevermind the excellent storytelling. Centred on a small group of penitent locals who wish to fast in the desert and pray for their sins, Jesus is initially only a secondary character, the main character being a rather evil con-merchant who will survive against the odds and is the focus of the novel's surprising conclusion. Shortlisted for the Booker, it won the Whitbread Award in '97. So an old book, but it made a huge impression. Very positive reviews: Sunday Times - "Dazzling, gritty brilliance ... this is a novel of scorching distinction".
A random quote to give you a taste of his style:
Every Galilean knew that vegetation was the fruit of god's union with the earth. There was no vegetation on these slopes. Perhaps there was no god either. Perhaps this was the devil's realm. The stones were sinners. And the scree was hell.