A review by synoptic_view
Ten Billion Days and One Hundred Billion Nights by Ryu Mitsuse

Certainly interesting. I didn't expect Jesus and Siddhartha to engage in a MASER fight. The blurb and the beginning definitely led me to expect a more contemplative, philosophical novel. The historical fiction parts didn't work as well for me as the far future parts--mainly because the historical figures (Plato, Siddhartha, Pontius Pilate) have received many fictional treatments over the years, and I didn't see this one as adding much. If I had read this when it was first published, I suspect I would have a different opinion. I did enjoy the characterization of Jesus which shared some similarities with Scorsese's The Last Temptation of Christ. It was also helpful to read this along with a book club, because the plot and themes are opaque.