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‘Schizophrenic Messiah’  October 5, 2012  An apocalyptic tale
set in modern day New York City, “Schizophrenic Messiah” is the
debut novel from San Antonio native Marcos Lerma. The text
ambitiously grapples with the consequences of divisive politics,
post-9/11 cynicism, and the Bible.  At the heart of the story is
Jacob, who moves to Queens with his aunt after his mother and
father are killed in Iraq. When Jacob’s aunt is then killed in a
mysterious train wreck, he is adopted, growing up to be a
relatively well-adjusted young man. That is, until the day he
begins to see a dark, winged being following him, and is
promptly institutionalized for schizophrenia. As Jacob’s
messianic identity is revealed, we see him healing the sick and
turning water into wine, which only serves to escalate the
battle between Jacob and his doctor.  The text’s exposition does
not always fully develop the complex world presented, which
complicates character development. Howev