Christ recrucified has all the qualities that have made Zorba the Greek famous, but it reaches much further. The novel is set within the narrow confines of a Greek village under Turkish rule.

The Greek peasants, who plan to enact the life of Christ in a mystery play, are overwhelmed by their task. They try to identify themselves with the parts they have been given; and when a group of refugees, fleeing from the ruins of their plundered homes, reaches the village hoping to find protection, the drama of the Passion becomes reality.