What's it about?
It is a novel written about the life of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The
author uses all the Biblical knowledge there is of her and weaves it into a life
story. It brings her to life, shows her humanity and gives an insight into what
it must have been like for her.
What did you like about it?
I loved the humanness of Mary, her doubts, her fears, her motherly pride - it was
all agonizingly realistic. I loved the fact that parts of the Bible kept
drifting into sharp focus as the story weaved along. I loved the way the author
had shown how Mary wouldn't have known the whole story as it unfolded, thinking
his first miracle would have everyone believing in who he was, not knowing when
or how Jesus would save all Israel.
I also think that the six Bible studies at the end of the book were great. The
story itself did leave me wanting to know more, to delve into my Bible and find
out more and to reread familiar passages. What could be better than having
purpose written studies waiting for me?
What didn't you like?
I was slightly troubled by the fact that obviously some of the detail had
been made up to flesh out the story. But Francine Rivers has gone to some lengths
to be as historically accurate as possible. And she states in her introduction
that it is a work of historical fiction and that she has excluded nothing of what
is in the Bible about Mary and only added in what she felt she needed to. She also
says that the greatest authority on the subject is the Bible itself and urges her
reader to turn there.
What will you still remember a year from now?
I will remember her motherly love and her anguish at her sons' final days. I will
also hopefully remember how God used a poor young girl from Nazareth to be such a
crucial part of His plan, and that He can use each of us for great things if we are
willing.
Who would you recommend this book to?
Primarily to other women though I think it has a message and a use for men too.
I would recommend it to Bible study groups who might want to read the book and then
use the studies over six weeks, maybe especially during Advent.
Can you give us a couple of good quotes from the book?
'Joseph glared at Mary. "How can you expect me to believe such a story?"
All his hopes for a bright future were demolished. He never would have thought a
girl like Mary - so young, so sweet, so devout - could betray him in so foul a
manner. Pregnant! He was attacked by emotion, shaken by it. He shut his eyes, fighting
against the violent thoughts filling his mind.'
'Excited, the servants moved quickly among the guests, serving the new wine and
spreading the news of what Jesus had done.
Mary watched it all, tears of joy running down her cheeks. Now they
would believe!
All the rumours that had surrounded her and Joseph would finally
be laid to rest and her sons and daughters and friends would finally know the
truth: Jesus was the one her people had cried out for over the
centuries.'
review by Hilary
