aukward's review
4.0
I’m hovering between 3.5 and 4 stars. You don’t need to be religious (I’m certainly not) to appreciate this book.
I did have a religious upbringing and it was interesting how the author put a spin on some Biblical events. It’s clear her historical research was thorough, and that was the part that I found most enjoyable.
I did have a religious upbringing and it was interesting how the author put a spin on some Biblical events. It’s clear her historical research was thorough, and that was the part that I found most enjoyable.
jsmithesq's review
5.0
This book was incredibly powerful, moving me to tears and unable to put it down.
susanlbussey's review
4.0
Being the mother of boys of the same age Jesus was at his death, the scenes of the crucifixion were impossible to read with dry eyes.
Ana, wife of Jesus, feminist through her entire life. A very thoughtful way to present this story in a different light. From Ana's point of view.
Ana, wife of Jesus, feminist through her entire life. A very thoughtful way to present this story in a different light. From Ana's point of view.
lschilperoort's review against another edition
5.0
This book is stunning. It is beautifully written about a girl who might have been, and provides a voice to the one woman who needs it most of all: Jesus' fictional wife. Really, a very fascinating look at the historical aspect and figure of Jesus, but primarily a look at the lives of women during that time. Truly, Ana is the first feminist.
brocuspocus's review against another edition
2.0
Started off so promising, but somewhere in the middle it lost me and it’s premise. The main character is removed from Jesus’ story in away that doesn’t feel natural to me and the plot loses its way from there. It just wasn’t what I was expecting and couldn’t hold me. I will give the author this, the story of Jesus is often called “The Greatest Story Ever Told” and it’s a very popular story at that, to try and reinvent and work around it in way that is compelling has to be very difficult. This may be for someone, but it wasn’t for me.
ckkurata529's review
5.0
I enjoyed this book, increasingly as the story continued to unfold. I particularly loved the authors note at the end - her intention and imagining of a story in which Jesus was married. I love the character, Ana, that she creates - her fire and drive. I don’t have a strong background in religious studies and really, this story doesn’t center on religion, although it is an important component. I wonder where fact and fiction intersect in this story.
mverdoorn's review against another edition
2.0
Oh my god, if Jesus actually had a woman like Ana as a wife, it is no wonder he left her to become a religious zealot! Just about everything is off with this - Ana is selfish, inconsiderate, spoiled, and worst of all, absolutely not period accurate! That said, this was an interesting concept and I did enjoy it, but I couldn't stop rolling my eyes at everything in this book. (It has firmly entered the "it's so bad, it's good" designation for me!)
jpmindful50's review
4.0
I admit I deliberately avoided this book after reading the premise because I thought it could go so horribly wrong. Then someone I trust recommended it, saying it’s much more about women and the time in history and I gave it a try. I really liked this book, and even wished Ana had been present for more of the momentous events attributed to Jesus. It was fascinating to read about them from a character who intimately knew him as a devout and spiritual person, but not as a leader of thousands and a messiah. If you like historical fiction and books like The Red Tent and The Dovekeepers, you will enjoy this book.
crleen's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25