This is the story of Ana in biblical times. She is the daughter of a chief scribe to a Roman. He teaches her to read and write which is very unusual for women at that time. But when he tries to marry her off she rebels and then meets a poor carpenter from Nazareth. Jesus. Ana's brother is Judas. Lots of ancient history, biblical stories, and history of the lives of women during those times. But overall this is the fictional story of Ana - Jesus's wife - her love for her husband, her hopes and dreams, her feminist teachings and writings, her longings.

Share/Like this Review?

Stick with this one and give it time! It picks up speed and is so worth it!
-
I do think this book would have had a less rocky start for me, if I had more knowledge of the stories within the Bible.
-
But I just relaxed, went with it, and let the magic of this biblical historical work of fiction unfold at its own pace! And I am so glad I did, as it was just lovely!
-
The story is told in the first person by 14 year-old Ana, who eventually becomes Jesus's wife. She is a tenacious, interesting, and extremely likable character from the get-go!
-
I adored the character of Jesus and how sweet, thoughtful, and welcoming he was of Ana's feministic views and wishes and in his pursuit of helping the poor and mistreated.
-
Yaltha, Ana's aunt, was another loved character. Her wisdom, which she uses to guide Ana throughout the years, is something that is personally useful to the reader.
-
The research that the author did, her twist on history, and the investment you feel in the characters as they develop = an insanely delicious read... despite whether you are religious or have much knowledge of biblical history!

Share/Like this Review?