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jgraydee's review against another edition
4.0
Told alternatively from Mary and Joseph's points of view, this is a tender interpretation of Christ's birth and the impact it has on Mary and Joseph (perhaps). Berg sometimes took great liberty with the characters, and other times got the culture of the times just right. This novel seems to create a fair bit of angst for people, but it is critical to remember that this is not the true story -- that is found in Scripture. As a novel, this was overly sappy at times, but always touching and thought provoking. For anyone who is willing to simultaneously read this story in Scripture, I recommend the novel.
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book on CD read by the author
Berg explores the story-behind-the-story, transporting us to Nazareth to reimagine the birth of Christ. Starting five years before the birth of Jesus, the novel focuses on the young couple – Mary and Joseph – and how they react to extraordinary events. I was most touched by their growing relationship, despite the challenges they faced. At its core, it’s a story of love, trust and belief. Berg does an adequate job of reading the audio book.
Berg explores the story-behind-the-story, transporting us to Nazareth to reimagine the birth of Christ. Starting five years before the birth of Jesus, the novel focuses on the young couple – Mary and Joseph – and how they react to extraordinary events. I was most touched by their growing relationship, despite the challenges they faced. At its core, it’s a story of love, trust and belief. Berg does an adequate job of reading the audio book.
lydiawesome's review against another edition
1.0
I read this for a book group. It took me an hour. The author claims to have taken poetic licence with the Biblical material. Actually, most of what was portrayed was just plain wrong - mixed up and rearranged facts, awkward dialogue given to characters who had no way of knowing what they spoke of. I want that hour back.
mschrock8's review against another edition
My usual habit: reading Christmas books in December.
ms_space's review against another edition
3.0
This book was a nice love story. I was disappointed with some of the things the author took a creative license with. She created the almost rape of Mary that I felt was entirely unnecessary. I worry about someone reading this and thinking it is all truth.
mallco's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Interesting story of Jesus birth from Mary and Joseph’s POV. Thout provoking.
novelesque_life's review against another edition
2.0
1.5 STARS
This is a re-telling of Mary and Joseph and is handled wonderfully by Berg. I am not really into the story so was not interested in this novel but did finish it due to Berg's writing.
This is a re-telling of Mary and Joseph and is handled wonderfully by Berg. I am not really into the story so was not interested in this novel but did finish it due to Berg's writing.
ajlewis2's review against another edition
hopeful
reflective
slow-paced
5.0
Elizabeth Berg narrated the edition I read. Her version of the story of Mary and Joseph put together material from the various versions in the Bible along with material from traditions about their ancestry. I liked the realism of the human emotions involved. This book has added to the story that I already had. Berg made it an enjoyable story filling in gaps and providing an unknown ending.
susanlbussey's review against another edition
3.0
A story of Mary and Joseph and their life with Jesus, before and after his birth.