The Handmaid and the Carpenter: A Novel | 
|  | | | Title: | The Handmaid and the Carpenter: A Novel | | Author: | Elizabeth Berg | | Publisher: | Random House | | Type: | Book / Hardcover | | Publication Date: | 07 November, 2006 | | ISBN / ISBN-13: | 1400065380 / 9781400065387 | | List Price: | $17.95 | | You Save: | $5.74 | | Amazon Price: | $12.21 | |
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| Editorial Review / Publisher's Information:
Product Description
In this wonderful novel about love and trust, hope and belief, Elizabeth Berg, the bestselling author of We Are All Welcome Here and The Year of Pleasures, transports us to Nazareth in biblical times to reimagine the events of the classic Christmas story.
We see Mary–young, strong, and inquisitive–as she first meets Joseph, a serious-minded young carpenter who is steadfastly devoted to the religious traditions of their people. The two become betrothed, but are soon faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Aided by a great and abiding love, they endure challenges to their relationship as well as threats to their lives as they come to terms with the mysterious circumstances surrounding the birth of their child, Jesus. For Mary, the pregnancy is a divine miracle and a privilege. For Joseph, it is an ongoing test not only of his courage but of his faith–in his wife as well as in his God.
Exquisitely written and imbued with the truthful emotions and richness of detail that have earned Elizabeth Berg a devoted readership, The Handmaid and the Carpenter explores lives touched profoundly by miracles large and small. This powerful and moving novel is destined to become a classic.
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Customer Reviews:
• A Nice Little Christmas Story 03 September, 2007
I thought Berg's take on the birth and young life of Jesus, with Mary and Joseph was interesting. Because the story in the Bible leaves a lot of questions unanswered, it is easy to want to hypothesize what the more in depth, detailed story was. I think Berg did a pretty good job. This story did not flow as nice as some of Berg's other works. I think it was because she tried to pull in as much as the Biblical story she could and expand on it. I am sure that had to be difficult. This is a very unique book. One I may read again around Christmas time when I want to be reminded of the true meaning of Christmas.
- Reviewed by customer ID: ALAFR9RRKEUZP
• Lovely Story 24 December, 2007
Although this book is fiction, the story is real. It reminds us that Mary and Joseph were "human" and had the same feelings and frustrations as the rest of mankind. The book is not great literature, but it allows the reader(both adult and teen) some time for reflection during the hectic Christmas season.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A1WDBUURR8H2J4
• What Happened To Elizabeth Berg??? 13 February, 2008
She used to be one of my favorite writers, but what has happened to her? She hasn't written a book that I enjoyed in years. I loved her earlier works because they were contemporary real stories with characters you could get lost in. I felt so satisfied after reading those books.
This book is awful. Plain awful.
- Reviewed by customer ID: A26LD9FQHTM8ZH
• A Unique Look At Joseph And Mary 15 August, 2007
I really appreciated that Elizabeth Berg set her writing skills to create a wonderful unique story of Mary and Joseph. Her outlook on these holy characters from the Bible gave me a totally new insight into their world. I was also glad that she spun a good bit of the story around Joseph. Typically, he is usually given a small part in religious stories, so it was refreshing to read her point of view into this biblical character. The story was a bit short but overall I enjoyed it very much and would gladly recommend it to all my friends.
- Reviewed by customer ID: AX64AMAD1RTMI
• Unexpected 29 April, 2008
I was very drawn to read about the relationship between Mary and Joseph, and see them in a more down to earth manner. However, it is my impression that the author describes the characters as shallow teenagers, with concerns belonging more to an American 21st century, than actual Nazareth in the year 4BC. She fails to inlcude in her story the dedication to prayer these two people probably shared, after all they were the chosen ones to raise God's only Son. The connection with God is hardly mentioned. Mary and Joseph spend a lot of time praying, in direct contact with God, Even at the birth, they were in the presence of the Lord, can you imagine the extasis of one 's soul in such presence! Mary and Joseph were spiritually evolved compared to the rest of humanity, not only they come off as merely man and woman in this story, but really shallow and silly at it.
Needles to say I was very dissapointed...Sorry!
- Reviewed by customer ID: A3RE52WPJ9WHHL
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