Loved it. Interestingly, I had forgotten what the blurb said by the time I came to read the book, and as I got into it I wondered where and when it was set ... could be Middle East, Turkey, could be one of many centuries. Village life, with its well, marketplace and olive groves, was lovingly described. As the story unfolded, told by Mariam, the time period and location became crystal clear. Cleverly written and very enjoyable! Had I known beforehand what the story was based on, I might not have been so keen to read it - this would have been my loss.
Thanks to the publisher for a digital review copy.

When going into reading this I didn't know that this was based on a story from the Bible, a biblical retelling of sorts. I found out from reading other reviews afterwards.

It deals with themes such as loss, rape, domestic violence and leprosy and the stigma that surrounds it. I'm not going to go into much detail about the story but this story is much about the oppression of women as much as anything else and was quite a quick read. It delves into religion, and prophets so if you're not keen on religious stories or reading about that then this won't be for you, otherwise I'm sure it'll make for an interesting read as it did for me.

How shall I describe this book? It was one half good and one half 'meh'.

First, the writing was good. I was drawn into the story immediately. I felt for Mariam, the main character, and her struggles in her husband's family.

At first, I thought this was a book about female empowerment in the Middle East. It could have been a rather contemporary work. Bit by bit it became clear, this story is set in a very early century AD among a small Jewish community.

The further I read, the more religious the story became. It felt odd, it drew my focus away from the story of Mariam, and her life.

I thought this was a bible story rehashed tbh?? An interesting story all the same though and quite beautiful in places, Maryam is in an abusive marriage after marrying very young and she has nobody as the only person she loves (her dad) has been banished from the town as he has leprosy!

A well written tale read through Maryam POV, some parts are brutal and some sad but in all an entertaining read. Can't say too much as it will spoil it for everyone else, short read so give it a go!!

I did really enjoy this book - it made me think outside the box about a biblical story I know well. It was very well written too.