Girl Mary was easy to read. It jumps right in to the story of Mary at the well, and later gives you the back story. Told from two perspectives, Pontius Pilate and Mary Amneh, the story gives a new outlook on what Mary’s life may have been like prior to the birth of Jesus as well as the politics of Roman Times. As a woman the story resonated with me, and although this was definitely not Christian fiction I found that it did pose some theological questions. Throughout the story, I found myself asking: is she the chosen one? will there be immaculate conception? will the book tell about the birth and beyond? The only answer I can give without spoiling the book is that the story ends before any “Jesus Story” begins. After finishing the novel, I immediately wanted to open the book of Luke and re-read the biblical version. I would recommend this book to any woman who likes biblical fiction, or wants to get a glimpse into what life was like for women during this time period. ( )

Reviewed by Marta Morrison for TeensReadToo.com

GIRL MARY is the re-imagining of the story of Mary and Joseph before the birth of Jesus. It is told through first the eyes of Pontius Pilate and then those of Mary.

Pontius Pilate is ordered by the Emperor of Rome to be a spy in Judah. He is to find a way for Agustus to become a deity. Pilate is fascinated by the Jewish people. He hears their legends, and when he finds that the tribe that is supposed to have the messiah has been banished by King Herod, he finds them and helps them to come back to Nazarath.

Mary is very spiritual. She sees and talks to God. She is also assertive, which is very unusual for a girl in those days. This is a love story between Mary and Joseph, with a little flirtation between Mary and Pilate.

I liked the characterization of Mary speaking with God. She has a very human-like relationship with him. She bargains with him to get her way, but is respectful of the fact that He is God.

But be warned that this isn't the traditional Mary and Joseph story. It is very different. I liked how the author saw Mary and how he saw Joseph. I also learned a lot about the lives of women during those times. In my head I can realize that it was very hard to be a woman in those days, but how hard I don't think I could ever know unless I lived it. This story focused a lot on the life of Jewish and some on the life of Roman women. It will open your eyes about how wretched their lives were.

The details about ordinary life throughout GIRL MARY were extraordinary. I could envision how hard people worked and what they felt. I was truly amazed, and I feel you would be too, if you give this book a try. ( )