What do you think?
Rate this book
The Book of Rachael
What if the man you loved betrayed your brother?
When Rachael falls in love with her brother's dearest friend, the rebel Judah of Iscariot, it seems that at least one of the women of Nazareth may find happiness. Then a message comes from her brother in Jerusalem. And the events begin to unfold that will change not just Rachael's life, but the world—forever.
When Rachael falls in love with her brother's dearest friend, the rebel Judah of Iscariot, it seems that at least one of the women of Nazareth may find happiness. Then a message comes from her brother in Jerusalem. And the events begin to unfold that will change not just Rachael's life, but the world—forever.
336 pages, Paperback
First published March 28, 2011
10 people are currently reading
241 people want to read
About the author
Leslie Cannold
6 books25 followersLeslie is a non-fiction and fiction writer. Her books include ‘The Abortion Myth: feminism, morality and the hard choices women make’ and ‘What, No Baby?’. She’s authored chapters in numerous anthologies including ‘Destroying the Joint,' `‘The Australian Book of Atheism’ and the fictional `Sincerely: Further adventures in the art of correspondence from Women of Letters'. In the wake of the success of her first novel, the historical ‘The Book of Rachael’, Leslie is currently working on a second novel and a non-fiction project due out in 2022 project about love, trust and betrayal set in contemporary times.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
January 20, 2016
This is, unquestionably, the best book I’ve read in ages. As you, my readers, know, I’ve read a lot of terrific books lately, but The Book of Rachael is splendid.
Splendid in its conception, and splendid in its execution, Leslie Cannold’s first novel is an imagined life of the sister of Jesus. Nothing is known of her, not even her name, and to right this wrong that insults all women, Cannold has created a rich and turbulent life, almost as messianic as Jesus’ own.
To read the rest of my review please visit http://anzlitlovers.wordpress.com/201...
Splendid in its conception, and splendid in its execution, Leslie Cannold’s first novel is an imagined life of the sister of Jesus. Nothing is known of her, not even her name, and to right this wrong that insults all women, Cannold has created a rich and turbulent life, almost as messianic as Jesus’ own.
To read the rest of my review please visit http://anzlitlovers.wordpress.com/201...
July 4, 2011
I was hanging out to read this book, and desperately wanting to fall in love with it (because I thought it might be like Anita Diamont's The Red Tent, which the blurb claims 'Is what the Bible would be like if it had been written by a woman'. But I have to say, half way through, although i am really enoying reading it, I am really frustrated by what a revolting character Rachael's mother is - and I can't really figure out why Cannold needs to make her such a fishwife. It's really easy to read, but doesn't have as literary a voice as i imagined it might have. Anyway, I am going to still keep going with it, and even if i get to the end and don't like it, I will still be recommending it to people, especially teenage girls because I think the whole concept of writing the history of forgotten voices is so important.
So I did stick with it, and ended up loving it, and just sobbing in certain parts because it is just such a moving book. And I stick with what I said earlier that it is an important book to read, especially for YA readers. I reviewed it with Fiona Parker in ABC Radio 91.1 in June, 2011 too - and hopefully will be able to post a link to an audio copy of that review sometime soon.
Cannold's website is a fascinating read too, she's written some really thought-provoking articles and there's a great article written by Jane Sullivan which explains why Cannold made Miriame (Mary - Jesus'/Joshua mother) such a hard-nosed woman.
Well worth the read. Would make a great book club book too.
So I did stick with it, and ended up loving it, and just sobbing in certain parts because it is just such a moving book. And I stick with what I said earlier that it is an important book to read, especially for YA readers. I reviewed it with Fiona Parker in ABC Radio 91.1 in June, 2011 too - and hopefully will be able to post a link to an audio copy of that review sometime soon.
Cannold's website is a fascinating read too, she's written some really thought-provoking articles and there's a great article written by Jane Sullivan which explains why Cannold made Miriame (Mary - Jesus'/Joshua mother) such a hard-nosed woman.
Well worth the read. Would make a great book club book too.
December 30, 2019
While engaging and certainly a page-turner, "The Book of Rachael" is one that I will not recommend or pick up again. While Cannold's intentions and conceptions may be clear and intriguing, I found her style to be dull, riddled with modern Western cliches, values, and sensibilities. The characters, plot and themes were overshadowed by her clear and overwhelming need to assert modern feminist ideas and deconstruct the biblical Gospel. It is not her lens of feminism that I find irking, but the heavy-handed manner in which she applies it. The only thing historical about this novel is the setting and some political/social detail. Cannold has placed modern sensibilities (particularly those of women) within characters in an historical setting in order to retell the history of that era in terms of women's experience. I applaud this aim, yet dismay at the oversimplification of complex social and cultural issues through a Western, 21st Century voice.
May 24, 2011
Loooooved it! Never wanted this book to end ... and I think I might be just a holy fool, but baby, it's so cruel, I'm still in love with Judas .. baby ;) Seriously though, beautifully crafted characters and a timeless story made new. A novel that I know i'll read again and remember for days, and maybe weeks to come. I almost don't want to start another novel just so that these characters stay alive in my mind.
January 20, 2012
Terrific, truly terrific!
A fantastic story about Jesus' younger sister and the hardship the women at that time endured.
Before you go "Hang on, Jesus had sisters?" it is mentioned in the Bible that he had four brothers (all named) and some sisters, but they are not named or numbered.
Cannold takes the perspective of the youngest child, Rachael, a rebellious and intelligent child who comes up against prejudice and misogyny at every turn.
Rachael's eldest brother, Joshua (Jesus), is a caring carpenter who - through Rachael's intelligence and his other sister's harsh treatment by the village after her brutal raping - disagrees with how forgiveness is given to the rich, whilst the poor and women must toil.
Rachael falls in love and marries Judah, Joshua's best friend and constant protector, and is thrust into a rebellion that starts the Christian movement.
Experiencing and witnessing the worst of her male counterparts, Rachael fumes as men abuse the women around her; though is forced to resign knowing that she alone can do nothing.
An excellent view on women, religion, power and growth. I recommend this to everyone.
A fantastic story about Jesus' younger sister and the hardship the women at that time endured.
Before you go "Hang on, Jesus had sisters?" it is mentioned in the Bible that he had four brothers (all named) and some sisters, but they are not named or numbered.
Cannold takes the perspective of the youngest child, Rachael, a rebellious and intelligent child who comes up against prejudice and misogyny at every turn.
Rachael's eldest brother, Joshua (Jesus), is a caring carpenter who - through Rachael's intelligence and his other sister's harsh treatment by the village after her brutal raping - disagrees with how forgiveness is given to the rich, whilst the poor and women must toil.
Rachael falls in love and marries Judah, Joshua's best friend and constant protector, and is thrust into a rebellion that starts the Christian movement.
Experiencing and witnessing the worst of her male counterparts, Rachael fumes as men abuse the women around her; though is forced to resign knowing that she alone can do nothing.
An excellent view on women, religion, power and growth. I recommend this to everyone.
July 30, 2014
The Book of Rachael by Leslie Cannold is well written. Let me just start with that. I have no problem with her writing style – in fact, I would gladly read any other book she’s written. However, I could scarcely get through this one.
Perhaps it’s my Christian upbringing that made me dislike the story. While I like the idea of the age old story being told through the eyes of a sister, I don’t understand the need to change the names of characters. Jesus is Joshua. Judah is Judas, Miriame is Mary, the mother, and Maryam is Mary Magdalene. I also didn’t recognize any of the disciples names, but it’s been awhile since I read the Bible so that might be why. Joshua is spied by his sister having sex with Maryam before marriage (WWJD??) and when she is taken away from Nazareth by her parents, he goes on a big mission to find her. Never mind all the pesky preaching stuff – although that does come later. I disliked Miriame so very much. She’s not anything like I imagine the mother of the Messiah would be like. (Plus, she wasn’t present at the Crucifixion in this story, either) And, Yosef, the father, seemed very weak to me.
Like I mentioned earlier, I do think the story is well written. Plus, I really like Rachael. I wish the entire story had just been about her and Bindy. She wasn’t interested in just being a woman for the sake of being a help meet to her husband and bearing this children. She wanted so much more out of her life. She wanted to study and learn and see places outside of her childhood home. And, despite the hardships, she was strong. What a fantastic role model.
If I had to give it a starred rating, it would be 2.5 stars.
*Thanks to Text Publishing Company and Edelweiss for sending me a digital copy of this book for review in exchange for my honest opinion*
Perhaps it’s my Christian upbringing that made me dislike the story. While I like the idea of the age old story being told through the eyes of a sister, I don’t understand the need to change the names of characters. Jesus is Joshua. Judah is Judas, Miriame is Mary, the mother, and Maryam is Mary Magdalene. I also didn’t recognize any of the disciples names, but it’s been awhile since I read the Bible so that might be why. Joshua is spied by his sister having sex with Maryam before marriage (WWJD??) and when she is taken away from Nazareth by her parents, he goes on a big mission to find her. Never mind all the pesky preaching stuff – although that does come later. I disliked Miriame so very much. She’s not anything like I imagine the mother of the Messiah would be like. (Plus, she wasn’t present at the Crucifixion in this story, either) And, Yosef, the father, seemed very weak to me.
Like I mentioned earlier, I do think the story is well written. Plus, I really like Rachael. I wish the entire story had just been about her and Bindy. She wasn’t interested in just being a woman for the sake of being a help meet to her husband and bearing this children. She wanted so much more out of her life. She wanted to study and learn and see places outside of her childhood home. And, despite the hardships, she was strong. What a fantastic role model.
If I had to give it a starred rating, it would be 2.5 stars.
*Thanks to Text Publishing Company and Edelweiss for sending me a digital copy of this book for review in exchange for my honest opinion*
March 23, 2016
A brave idea to write a book using Jesus's (Joshua) sister as the narrator. But Cannold delivers in spades. The women and their lives show us how poorly they were treated, what few (no) rights they had and how stoning of adulterers and wearing veils was considered the norm. The women, and the whole story, are so believable. Rachael is feisty, intelligent and wants a chance to break out of a life of cleaning, cooking and giving birth.
The portrayal of Mary may bring criticism as it is Joseph who shows the way for the family, and it is Rachael and Mary Magdalene who help Joshua. Judas is portrayed as a strong and brave man who had a cunning plan which did not work.
Priests abound who love their trappings and ceremonies over helping the needy. Greed and self interest could not handle a different point of view. Joshua's miracles and faith is realistically portrayed and you could see how these stories could be translated by the story tellers of the day to eventually form the Bible.
One of the best books I have read.
The portrayal of Mary may bring criticism as it is Joseph who shows the way for the family, and it is Rachael and Mary Magdalene who help Joshua. Judas is portrayed as a strong and brave man who had a cunning plan which did not work.
Priests abound who love their trappings and ceremonies over helping the needy. Greed and self interest could not handle a different point of view. Joshua's miracles and faith is realistically portrayed and you could see how these stories could be translated by the story tellers of the day to eventually form the Bible.
One of the best books I have read.
January 25, 2020
A hood holiday read, a bit overwritten but a great concept and well executed
April 4, 2011
So, biblical fiction that tells the untold story of women, is my kink. I love it. And The Book of Rachel by Leslie Cannold certainly delivered. (And wish we had 1/2 star ratings as well. This should 3 and a half stars.)
The best thing about Cannold's book is not that she gives name and voice to the women of the Bible but that there's such a profound believability to them. Her women are flawed, deeply so, just like real women. Each suffering their own weakness, each revelling in their own strengths, each woman unique and though bound by the constraints of their time and gender each one defies these ties in her own way.
The adage that well behaved women never make history is certainly true in biblical terms. One flick through the bible shows that very few "good" woman are named. Very few Good women are given voice with the most notable exceptions of Ruth and the idealised woman from Proverbs 31. There are more minor players, but the most infamous women of the bible are the naughty ones.
History also shows us that there are always defiant women. Whether we record their defiance for prosperity or not. In Rachel's case, she did not bring down a judge of Israel or slaughter a band of men in their sleep,(and so evaded the history books) but she rejected the nominal place of women and girls over and over again, much to the chagrin of her mother, the haughty wonderfully arrogant Miriame. (And blessedly Cannold chose to leave out the virgin birth...Miriame, better known to us as Mary has her own secrets to which Rachel cannot guess. And so the very things that would have you condemn her, redeem her in the end.)
Cannold really portrayed the mother/daughter friction perfectly. Your heart would break for little Rachel.
The sister bond was treated with an equal amount of attention to reality. Parts of the story will make you hurt. Will make you angry. Will make you despair.
Cannolds writing is anything but flowery or over reaching as is shown in her ability to convey the emotion without attempting to overwhelm us with prose, unlike Anita Diamant in The Red Tent. A book I also loved though in the case of The Red Tent it was purely for the relationships between the various women, not the writing itself.
The tender sub-story of Joshua, as seen through the eyes of his sister, is touching and beautifully done. Cannold wisely focused on Joshua as brother, son and lover, rather than as the Messiah. As such, she was able to breathe into him a real soul. A man far more believable and probable than the man proffered up for us in the bible.
And though the book focuses on the untold story of women, Cannold has not treated the men as shadows. Her supporting cast have dimension. Gentle yet commanding Joseph, brave and brash Judah and the somewhat snivelling Jacob.
Unsurprisingly, the strengths in Cannolds tale lie in her ability to weave her non-fiction expertise ( she has two other non-fiction books The Abortion Myth and What, no baby?, is an ethicist, President of Reproductive Choice Australia, Ambassador for dying with dignity law reform among other things...) into the threads of her fiction. The grown up Rachel is mistress of her own destiny, as much as a woman could be in that day and age. As apprentice to the mystical crone Bindy, Rachel learns how to control her fertility, she learns how to heal and how to comfort when the body is beyond all healing. Through Bindy she learns who she is and that who she thought she was may not actually be who she wanted to be.
At it's very heart, the Book of Rachel is the story of women in general, it spans the years, for just like Rachel did all those years ago, we still struggle to fight for the right to complete autonomy over our own bodies and the right to pursue and define our own destinies, whatever they may be and in this way Rachel's story is our own story.
The best thing about Cannold's book is not that she gives name and voice to the women of the Bible but that there's such a profound believability to them. Her women are flawed, deeply so, just like real women. Each suffering their own weakness, each revelling in their own strengths, each woman unique and though bound by the constraints of their time and gender each one defies these ties in her own way.
The adage that well behaved women never make history is certainly true in biblical terms. One flick through the bible shows that very few "good" woman are named. Very few Good women are given voice with the most notable exceptions of Ruth and the idealised woman from Proverbs 31. There are more minor players, but the most infamous women of the bible are the naughty ones.
History also shows us that there are always defiant women. Whether we record their defiance for prosperity or not. In Rachel's case, she did not bring down a judge of Israel or slaughter a band of men in their sleep,(and so evaded the history books) but she rejected the nominal place of women and girls over and over again, much to the chagrin of her mother, the haughty wonderfully arrogant Miriame. (And blessedly Cannold chose to leave out the virgin birth...Miriame, better known to us as Mary has her own secrets to which Rachel cannot guess. And so the very things that would have you condemn her, redeem her in the end.)
Cannold really portrayed the mother/daughter friction perfectly. Your heart would break for little Rachel.
The sister bond was treated with an equal amount of attention to reality. Parts of the story will make you hurt. Will make you angry. Will make you despair.
Cannolds writing is anything but flowery or over reaching as is shown in her ability to convey the emotion without attempting to overwhelm us with prose, unlike Anita Diamant in The Red Tent. A book I also loved though in the case of The Red Tent it was purely for the relationships between the various women, not the writing itself.
The tender sub-story of Joshua, as seen through the eyes of his sister, is touching and beautifully done. Cannold wisely focused on Joshua as brother, son and lover, rather than as the Messiah. As such, she was able to breathe into him a real soul. A man far more believable and probable than the man proffered up for us in the bible.
And though the book focuses on the untold story of women, Cannold has not treated the men as shadows. Her supporting cast have dimension. Gentle yet commanding Joseph, brave and brash Judah and the somewhat snivelling Jacob.
Unsurprisingly, the strengths in Cannolds tale lie in her ability to weave her non-fiction expertise ( she has two other non-fiction books The Abortion Myth and What, no baby?, is an ethicist, President of Reproductive Choice Australia, Ambassador for dying with dignity law reform among other things...) into the threads of her fiction. The grown up Rachel is mistress of her own destiny, as much as a woman could be in that day and age. As apprentice to the mystical crone Bindy, Rachel learns how to control her fertility, she learns how to heal and how to comfort when the body is beyond all healing. Through Bindy she learns who she is and that who she thought she was may not actually be who she wanted to be.
At it's very heart, the Book of Rachel is the story of women in general, it spans the years, for just like Rachel did all those years ago, we still struggle to fight for the right to complete autonomy over our own bodies and the right to pursue and define our own destinies, whatever they may be and in this way Rachel's story is our own story.
July 23, 2011
Being so used to reading Leslie Cannold's fiesty but highly analytical writings it was fun to be plunged into the world of her imagination. Still fiesty, but this time historical fiction re-imagining the gospel stories and inventing for Jesus a sister, Rachael.The detail of the world is very compelling - I loved all the little domestic details - as is the narrative itself. It is to Cannold's credit that the she builds the tension so well when it is such a well known story. I imagine it's the sort of book that read in a certain mindset could be easy to criticise but it you go with the flow it's good fun girl-power in the land of Caanan.
February 9, 2016
Simply the best historical fiction I have ever read, wonderful detail, historical accuracy, activly unites the cutting edge scholarly research on the persons and politics of the 1st century Romanised holy lands, whilst creating 3 dimensional characters which resonate with modern times. Feminism, social justice, entrenched mediocre patronistic institutions and the explanation of suffering of individual characters all make this an exemplary rendering of the tale of Jesus the Nazarene. A must read for anyone seeking to understand the times, without reliance on entrenched religious dogma.
March 12, 2015
An interesting imagining of what Jesus (called Joshua in this) may have lived through as a man told from the perspective of his sister's life. It may be controversial to some but reading it as a fictional account it was quite enjoyable and provided some intriguing insights especially in detailing the women's contribution to life in a time so long ago.
★★★☆ (3.5 stars)
★★★☆ (3.5 stars)
September 27, 2012
Fantastic. Really made me rethink and ponder what I had assumed and heard. Recommend to everyone just to get a different viewpoint of jesus. Also enjoyed interpretation of Mary and depiction of household life.
August 4, 2019
I found it trying and difficult to read. The character of Rachel felt too unlikely and contrived. The stories of women in this time made me sad and left me with little hope. It was not an enjoyable read.
January 18, 2023
I am strangely drawn to stories with alternative perspectives about Jesus and his companions, and especially if they centre the women. The Book of Rachael is passionate and harsh, as I imagine the lives of women of ancient Israel were and the storyline is colourful and detailed. There were quite a few surprises throughout this story and I did cry for Rachael at the end. In the absence of real documentation about the women of Israel, this story is satisfyingly plausible.
June 8, 2021
This was such a beautiful rendering of Judeo-Christian mythology. I loved seeing the well-told story of Jesus (Joshua) of Nazareth from the perspective of his younger sister. Lyrical, poetic and utterly captivating.
November 30, 2021
Interesting book, good to imagine the life of women in the biblical times. Well written
February 24, 2012
~~ A shelfishbehavior review ~~
So you've just finished reading The Red Tent and you're looking to find a book that is similar in scope but has a more new-ish testament feel with this great new character that both Jews and Gentiles can relate to. Look no further!
From start to finish, The Book of Rachael will suck you into Roman Palestine, circa 1st century CE. The sights, the smells, the depravity...It is all here and here in spades. The Virgin Mary, Joseph, Joshua (Jesus), Mary Magdalene, and, of course, Judah (Judas) that you grew up with in Sunday School are all present and accounted for - but not in the way that you would think. They are all seen through the eyes of Joshua's (Jesus) younger sister, Rachael.
Rachael is gifted; even for a woman. She is able to understand other languages after only the briefest of exposure to them. She learns how to read in secret, with the assistance of her father and older brother. She is also taken under the wing of the local midwife and healer, Bindy, to learn the ancient art of being a healer.
And she falls in love with her brother's best friend -- Judah.
She is caught in a fierce internal struggle over her role not only within her family, but Jewish society as well. The healing arts that Bindy teaches her are in direct contradiction with that of the Law. The only weak part of this book was when Bindy suddenly dropped Rachael as a pupil. It felt almost...anticlimactic.
I also really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the virgin/whore/crone paradigm that is so prevalent in literature of this nature. Bindy was, quite obviously the crone (and, to a point, so was Mary -- told you, this isn't your Sunday School Mary, Mother of God), Rachael's older sister, Shona, would probably best fit the virgin part as her virginity was ripped from her in a random act of senseless violence that would change the family dynamic forever, and, of course, sadly and erroneously, Mary Magdalene would once again fill the role of whore.
Where does Rachael fit in? Interestingly, I find her a blend of all 3.
Like I said, if you're looking for a book that gives the Greatest Story Ever Told a huge spin and turns it on its head, this might be the book for you. Even if you don't agree with it (and you don't have to...I finished this book without necessarily agreeing with it, but I did appreciate the questions it raised), then read it for the fact that it is a riveting historical fiction.
The key word being fiction.
Full disclosure -- I am a Christian. That being said, I was not, in the slightest, offended by this book. Sure, it offers a different and very radical perspective on the events leading up to and contributing to Christ's crucifixion - not to mention the complete rewrite and rehabilitation of the person of Judah (Judas) - but, if anything, it caused me to think/ponder/reflect and go back to the Biblical account of the crucifixion during this process. After love, I firmly believe that God's greatest gifts to creation are that of critical thinking, reason, and free will. And you will be challenged to use all three while reading this title.
So you've just finished reading The Red Tent and you're looking to find a book that is similar in scope but has a more new-ish testament feel with this great new character that both Jews and Gentiles can relate to. Look no further!
From start to finish, The Book of Rachael will suck you into Roman Palestine, circa 1st century CE. The sights, the smells, the depravity...It is all here and here in spades. The Virgin Mary, Joseph, Joshua (Jesus), Mary Magdalene, and, of course, Judah (Judas) that you grew up with in Sunday School are all present and accounted for - but not in the way that you would think. They are all seen through the eyes of Joshua's (Jesus) younger sister, Rachael.
Rachael is gifted; even for a woman. She is able to understand other languages after only the briefest of exposure to them. She learns how to read in secret, with the assistance of her father and older brother. She is also taken under the wing of the local midwife and healer, Bindy, to learn the ancient art of being a healer.
And she falls in love with her brother's best friend -- Judah.
She is caught in a fierce internal struggle over her role not only within her family, but Jewish society as well. The healing arts that Bindy teaches her are in direct contradiction with that of the Law. The only weak part of this book was when Bindy suddenly dropped Rachael as a pupil. It felt almost...anticlimactic.
I also really enjoyed the juxtaposition of the virgin/whore/crone paradigm that is so prevalent in literature of this nature. Bindy was, quite obviously the crone (and, to a point, so was Mary -- told you, this isn't your Sunday School Mary, Mother of God), Rachael's older sister, Shona, would probably best fit the virgin part as her virginity was ripped from her in a random act of senseless violence that would change the family dynamic forever, and, of course, sadly and erroneously, Mary Magdalene would once again fill the role of whore.
Where does Rachael fit in? Interestingly, I find her a blend of all 3.
Like I said, if you're looking for a book that gives the Greatest Story Ever Told a huge spin and turns it on its head, this might be the book for you. Even if you don't agree with it (and you don't have to...I finished this book without necessarily agreeing with it, but I did appreciate the questions it raised), then read it for the fact that it is a riveting historical fiction.
The key word being fiction.
Full disclosure -- I am a Christian. That being said, I was not, in the slightest, offended by this book. Sure, it offers a different and very radical perspective on the events leading up to and contributing to Christ's crucifixion - not to mention the complete rewrite and rehabilitation of the person of Judah (Judas) - but, if anything, it caused me to think/ponder/reflect and go back to the Biblical account of the crucifixion during this process. After love, I firmly believe that God's greatest gifts to creation are that of critical thinking, reason, and free will. And you will be challenged to use all three while reading this title.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 7, 2016
I picked this book up for a few dollars at a used book sale, and started reading it as my "lunchtime book". The premise is that Joshua of Nazareth, who becomes the Christian Saviour Jesus Christ, had a sister named Rachel who was - against all social pressures for her time - a bit of a prodigy and rebel, defying her mother and roster of chores to sit outside the boys' schoolroom and learn to read and write, and later to become a sort of herbal medicine-woman. She also seems to have a gift for languages.
SPOILERS AHEAD:
She then falls in love with and marries Judah of Iscariot, who later betrays her brother.
I felt this book was interesting and enjoyable to read, and I sometimes found myself wondering in my 'non-lunch-time" about what would happen to Rachael.
However, when I finished the book, I felt there'd been a bit of a let-down. Rachael had all these talents, all this intelligence and wit, all this promise. At first I imagined her brother would take her under his wing, and make use of her talents and skills in his ministry. However, the story abandoned Joshua for a large piece of time, and once it got back to him, his demise followed on quite quickly, without that opportunity. Even his own Mariam (Mary Magdalene) seemed a bit underused and undervalued in the story, and pretty much discarded by the finish. I know the times didn't promote women's involvement, to say the least, but this is fiction, and it had seemed to me that path could have been a powerful one. After all, why take so much time showcasing Rachael's skills and potential and then just throw it all away? Perhaps to illustrate how often that happened? Kind of boring premise.
I ended up feeling as though the author had been torn about which path to follow, then chose the less interesting (though historically accurate) one which simply illustrated the downtrodden-ness of women in that time.
In addition, the big lead-up, the "looming question" of the book - "What would you do if the man you loved betrayed your brother?" - gets answered in just a page or two, and without (I think) enough interaction, nor enough delving into what each party was thinking...
So - I enjoyed this book, but was disappointed by the final chapters, and it's not a "keeper".
SPOILERS AHEAD:
She then falls in love with and marries Judah of Iscariot, who later betrays her brother.
I felt this book was interesting and enjoyable to read, and I sometimes found myself wondering in my 'non-lunch-time" about what would happen to Rachael.
However, when I finished the book, I felt there'd been a bit of a let-down. Rachael had all these talents, all this intelligence and wit, all this promise. At first I imagined her brother would take her under his wing, and make use of her talents and skills in his ministry. However, the story abandoned Joshua for a large piece of time, and once it got back to him, his demise followed on quite quickly, without that opportunity. Even his own Mariam (Mary Magdalene) seemed a bit underused and undervalued in the story, and pretty much discarded by the finish. I know the times didn't promote women's involvement, to say the least, but this is fiction, and it had seemed to me that path could have been a powerful one. After all, why take so much time showcasing Rachael's skills and potential and then just throw it all away? Perhaps to illustrate how often that happened? Kind of boring premise.
I ended up feeling as though the author had been torn about which path to follow, then chose the less interesting (though historically accurate) one which simply illustrated the downtrodden-ness of women in that time.
In addition, the big lead-up, the "looming question" of the book - "What would you do if the man you loved betrayed your brother?" - gets answered in just a page or two, and without (I think) enough interaction, nor enough delving into what each party was thinking...
So - I enjoyed this book, but was disappointed by the final chapters, and it's not a "keeper".
July 28, 2011
Now if you start reading this book and get a little confused thinking ‘But I thought this was the story of Jesus' sister...so where is the mention of Jesus?’ just hang in there as all will be revealed. Remember that this is a tale about Jesus where he is portrayed as your average guy living in Nazareth, helping his family, falling in love and eventually carrying out the events we know from the bible!
This book is a very interesting read - convincingly portraying the harsh reality of being a women living during these times. It also credibly explains the ‘factual’ story of Jesus, his relationship with his family and Judah and the events that spurred him on to preach the word of God. What Cannold has created is both insightful and agreeable – I completely became immersed in the story and could honestly believe that yes, this is who Jesus could have been and this is what his family was like and the events that happened were entirely believable. She has obviously done her research and I think does complete justice to the voice of a sister of Jesus.
As a lover of history-based stories I was fascinated to learn more about the life of a woman in the times of Jesus and I was astounded at the harsh realities of it. Tell you what, I would not have liked to live during those times. The women (who unfortunately are not well captured in history texts) seem to have lived a life of great oppression – I don’t think we can ever really complain about ‘doing it tough!’.
The Book of Rachael has a lot of positives – it is well written, imaginative, realistic, historical and emotive. I appreciated knowing Rachael intimately, I admired her, I felt for her and I like to believe that if there was a Jesus, he was surrounded by such courageous, intelligent and supportive women. Cannold should be proud of what she has created – I honestly believe that the sisters of Jesus would be pleased to see their ‘stories’ captured and brought to life so eloquently.
This book is a very interesting read - convincingly portraying the harsh reality of being a women living during these times. It also credibly explains the ‘factual’ story of Jesus, his relationship with his family and Judah and the events that spurred him on to preach the word of God. What Cannold has created is both insightful and agreeable – I completely became immersed in the story and could honestly believe that yes, this is who Jesus could have been and this is what his family was like and the events that happened were entirely believable. She has obviously done her research and I think does complete justice to the voice of a sister of Jesus.
As a lover of history-based stories I was fascinated to learn more about the life of a woman in the times of Jesus and I was astounded at the harsh realities of it. Tell you what, I would not have liked to live during those times. The women (who unfortunately are not well captured in history texts) seem to have lived a life of great oppression – I don’t think we can ever really complain about ‘doing it tough!’.
The Book of Rachael has a lot of positives – it is well written, imaginative, realistic, historical and emotive. I appreciated knowing Rachael intimately, I admired her, I felt for her and I like to believe that if there was a Jesus, he was surrounded by such courageous, intelligent and supportive women. Cannold should be proud of what she has created – I honestly believe that the sisters of Jesus would be pleased to see their ‘stories’ captured and brought to life so eloquently.
January 26, 2016
What if the man you loved betrayed your brother? Two thousand years ago, while a young Jewish preacher from Nazareth was gathering followers among the people of Galilee, his sister swept floors and dreamed of learning to read. In Leslie Cannold 19s story, it is the women of Nazareth who take centre stage. The rebellious, gifted Rachael, consigned by her sex to a life of drudgery. Bindy, the crone who teaches her the skills of the healer. Shona her sister, the victim of a harsh social code, and their mother Miriame, a woman seemingly unable to love.
When Rachael falls in love with her brother 19s dearest friend, the rebel Judah of Iscariot, it seems that at least one of the women of Nazareth may find happiness. Then a message comes from her brother in Jerusalem. And the events begin to unfold that will change not just Rachael 19s life, but the world 14 forever. A story about Jesus' younger sister and the hardship the women at that time endured. Before you go "Hang on, Jesus had sisters?" it is mentioned in the Bible that he had four brothers (all named) and some sisters, but they are not named or numbered. Cannold takes the perspective of the youngest child, Rachael, a rebellious and intelligent child who comes up against prejudice and misogyny at every turn. Rachael's eldest brother, Joshua (Jesus), is a caring carpenter who - through Rachael's intelligence and his other sister's harsh treatment by the village after her brutal raping - disagrees with how forgiveness is given to the rich, whilst the poor and women must toil. Rachael falls in love and marries Judah, Joshua's best friend and constant protector, and is thrust into a rebellion that starts the Christian movement. Experiencing and witnessing the worst of her male counterparts, Rachael fumes as men abuse the women around her; though is forced to resign knowing that she alone can do nothing.
When Rachael falls in love with her brother 19s dearest friend, the rebel Judah of Iscariot, it seems that at least one of the women of Nazareth may find happiness. Then a message comes from her brother in Jerusalem. And the events begin to unfold that will change not just Rachael 19s life, but the world 14 forever. A story about Jesus' younger sister and the hardship the women at that time endured. Before you go "Hang on, Jesus had sisters?" it is mentioned in the Bible that he had four brothers (all named) and some sisters, but they are not named or numbered. Cannold takes the perspective of the youngest child, Rachael, a rebellious and intelligent child who comes up against prejudice and misogyny at every turn. Rachael's eldest brother, Joshua (Jesus), is a caring carpenter who - through Rachael's intelligence and his other sister's harsh treatment by the village after her brutal raping - disagrees with how forgiveness is given to the rich, whilst the poor and women must toil. Rachael falls in love and marries Judah, Joshua's best friend and constant protector, and is thrust into a rebellion that starts the Christian movement. Experiencing and witnessing the worst of her male counterparts, Rachael fumes as men abuse the women around her; though is forced to resign knowing that she alone can do nothing.
March 9, 2013
There are plenty of good reviews of this book "out there". Read this one (it includes an author profile): http://cannold.com/articles/article/r...
As for my personal journey with this book... I bought it at Watermark books at Sydney airport. I was browsing while waiting for a delayed flight. "Rachael" caught my eye. I don't often see Rachael spelled the way I spell it. Then Leslie Cannold. The Leslie Cannold? Yes.
I'd heard Leslie Cannold speak at TedX in Canberra in 2012. She delivered a thought-provoking talk on abortion. (http://tedxcanberra.org/talks/leslie-...) It stayed with me well after the event. I had not encountered Leslie before then, but I now know of her as an ethicist, a feminist and commentator.
So... What is she doing writing a novel about the sister of Jesus?
Read the book; read the author's note. Cannold sets out to explore the story of women at the time of Jesus, specifically, the life of the sister of Jesus.. Cannold writes: "[Jesus] had four brothers whose names and life journeys had been carefully recorded for posterity. The names of Jesus's sisters, in contrast, were not known."
If Rachael had been born today, or even 30 years ago, she would have had a very different life. I have wondered about women born in the "wrong" time. Pearl, from "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" is another character who is born in the wrong time. And what of all the other Rachaels and Pearls throughout history? Intelligent, passionate women who've been constrained in what they might do by the norms of the day.
"The book of Rachael" is fascinating. I recommend it.
As for my personal journey with this book... I bought it at Watermark books at Sydney airport. I was browsing while waiting for a delayed flight. "Rachael" caught my eye. I don't often see Rachael spelled the way I spell it. Then Leslie Cannold. The Leslie Cannold? Yes.
I'd heard Leslie Cannold speak at TedX in Canberra in 2012. She delivered a thought-provoking talk on abortion. (http://tedxcanberra.org/talks/leslie-...) It stayed with me well after the event. I had not encountered Leslie before then, but I now know of her as an ethicist, a feminist and commentator.
So... What is she doing writing a novel about the sister of Jesus?
Read the book; read the author's note. Cannold sets out to explore the story of women at the time of Jesus, specifically, the life of the sister of Jesus.. Cannold writes: "[Jesus] had four brothers whose names and life journeys had been carefully recorded for posterity. The names of Jesus's sisters, in contrast, were not known."
If Rachael had been born today, or even 30 years ago, she would have had a very different life. I have wondered about women born in the "wrong" time. Pearl, from "Dinner at the Homesick Restaurant" is another character who is born in the wrong time. And what of all the other Rachaels and Pearls throughout history? Intelligent, passionate women who've been constrained in what they might do by the norms of the day.
"The book of Rachael" is fascinating. I recommend it.
October 1, 2012
There are dangers in attempting to fictionalise such a well-loved story as the life of Christ. First, the resulting account might offend. It might collapse into cliché. Or it might be filled with contemporary sensibilities, creating a world too familiar to our own. Though The Book of Rachael skirts each of these minefields, it is testament to the literary skills of Leslie Cannold that this debut novel avoids them.
Cannold de-mystifies the life of ‘Joshua’ of Nazareth, taking known events and establishing plausible explanations for what’s miraculous and larger-than-life. She can’t, however, resist mythologizing the life of Joshua’s possible sister.
Rachael is a revolutionary in her own right: multi-talented, possessed of an eidetic memory, stark intelligence and determination but, as a female in a patriarchal society, consigned to an existence of drudgery. But her father Yosef and her brother Joshua cultivate her abilities. She is taught to read, learns the secrets of healing and, when she falls in love with Joshua’s closest friend Judah, her choice of husbands is supported.
From here, the story travels the well-known chain of tragic events, but it’s told from a fresh perspective. Faced with Judah’s betrayal, Rachael’s proud spirit results in calamity but also leads to her ultimate salvation.
A well-known ethicist and social activist, Cannold is perfectly at home with this material, deftly creating a rich fictional world in which her characters search for justice, love, and the way to forgiveness.
September 28, 2014
Very disappointing. This was like watching a film about the Wild West that has jet trails in the sky.
Two examples. An old crone stabs someone with a knitting needle, which wasn’t invented until several hundred years later. An old lady says, “they gave him an inch and he took a mile". Where was the editor?
I enjoy good historical fiction and getting a sense of what it might have been like to live in Renaissance Europe or Ancient Rome. This is something else again, a feminist tale wrapped up in some kind of make-believe.
It opens with five-year-old Rachael turning and pulling (delivering) a lamb that was stuck, because it was a breech birth. Ridiculous.
Then the entire family feasts on this same lamb a mere two weeks later for Passover. That’s even move ridiculous.
A 14-day-old lamb is a teeny-tiny, bony thing – very, very cute, but not menu material then or now – and not a Passover lamb, which I think has to be a year old, doesn’t it? Again, ask the editor or even Wikipedia, for crying out loud.
The story moves along in a kind of chick-lit fashion with lots of sweeping of floors and spreading out of food by womenfolk while menfolk go off to fight battles or ruin young women. There’s talk of seasons and crops and hardships and potions and lotions, all of which would be interesting if you could trust the author’s research, which I clearly couldn’t.
As a reader, knitter and former grazier who has pulled a lot of lambs, I cannot recommend this to anyone.
Two examples. An old crone stabs someone with a knitting needle, which wasn’t invented until several hundred years later. An old lady says, “they gave him an inch and he took a mile". Where was the editor?
I enjoy good historical fiction and getting a sense of what it might have been like to live in Renaissance Europe or Ancient Rome. This is something else again, a feminist tale wrapped up in some kind of make-believe.
It opens with five-year-old Rachael turning and pulling (delivering) a lamb that was stuck, because it was a breech birth. Ridiculous.
Then the entire family feasts on this same lamb a mere two weeks later for Passover. That’s even move ridiculous.
A 14-day-old lamb is a teeny-tiny, bony thing – very, very cute, but not menu material then or now – and not a Passover lamb, which I think has to be a year old, doesn’t it? Again, ask the editor or even Wikipedia, for crying out loud.
The story moves along in a kind of chick-lit fashion with lots of sweeping of floors and spreading out of food by womenfolk while menfolk go off to fight battles or ruin young women. There’s talk of seasons and crops and hardships and potions and lotions, all of which would be interesting if you could trust the author’s research, which I clearly couldn’t.
As a reader, knitter and former grazier who has pulled a lot of lambs, I cannot recommend this to anyone.
September 14, 2011
Cannold's portrayal of life for women in ancient Galilee is simply superb. The story, whilst strangely familiar because of its Biblical roots, flows magnificently. There are plenty of surprises and twists in the ever-complicated life of Rachael, the sister of maverick Joshua and daughter of Josef and Miriame, as she struggles to comprehend the injustice served upon, and seemingly tolerated, by the women of Nazareth.
But as Rachael falls in love with the charismatic and gorgeous Judah, she begins to learn the subtle power that women can hold over their men. By unleashing her sexual prowess and with the help of an elderly healer and quasi-pagan Bindy, this becomes apparent.
But betrayal crushes the soul.
An action-packed yet somehow fresh retelling of the 'greatest story ever told' - Book of Rachael doesn't disappoint. For those with faith, the portrayal of Mary as a harsh and unrelenting figure could be a little hard to stomach, but even she is redeemed, in part, by the end. The peace Rachael makes with her mother from afar is moving and has a lasting impact on the reader.
Cannold has created an unlikely hero and pioneer for women everywhere from a text that seeks to mute their voices - the Bible. In a country that has a female prime minister and several female state leaders, somehow this seems more relevant. In a still male-dominated world, women can and do prevail.
Best book I've read in years. Five stars.
But as Rachael falls in love with the charismatic and gorgeous Judah, she begins to learn the subtle power that women can hold over their men. By unleashing her sexual prowess and with the help of an elderly healer and quasi-pagan Bindy, this becomes apparent.
But betrayal crushes the soul.
An action-packed yet somehow fresh retelling of the 'greatest story ever told' - Book of Rachael doesn't disappoint. For those with faith, the portrayal of Mary as a harsh and unrelenting figure could be a little hard to stomach, but even she is redeemed, in part, by the end. The peace Rachael makes with her mother from afar is moving and has a lasting impact on the reader.
Cannold has created an unlikely hero and pioneer for women everywhere from a text that seeks to mute their voices - the Bible. In a country that has a female prime minister and several female state leaders, somehow this seems more relevant. In a still male-dominated world, women can and do prevail.
Best book I've read in years. Five stars.
July 20, 2013
This book transported me to a different time and place. I was there, shyly standing behind Rachael. I was her shadow and her witness, simultaneously cheering her on and worried for her - for her inability to pretend to be what was expected of her as a woman of that place and time.
This is a beautifully written story, it's characters fully fleshed out, flawed individuals.
I fell in love with clever, angry, rebellious Rachael and then fell in love with Judah as seen through her eyes. My heart broke with hers at the injustice done to quiet, obedient Shona. I adored her brother Joshua and father Yosef - both quiet, kind men and honourable in the true sense of the word, rather than the facade of "honour" required by the society and time they inhabit.
I seethed with anger at the injustice that was a fact of life for the women in this story, and cried for Rachael's family - the men as well as the women. I would despair for my two sons if they had to grow up in a society like this.
In short, I loved this book. Read it and enjoy a tale well told. What you take away from it is entirely up to you.
This is a beautifully written story, it's characters fully fleshed out, flawed individuals.
I fell in love with clever, angry, rebellious Rachael and then fell in love with Judah as seen through her eyes. My heart broke with hers at the injustice done to quiet, obedient Shona. I adored her brother Joshua and father Yosef - both quiet, kind men and honourable in the true sense of the word, rather than the facade of "honour" required by the society and time they inhabit.
I seethed with anger at the injustice that was a fact of life for the women in this story, and cried for Rachael's family - the men as well as the women. I would despair for my two sons if they had to grow up in a society like this.
In short, I loved this book. Read it and enjoy a tale well told. What you take away from it is entirely up to you.
April 27, 2013
Goodness where do you start? What an interesting, thought-provoking read. It's one that I've wanted to read for a while and now I remember why (apart from our names!). Take away any religious beliefs you have and we presented with the power of storytelling - on a number of levels. To be taken back 2,000 years and the position of women in the society of the time, the religious laws, the community, the health, the situations. It's a cruel time and one that I would not want to live in. We follow the life of Rachael, sister to Joshua (Jesus) and the wife of Judah. We become part of her world, her family, and her education. And of course, of her heart. We are presented with a very different take of the religious story. At the end of this book I was grateful to be living in the times we are in, in the world we have around us. Not be the subject of men, with no education, no rights and no real position in the world. I came out of this book a stronger feminist than when I entered it. And it reminded me about how story telling, history and religious beliefs can weave together or run as separate strands in your life - depending on your own belief system. Quite a feat really...
April 27, 2014
I almost abandoned this book but decided to keep reading because I was intrigued by the concept of reading about Jesus' sister. I loved The Red Tent and loved reading about Biblical times. But I was so turned off by the portrayal of Biblical characters that it made it hard to keep reading. The author changed character's names from what we know them to be, including Jesus' name. Some of what the author did seemed sacrilegious to me-her portrayal of Mary and more. There were also parts of the book that were confusing to me and I felt like I was missing information that I needed to know in order to comprehend the book. The book did pick up towards the end but it was still not as interesting as I had hoped it to be.
April 25, 2011
Currently reading this beautifully written and compelling story about a fictitious sister of Jesus of Nazareth, Rachel. According to Cannold, the story was inspired by a documentary exploring the story of historical Jesus which mentioned his brothers but not any sisters. Cannold decided that he may have actually had sisters who were never mentioned because of the low status of women. 'The Book of Rachel' utilises Cannold's research into the period and people as a backdrop to the story of the fictional sister. Brilliant.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews