Through Martha's Eyes: One woman witnesses the greatest event in history

by Corinne Brixton

Judea. The early decades of the first century AD. As the power of the Roman Empire stretches across vast swathes of the known world, a young Jewish girl grows up within a devout family, learning her nation's customs and faith. But her seemingly ordinary story will soon intersect with the events that will change history forever. When Martha and her siblings encounter a radical new preacher from the north, their cherished dreams of the long-awaited king, promised by God, are first challenged—and then shattered. Can this extraordinary man—Jesus—really be the Messiah? Using an imagined back-story for one of the characters recorded in the gospels, "Through Martha's Eyes" helps the reader to understand more fully the story at the heart of human history. ‘This book… brings together biblical texts, lots of historical and social background, and plenty of intelligent imagination… Jesus was a real person living in a real historical world among real people, and this book helps bring his story alive.’ Revd Dr David Wenham, MA, PhD, Tutor in New Testament, Trinity College Bristol; author of “The Parables of Jesus”, and “Paul and The True Story”.

Genres: Christian

377 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 21, 2017

Reviews

[Tanya Marlow · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a well-written fictionalised account of Martha’s life from childhood through to Jesus’ death and resurrection, by an ordained minister who thoroughly researched her material. Author Corinne Brixton said she wanted to write this novel to help students of the Bible see the New Testament in its correct historical and cultural context - and it achieves this aim beautifully.

My favourite parts were the beginning chapters, describing Martha's childhood: she writes so evocatively about the temple rituals that I felt like I was running outside the temple stalls along with the little girl Martha. Brixton writes cinematically, so you feel like you're truly inside the temple - and then as a woman, on the outskirts of the action.

It’s a gentle read that brings the physical world of the Bible alive with plenty of interesting detail - even down to the delicious food that Martha cooks. If you've ever read the Bible and felt like the Jewish customs were alien to you, this is the book to bring them to life. Even issues like leprosy came to life in a fresh way as one of the characters was banished from society while being ill.

Paula Gooder is currently making this genre of 'biblical fiction' more popular in the UK: whereas Gooder uses story to teach theological themes, Brixton is more interested in writing a good historical novel with well-rounded characters. It flows a little slowly, but it's written well so it's a pleasurable read.

If you want an easy and enjoyable way to know the traditions, culture, geography and life in Jesus’ day that will open up the Bible in a new way, then don’t hesitate to buy this helpful and well-written novel. And do note that she is just bringing out a new series that explores characters from the Old Testament, too: Altars of Stone.

If you enjoyed Corinne Brixton's books, you may be interested in my own book, Those Who Wait. It uses the biblical fiction genre but frames it as gripping, shorter monologues from characters in the Bible who struggled with waiting, with reflection questions and creative exercises as a devotional aid.

[Karin Jenkins · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author’s stated purpose is to introduce the reader to first century Judea to help give background to the gospel narratives and she does this very well. She uses the device of a fictional life story of Martha, a character who many women relate too. In the first few chapters I found the teaching element very obvious and found myself conscious of the point the author was trying to illustrate, slightly to the detriment of the story, but after that I got caught up in Martha’s story as a woman well acquainted with grief and as a disciple of Jesus. The accounts of the death and resurrection of first her brother then her Lord were very moving.

[Rozanne Macpherson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book.

I really did enjoy reading this book. It was a refreshing insight into Martha and her family, an ingenious re-imagining of her story. Takes the sting out of Jesus' well documented rebuke, gives her honour and reinforces Jesus' character that is love.

[Pamela Hough · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

A wonderful book, I couldn't put it down. It confirmed how wonderful Jesus is and how much he loves us.