Duas Mulheres da Galiléia

by Mary Rourke

Uma narrativa de suspense, romance e história ambientada na Galileia do século I, transitando entre o esplendor em decadência da corte de Herodes, em Tiberíades, e o opulento palácio do governo de Pôncio Pilatos, em Jerusalém. Ao dar vida a Joana, seguidora de Jesus brevemente citada no Novo Testamento, Mary Rourke nos apresenta uma nova perspectiva para a mulher mais reverenciada do mundo ─ Maria, mãe de Jesus.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Historical, Christian, Biblical, Christian Fiction

224 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 2006

Reviews

[Margaret · Rating 3 out of 5]

The author is a journalist who has a Master's Degree in Religion from Yale Divinity School and Art History degree from Queens College.
This is a very fast read. It lightly covers the history of the Hebrews who choose to align with the Romans for the wealth and give up their religion.It is set in the time when Jesus was just beginining his ministry as an adult. It very beautifully tells about Mary, Jesus's mother and the political scene. It is beautifully told and gave the reader a realistic detailed picture of how things probably were. The book covers the horror of Herod and Pilate, the intrigue, treachery and murder in King Herod's court and those brave souls who choose to follow the Savior. It takes you right up to the Crucifixion. The author points out the inherent value of women in biblical times. In First Century Palestine, as well as elsewhere in the Middle East, the role of a mother was one of honor. We see this in the way people flock to Mary. There were more women followers of Jesus than men and the fact that women were the first witnesses to the Resurrection. Very nice little book to read at Easter.

[Jenny · Rating 2 out of 5]

Man, I wanted to like this, I really did. Alas, no. Essentially biblical fanfic, this novel tells the story of Joanna, one of the women healed by Jesus who comes over to follow him in the time leading up to the crucifixion. As such, I thought it had incredible potential, but it falls short, mostly because of the writing. Someone did not sit Ms. Rourke down at an early age and say to her, "Show, not tell." The narration is bland, and the emotions described feel forced. There is none of the passion one would expect from someone coming to know and love Christ, and his mother Mary, while enigmatic, lacked any real depth.

Am disappointed. (At least it was a quick read.)

[Kristin · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was only ok. The writing was bad, but it was a good idea. I almost stopped reading it halfway through. It's the author's first novel, and you can totally tell! Her sentences don't always go together well, and there isn't much flow. I don't recommend it.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting look at a facet of the life of Jesus that we seldom read about--his mother and other women of the time.

[Ruth Bonetti · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to like this more. An interesting concept, and attempt to recreate the Biblical world, but let down by less than gripping writing.

[R · Rating 2 out of 5]

***MINOR SPOILERS ***
This book is a standalone.
The book is historical novel that is partially based on the Bible and historical sources and partially a fictionalized version of the life of Joanna. Joanna is mentioned in the Bible as a supporter of Jesus and is recognized as a saint. The other woman referenced in the title of the book is Mary, mother of Jesus.
In the beginning of the book, Joanna is not religious, and her family has fallen away from their Hebrew roots. As the story progresses, she becomes intrigued by Jesus and his mother and learns from them.
It was interesting to read the author’s take on other Biblical/historical characters: Jesus, Pilate, Herod, etc. I was a little surprised by the characterization of Pilate’s wife, Claudia. Claudia is mentioned in the Bible as having a dream about Jesus and she tells Pilate that he should avoid having anything to do with him. She is also recognized as a saint. But, when she is introduced, she is a gossipy character.
In a minor nitpick, I did not care for the description of how Jesus healed Joanna from consumption. He puts his mouth on hers and breathes into her several times. I did not think this was a necessary description. (What she was healed of is not indicated in the Bible.)
I thought it was interesting to highlight that many people may have come to Mary to ask her to introduce them to her son or to otherwise help them. Mary is shown as caring with others and as a protector of her son.
I also did not like that a romantic relationship was implied for Mary with Joseph of Arimathea.
While the Bible says that Jesus had a brother or a cousin (depends on how you translate the word in the original language) named Simon, it was a little confusing for that name to be used as it is also the name of two of the apostles.
In one scene where Joanna ate with the apostles it is implied that they were a bit uncouth. Food fell into their beards, and they wiped their hands on their clothing. I did not think this was necessary either.
Some word choices were awkward. There were a few editing errors.
A small, optional suggestion would be to include a map.
I think it would have made sense for the author to include some of her source material. Although the story is a fictionalized version about Joanna and her relationship with Mary, there are other parts of the story that seem true.
Joanna is believed to have rescued John the Baptist’s head from Herodias and buried it at the Mount of Olives. It would have been good to have this included in the book.
The book was a fairly quick read. I do not plan to continue reading the author’s books (I think she wrote one other).

[Katie O. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautifully written, detailed portrayal of the 'behind the scenes' perspective of the last years and days of Christ's life. Research, faith-based imaginings, and writerly skill combine to reveal the daily lives, personal motivations, and greater context of key individuals surrounding Christ in this world-changing period. The drama of personal choice amid earthly and eternal consequences (minus 2,000+ years of biblical hindsight) makes for a well-paced, finely integrated story. Perhaps of greater importance, this decidedly un-preachy parable for living in faith despite confusing politics or inner turmoil shows how people of all backgrounds, interests, resources, and spirituality (or lack thereof) interacted over both the mundane and the timeless elements of their lives.

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting book written from a neat perspective, but i was a little bit surprised at how it seemed to present Jesus Christ. I am a Christian, and when I read Biblical fiction I am expecting Christ to be presented as more than just a "healer." Scripture says He was the Son of God, and he was never referred to that way in this book, unless I missed it. Many would not have known that until the resurrection, but at that point they did. The author is certainly entitled to present Him in whatever manner she deems fitting, but I was personally disappointed as a reader.

[Pamela · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. When Joanna, wife to Herod's chief steward, seeks help to restore her health (consumption) she approaches her estranged cousin, Mary, mother of Jesus. Their families separated long ago due to a difference in beliefs. A friendship blooms between the two women and Joanna's life is forever changed. Compelling back story of Jesus' mother and the event leading up to his crucifixion. Group study questions included.

[Lillian LeBlanc · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good story, especially if the reader is familiar with the Biblical account of Joanna, wife of King Herod's steward. Fans of ancient history will also enjoy this novel.

The perspective of Joanna and Mary's familial ties is an interesting one, and I enjoyed the way Mary is depicted. In a few places, the pace was a bit slow, but overall this is well written and enjoyable to read.

[Yvonne Vandergrift · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love Biblical historical fiction and getting immersed in the culture of that time, so I looked forward to reading this book. Unfortunately, it didn't draw me into the culture of the time and was a very "surface read." I enjoyed the storyline but the writing was weak and lacked depth.

[Merittlohrsawyer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this but could not connect with the characters. The narrative of Joanna was an intriguing proposition that first interested me in the book, but the writing was flat with little emotion and shallow character development. Regretfully disappointing

[Stavroula · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well researched as a biblical historical Editorial told in story form. I truly enjoyed every bit of it. This lovely piece brought major biblical and historical figures to life. A gem of a read that was a breath of fresh air during the Lenten season.

[Joan Horkey · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mediocre.

[Kelly · Rating 2 out of 5]

A simple tale. It had some highlights but was, overall, stale.

[Jill · Rating 3 out of 5]

Viewpoint of Jesus' following and his ultimate death from the perspective of Mary and her cousin Joanna, who's part of Pilate's court.

[Jo Fetsco · Rating 3 out of 5]

Joanna is a very well-off woman who, after being healed by Jesus, becomes one of his followers and befriends Mary, Jesus’s mother. Interesting take on the story of Jesus and his crucificcion.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Paula Sticea · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Your healer is a foolish man, Joanna', Herod Antipa called to me. 'He saved your life, but not his own.'

[Theresa Powers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Written very well. It's a good story for someone who wants to enter the biblical times.

[Phyllis]

Read 2007

[Patricia · Rating 1 out of 5]

It could of been so much more.

[Phyllis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful story of two women, one who was healed by Jesus and the other, Jesus' mother. Very descriptive of their personalities and how their friendship grew. Wonderful read!

[Jess Bindon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nice easy read, a cool inspire into first century Galilee!

[Mimi · Rating 2 out of 5]

Told from the viewpoint of Joanna, wife of Chuza, this was not extraordinarily strong, and neither Joanna or Mary were well drawn.

[Hazel Edwards · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting insight into the biblical period in the life of Jesus. But the wealthy female narrator seemed
to build an unrealistic , sudden relationship with the mother of the healer Jesus, who was her cousin.

[Tamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

• "Two Women of Galilee is a daring book indeed. Mary Rourke has been bold enough to trespass to the very edges of "the greatest story ever told" and she returns with a novel that is beautifully written, original and emotionally resonant. In the spirit of The Red Tent, Rourke has pondered the lives of the women of the gospels, and from a half line reference here and there has skillfully evoked an entrancing world."
--Geraldine Brooks, author of 2006 Pulitzer Prize winning March


• “What was Joanna, the wife of Herod's steward, doing among the followers of Jesus? Thereon hangs Mary Rourke's tale, and what a tale it is! Rourke takes the fleeting mention of a minor character in the Gospel as her launching pad for a vivid and suspenseful flight back to first-century Galilee and Judaea -- as seen, this time, through the eyes of a daring woman.”
--Jack Miles, Pulitzer Prize winning author of
CHRIST: A Crisis in the Life of God


• “Fresh and affecting” *
--Booklist *(starred review)


• “Engaging and poignant”
--Bookreporter.com


• “The conclusion puts a new spark into Joanna's life and is sure to put a smile on the face of readers fond of cozy historicals.”
--Publishers Weekly


• “Compelling… A fascinating blend of imagination and historical characters and events--I couldn't put it down."
--Lauraine Snelling, bestselling author of Amethyst

[Deb]

the two woman are mary, the mother of jesus, and joanna, the wife of the herod's chief steward chuza. joanna only gets a brief mention in the bible, but here the author has her tell her story in detail. along the way she does a great job of capturing the historial feel of the first century. joanna is also a believable character, from her motivation to meet jesus because of a personal illness to her subsequent support of his ministry. her life changes drastically, but she finds something she was missing along the way. [return]the only quibble i had with this book was the words the author put in jesus' mouth (always a risky proposition). i wasn't sure about the message she seemed to be trying to push there, that it was a genuine "jesus" message. but of course that is a matter of my own opinion, the rest of the story was wonderful and i would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical/biblical fiction.

[Deb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The two woman are Mary, the mother of Jesus, and Joanna, the wife of the Herod's chief steward Chuza. Joanna only gets a brief mention in the Bible, but here the author has her tell her story in detail. Along the way she does a great job of capturing the historial feel of the first century. Joanna is also a believable character, from her motivation to meet Jesus because of a personal illness to her subsequent support of his ministry. Her life changes drastically, but she finds something she was missing along the way. [return]The only quibble I had with this book was the words the author put in Jesus' mouth (always a risky proposition). I wasn't sure about the message she seemed to be trying to push there, that it was a genuine "Jesus" message. But of course that is a matter of my own opinion, the rest of the story was wonderful and I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical/Biblical fiction.

[Marissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

The novel takes a look at a lesser known portion of Jesus's tale... one of his young female followers, Joanna, who is his mother's cousin. Joanna is suffering from an illness that is progressively worsening. Consequently, when she learns of a healer in the area, she decides to go see him. It turns out to be Jesus, and Joanna appeals to his mother, Mary, to go to him on Joanna's behalf. Mary recognizes Joanna, although Joanna does not recognize Mary: they are cousins. It was an interesting way to look at an otherwise relatively well-known story. The focus is mainly on Joanna and her relationships, especially with her husband and her cousin, but the well-known elements of Jesus's story also appear throughout.