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The Legacy of Job's Wife: A Story of Love and Forgiveness
Have you ever been hurt so badly that you’ve felt your life is over? Worse yet, have you been told you deserve such unhappiness? Is God to blame for your suffering? Meet the wife of Job, whom many a preacher has criticized for her words of despair, dismissing her as a mere footnote in their terrible tale of destruction. But there has to be more to her story, as anyone who has endured grief or depression would know. What might have happened? Why would she urge her husband to curse God and die? In this fictional account, Job’s wife relates her unvarnished tale, from childhood onward. Looking back from the perspective of her final days, she tries to make sense of their near annihilation. “With but few days left to share my story, I remember it one last time, for my daughters and granddaughters, and generations yet to come. I speak for the women, I speak for the sufferers, I speak for those on the precipice, about to curse God and die.” Her childhood is a happy one, though not unmarred by tragedy. And though Job loves Ix’ises from the day she was born, their future together is threatened by her father’s debilitating accident. When they do finally marry, their union is blessed, year upon year, with no end to happiness in sight. Until one day tragedy strikes and all is lost. Wealth, workers, children – all gone in a day. Though Job’s faith allows him to cope with the calamity, Ix’ises, too, is lost in a desperate spiral of anguish and desolation from which she cannot escape. “My days were filled with utter darkness. I could not breathe for the pain – unrelenting, pounding, devastating in its invasion. I was dead, at least all that mattered. My hope was gone, never to return. Love was a word beyond recognition or understanding – as meaningless as my own existence.” Job remained her only lifeline, sustaining her by but a thread – until the day Job was stricken, falling frightfully ill, soon ready to die himself. “Job’s body wasted away, a desiccated skeleton draped with fetid, rotting flesh. Every morning a new horror, each evening a nightmare of dread.” It was more than she could bear. Yet they remained together, though nearly hopeless, still facing the nightmare as one. “But the puppet master would have none of it. He sent the maggots to drive me away. As I cleansed Job’s wounds I found them feasting on his carrion. I wept in defeat, unable to return to his side. For the first time since our wedding night, I forsook our marriage bed, left it with Job’s blessing, abandoned with nowhere to go.” “And then Job left, took his rotting flesh to perish on the ash heap, took his wormy carcass to await its burial. Helpless before the inevitable, I screamed in the silence, wailed for God to answer, weeped for him to explain, but heard noting, felt nothing, knew nothing.” How does one recover from such devastating loss? * * * As the author, I pray that following one woman’s journey back to wholeness may someday help you in your own hour of need.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 25, 2018
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November 5, 2024
This book is a journey into the depths and a dive into the inner self, taking you to the first shore before you sail into the storms of life's sea, ultimately reaching the opposite shore. In this exploration, you will discover your buried treasure within—your true self that distinguishes the precious from the worthless, one that does not change color or even need to think about changing, allowing you to elevate your values, take pride in yourself, and compel those who interact with you to remove their masks so you can easily read them. Instead of adopting a false facade that others can penetrate, leading to your inner shattering and suffering, this remarkable book asserts that your strength comes from within, and what appears on the surface is merely a mask that does not reflect our true reality. Sometimes, people may present themselves differently from what they conceal to coexist, but their true nature will reveal itself when they disagree with others, despite their appearance suggesting tolerance. The author emphasizes that while wearing masks may help navigate certain situations, it ultimately leads to long-term pain. He vividly describes that changing colors like a chameleon according to circumstances will not withstand the inner call that desires to emerge and assert itself. The author stresses the importance of discovering your authenticity to connect with others like you without the need to change, and to learn the language of authenticity to access their true selves.
To discover the authenticity within you, you must first engage with yourself honestly and understand your values and principles. Authenticity is the ability to express your true self without distortion or embellishment, allowing you to connect with others who share this rare trait. When you are authentic, your relationships deepen and become more genuine, as you attract those who resonate with you on a real level. Authenticity enables you to harmonize with yourself and others, free from the need to wear false masks. Learning the "language of authenticity" involves understanding, listening to, and accepting others as they are, which allows you to enter their world with spontaneity and transparency. You will only reveal your true personality when you interact with those who are like you; this personality fades when you engage with those you do not feel comfortable with. This highlights our need for safe communication and the skillful return to the self time and again, avoiding judgment of others and shedding the need for masks. Interactions become natural; you no longer need to fake it to reach a point where your essence shines through to those around you, compelling them to connect with your authenticity without exhausting yourself by wearing masks. The author impressed me when he emphasized the importance of striving for flourishing rather than merely meeting basic needs, successfully elevating our thoughts from mere necessities to broader horizons of self-worth and placing it in the higher regard it deserves. He then smoothly transitioned to his third principle of neutralizing emotions. Rather than becoming a source of destruction in the face of challenges and breaking our spirit, emotions can inspire us to move forward in life. While this can be challenging—since emotions are uncontrollable and leave an undeniable mark on our psyche—the idea that from the heart of adversity comes opportunity, and that we can find new glimmers of hope in our struggles, can transform genuine, unfeigned emotions into a powerful force propelling us forward.
He excelled in the fourth principle, which emphasizes the necessity of regaining lost strength, and was adept at portraying the pains of others as reflections of their suffering, perhaps even yours, which can drain your own strength. Focus on reclaiming your power and not relinquishing it, as the author discusses the concept of "self-empowerment" or "regaining strength" as a means to achieve goals and hold on to one's true self. This principle encourages individuals to stay committed to their abilities and take responsibility for their decisions, urging them not to give others the authority to control their fate, whether through directives, expectations, or social pressures.
The author advises that individuals should be aware of their internal sources of strength and confidently utilize them to pursue their ambitions without allowing others or circumstances to undermine their determination. He also highlights the importance of self-confidence and the ability to make independent and bold decisions, which helps in building a strong and independent character that leads to a life filled with success and fulfillment.
I was particularly struck by the idea of love as a tool for self-discovery and a guiding force in his fifth principle. I still remember the words of the author's mother mentioned in his book: "The true love that I feel for you will find you." What a brilliant description from a mother that surpasses the understanding of the son, the author. Love cannot compare to a mother's love; it is neither superficial nor fake. This love is not something you seek in a girl you wish to marry; rather, it is she who seeks you. This phrase from the author deserves an entire book. I believe that true love is the person who sees flaws through the lens of improvement rather than criticism and accepts you as you are, strengthening your weaknesses and guiding you back to your authentic self without masks or deception.
One of the strengths of the writing is its conversational style, as if addressing the self, along with the numerous examples provided for reflection. It explains the intent and clarifies the ideas to the extent of citing real individuals with whom the author interacted through his work, and perhaps he sought their permission to mention them in his book. The language is simple and organized, encouraging readers to continue without losing track of the ideas.
The book received a rating of four out of five for the following reasons: Despite the precision of the language and the beauty of the arrangement of ideas, some sections are overly lengthy and occasionally use complex language that can lead to boredom and distract from the main points, before returning to a calmer tone later. The author's ideas flowed smoothly and sweetly, to the extent that when he discusses a particular point, new ideas emerge that he addresses out of context, bringing you back to a previous principle that diverges from the current discussion. When he realizes this, he connects it back to his main argument with a lightness and intelligence that is not easily discernible. The first principle strongly influenced the author's thinking and subtly infiltrated every part of the book, hidden between the lines and not easily noticed without careful reading. The prolonged and persistent emphasis on the idea of the facade becomes so excessive that it may lead to a dislike of the term due to its frequent repetition, with the meaning echoed in various places and in multiple ways. This indicates that some sections could benefit from reduction and conciseness. The author consistently focuses on the human self and inner strength, which, regardless of its magnitude, remains inadequate without faith, certainty, and support from the strength of belief. Thus, no matter how strong the self may be, it remains limited, and the author himself acknowledges that no matter how strong you are, you will ultimately lose that strength. Therefore, he invites us to explore his fourth principle regarding the necessity of regaining lost strength, a loss he acknowledges in his description. I would have appreciated it if the author had discussed the role of faith and its capacity to strengthen the self.
To discover the authenticity within you, you must first engage with yourself honestly and understand your values and principles. Authenticity is the ability to express your true self without distortion or embellishment, allowing you to connect with others who share this rare trait. When you are authentic, your relationships deepen and become more genuine, as you attract those who resonate with you on a real level. Authenticity enables you to harmonize with yourself and others, free from the need to wear false masks. Learning the "language of authenticity" involves understanding, listening to, and accepting others as they are, which allows you to enter their world with spontaneity and transparency. You will only reveal your true personality when you interact with those who are like you; this personality fades when you engage with those you do not feel comfortable with. This highlights our need for safe communication and the skillful return to the self time and again, avoiding judgment of others and shedding the need for masks. Interactions become natural; you no longer need to fake it to reach a point where your essence shines through to those around you, compelling them to connect with your authenticity without exhausting yourself by wearing masks. The author impressed me when he emphasized the importance of striving for flourishing rather than merely meeting basic needs, successfully elevating our thoughts from mere necessities to broader horizons of self-worth and placing it in the higher regard it deserves. He then smoothly transitioned to his third principle of neutralizing emotions. Rather than becoming a source of destruction in the face of challenges and breaking our spirit, emotions can inspire us to move forward in life. While this can be challenging—since emotions are uncontrollable and leave an undeniable mark on our psyche—the idea that from the heart of adversity comes opportunity, and that we can find new glimmers of hope in our struggles, can transform genuine, unfeigned emotions into a powerful force propelling us forward.
He excelled in the fourth principle, which emphasizes the necessity of regaining lost strength, and was adept at portraying the pains of others as reflections of their suffering, perhaps even yours, which can drain your own strength. Focus on reclaiming your power and not relinquishing it, as the author discusses the concept of "self-empowerment" or "regaining strength" as a means to achieve goals and hold on to one's true self. This principle encourages individuals to stay committed to their abilities and take responsibility for their decisions, urging them not to give others the authority to control their fate, whether through directives, expectations, or social pressures.
The author advises that individuals should be aware of their internal sources of strength and confidently utilize them to pursue their ambitions without allowing others or circumstances to undermine their determination. He also highlights the importance of self-confidence and the ability to make independent and bold decisions, which helps in building a strong and independent character that leads to a life filled with success and fulfillment.
I was particularly struck by the idea of love as a tool for self-discovery and a guiding force in his fifth principle. I still remember the words of the author's mother mentioned in his book: "The true love that I feel for you will find you." What a brilliant description from a mother that surpasses the understanding of the son, the author. Love cannot compare to a mother's love; it is neither superficial nor fake. This love is not something you seek in a girl you wish to marry; rather, it is she who seeks you. This phrase from the author deserves an entire book. I believe that true love is the person who sees flaws through the lens of improvement rather than criticism and accepts you as you are, strengthening your weaknesses and guiding you back to your authentic self without masks or deception.
One of the strengths of the writing is its conversational style, as if addressing the self, along with the numerous examples provided for reflection. It explains the intent and clarifies the ideas to the extent of citing real individuals with whom the author interacted through his work, and perhaps he sought their permission to mention them in his book. The language is simple and organized, encouraging readers to continue without losing track of the ideas.
The book received a rating of four out of five for the following reasons: Despite the precision of the language and the beauty of the arrangement of ideas, some sections are overly lengthy and occasionally use complex language that can lead to boredom and distract from the main points, before returning to a calmer tone later. The author's ideas flowed smoothly and sweetly, to the extent that when he discusses a particular point, new ideas emerge that he addresses out of context, bringing you back to a previous principle that diverges from the current discussion. When he realizes this, he connects it back to his main argument with a lightness and intelligence that is not easily discernible. The first principle strongly influenced the author's thinking and subtly infiltrated every part of the book, hidden between the lines and not easily noticed without careful reading. The prolonged and persistent emphasis on the idea of the facade becomes so excessive that it may lead to a dislike of the term due to its frequent repetition, with the meaning echoed in various places and in multiple ways. This indicates that some sections could benefit from reduction and conciseness. The author consistently focuses on the human self and inner strength, which, regardless of its magnitude, remains inadequate without faith, certainty, and support from the strength of belief. Thus, no matter how strong the self may be, it remains limited, and the author himself acknowledges that no matter how strong you are, you will ultimately lose that strength. Therefore, he invites us to explore his fourth principle regarding the necessity of regaining lost strength, a loss he acknowledges in his description. I would have appreciated it if the author had discussed the role of faith and its capacity to strengthen the self.
August 19, 2024
The Legacy of Job's Wife is a captivating fictional reimagining of Job's story from the Bible, offering a fresh perspective through the eyes of his wife, Ix’ises. The novel provides a deeper, more nuanced portrayal of Job's wife, Ix'ises, shedding light on her infamous statement, 'Curse God and die,' and its context.
At its core, the book explores various dimensions of love: the profound bond between Job and Ix'ises, their affection for family and friends, and Job's unwavering devotion to God. The story puts you in Ix'ises shoes, making her struggles and sentiments palpable, to the point where her controversial statements against God seem understandable.
The book keeps you always hooked and grasps your attention to the fullest. It takes you on a rollercoaster that vividly captures the highs and lows of Ix'ises' life journey. It gracefully captures the innocence of a child, a skeptical young girl yearning for love, and a woman who experiences enjoying immense prosperity to experiencing profound loss. I felt the excitement, and nervous anticipation of young love, mirroring Ix'ises' eagerness as she waited for Job to express his love. The simplicity of Ix'ises and Job's marriage ceremony resonated deeply, illustrating that genuine love transcends the need for extravagant celebrations.
The novel captures Ix’ises inquisitive nature as she persistently questions Job to comprehend his steadfast faith in God and their family traditions. The unshaken trust Ix'ises has for Job, if not God, is woven charmingly in this book.
I will appreciate the author’s captivating writing style, simple yet effective vocabulary, and the clarity with which she conveys the message of trusting God and looking for a silver lining behind every cloud.
I will rate it 4 out of 5, primarily because certain parts of the plot seemed a bit dragged, and the climax where Job loses everything seemed over-rushed. Nonetheless, it is an excellent read, and I recommend reading it.
At its core, the book explores various dimensions of love: the profound bond between Job and Ix'ises, their affection for family and friends, and Job's unwavering devotion to God. The story puts you in Ix'ises shoes, making her struggles and sentiments palpable, to the point where her controversial statements against God seem understandable.
The book keeps you always hooked and grasps your attention to the fullest. It takes you on a rollercoaster that vividly captures the highs and lows of Ix'ises' life journey. It gracefully captures the innocence of a child, a skeptical young girl yearning for love, and a woman who experiences enjoying immense prosperity to experiencing profound loss. I felt the excitement, and nervous anticipation of young love, mirroring Ix'ises' eagerness as she waited for Job to express his love. The simplicity of Ix'ises and Job's marriage ceremony resonated deeply, illustrating that genuine love transcends the need for extravagant celebrations.
The novel captures Ix’ises inquisitive nature as she persistently questions Job to comprehend his steadfast faith in God and their family traditions. The unshaken trust Ix'ises has for Job, if not God, is woven charmingly in this book.
I will appreciate the author’s captivating writing style, simple yet effective vocabulary, and the clarity with which she conveys the message of trusting God and looking for a silver lining behind every cloud.
I will rate it 4 out of 5, primarily because certain parts of the plot seemed a bit dragged, and the climax where Job loses everything seemed over-rushed. Nonetheless, it is an excellent read, and I recommend reading it.
July 24, 2019
While on a personal journey to read the Bible front to back, I came across The Legacy of Job’s Wife by Cynthia J. Koelker. It is a fictional retelling of The Book of Job in the Bible. However, its purpose is to take on his wife’s perspective of the narrative. The aspect intrigued me to see what it has in store for its readers, and I was excited to couple this along with my challenge. I will say, Koelker did not disappoint.
Before engulfing myself in Koelker’s writing style, my main understanding of the Book of Job is that it is a journey about testing one’s faith in God against unfathomable worldly turmoil, and also testing that loyalty through encouragement from the one you love the most to just “Curse God and die.” That infamous line, said to Job by his wife, dismisses her as a nonbeliever and casts her as a negative influence in Job’s story. However, Koelker’s unique portrayal gives the readers a realistic perspective of understanding, turning Job’s wife into more than just a negative footnote in the Bible.
In Koelker’s retelling, we follow Job’s wife Ix’ses. Beginning with her viewpoint from the time she was a little girl, we grow with her to womanhood. This story is a detailed account of their life before their tragedy of losing their children, wealth, and social status, and also how they prospered through. Yet, before we even see their downfall, we experience Ix’ses’ relationships with her family and friends, her desires and passions, her perspective on life, and her union with Job. Unlike Job, Ix’ses is not devoted in a religion. She respects Job’s religion as a part of him, and even engages in asking questions to better understand his love for God. Nonetheless, her understanding of Job’s devotion was tested through disdain as was her discernment with God.
She is a loving child and has this wonderful love for music that brings many people joy attached with her outgoing personality. At first, I was concerned about the pace of the book then as the plot began to get hectic, I understood why it was important to grow up with Ix’ses. She is a mother, and wife who is wildly in love with her husband, so I was able to feel why she felt the way she did when their life fell apart. I couldn’t imagine anything less than the feelings she went through taking in the unfathomable loss of something she cherished. The tragedy of how they lost their wealth and social status did not even compare. Then to add, she was on the verge of losing her husband shortly after, Ix’ses became a hot mess. It made sense that the only thing she held on to was her connection to Job and not God. Their family was evaluated on their comprehension of faith, and even as Ix’ses fell apart, Job stayed strong enough with that faith in God for the both of them.
You have to read this book! I wholeheartedly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I’m not too keen on giving books perfect scores, but between having no grammatical errors and the emotional ride I was taken through this book deserves the ratings. I laughed, I cried, I was excited and even though this book was a slow read I enjoyed the journey I was taken on. The character development was great and I was able to experience her emotions and the depth of her love for Job despite not sharing his same religious beliefs. Believing in a higher power myself, I took in the impact of what it needs to feel like having faith through anything thrown at you.
This story is powerful and I recommend it for those who are interested in fictional adaptions of the Bible. The message was clear, and the narrative was great. It helped me take in the Book of Job with a bigger heart of understanding and insight. Again, this book is a fictional retelling, but it holds dear to being sympathetic, staying strong, and finding ways to cope with trauma.
Before engulfing myself in Koelker’s writing style, my main understanding of the Book of Job is that it is a journey about testing one’s faith in God against unfathomable worldly turmoil, and also testing that loyalty through encouragement from the one you love the most to just “Curse God and die.” That infamous line, said to Job by his wife, dismisses her as a nonbeliever and casts her as a negative influence in Job’s story. However, Koelker’s unique portrayal gives the readers a realistic perspective of understanding, turning Job’s wife into more than just a negative footnote in the Bible.
In Koelker’s retelling, we follow Job’s wife Ix’ses. Beginning with her viewpoint from the time she was a little girl, we grow with her to womanhood. This story is a detailed account of their life before their tragedy of losing their children, wealth, and social status, and also how they prospered through. Yet, before we even see their downfall, we experience Ix’ses’ relationships with her family and friends, her desires and passions, her perspective on life, and her union with Job. Unlike Job, Ix’ses is not devoted in a religion. She respects Job’s religion as a part of him, and even engages in asking questions to better understand his love for God. Nonetheless, her understanding of Job’s devotion was tested through disdain as was her discernment with God.
She is a loving child and has this wonderful love for music that brings many people joy attached with her outgoing personality. At first, I was concerned about the pace of the book then as the plot began to get hectic, I understood why it was important to grow up with Ix’ses. She is a mother, and wife who is wildly in love with her husband, so I was able to feel why she felt the way she did when their life fell apart. I couldn’t imagine anything less than the feelings she went through taking in the unfathomable loss of something she cherished. The tragedy of how they lost their wealth and social status did not even compare. Then to add, she was on the verge of losing her husband shortly after, Ix’ses became a hot mess. It made sense that the only thing she held on to was her connection to Job and not God. Their family was evaluated on their comprehension of faith, and even as Ix’ses fell apart, Job stayed strong enough with that faith in God for the both of them.
You have to read this book! I wholeheartedly rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I’m not too keen on giving books perfect scores, but between having no grammatical errors and the emotional ride I was taken through this book deserves the ratings. I laughed, I cried, I was excited and even though this book was a slow read I enjoyed the journey I was taken on. The character development was great and I was able to experience her emotions and the depth of her love for Job despite not sharing his same religious beliefs. Believing in a higher power myself, I took in the impact of what it needs to feel like having faith through anything thrown at you.
This story is powerful and I recommend it for those who are interested in fictional adaptions of the Bible. The message was clear, and the narrative was great. It helped me take in the Book of Job with a bigger heart of understanding and insight. Again, this book is a fictional retelling, but it holds dear to being sympathetic, staying strong, and finding ways to cope with trauma.
February 19, 2024
I chose The Legacy of Job’s Wife because I am a Christian that knows the story of Job and his wife. I thoroughly enjoy fictional books based on true stories. I was super excited about this book and it succeeded in keeping my attention. There were times that I felt like it dragged because I kept checking how close I was to the end. However, I understand the need for each portion of the book. There was not one moment where I felt bored during the book. It was more in the sense that I kept wanting to get to the next chapter to find out more of their love story.
This was completely a Christian book with no cursing with no graphic language. It has some subtle sexual language, which I referenced in one of my highlighted quotes. I didn’t notice any typos or grammar errors. I did have a problem with some phrases but I think that it is just the language for that time period such as a baby being wrapped in a “lamb’s wool coverlet”.
This book made me laugh and bawl like a baby. I highlighted many phrases that I wanted to remember. The research into the time period was recognized through the writing. There weren't any misplaced items that didn’t fit into the time period. I always wondered how Job’s wife could curse God. But it was easy for me to put myself in her shoes in this book and I love that not only did it show the sorrow she went through but it also showed the blessing she received from continuing to follow God despite the hardship she went through with her family. In the book, we watch Job’s wife, Ix’ises, born to Job’s neighbor, to a young girl, to teenager that is unsure of herself, to a young woman waiting on the man she loves to show he loves her too, to an adult woman who gets everything she has dreamed about and then loses everything except her husband and the brother that she has raised. Her loss had me bawling. As she grieves for years, she finally realizes what it means to rely on others. As the eldest child, everyone always relied on her. Through her grief, she learns how to read and that is a blessing to her and her family.
One thing Ix’ises’ family does that I wish I could do, is that every time a child is born into their family, they create a birth song for each child. They sing that on their birthdays instead of a song like “Happy Birthday” that’s generic and used for every child in the family. I cannot write music or sing so creating birth songs for each child I birth would be out of the question for me and my husband. However, I do love the uniqueness of it.
I give this book a five out of five stars. If I had read the physical book instead of the ebook, the length wouldn’t have mattered to me because I would have known from the beginning how long it was. I think this book was the right size to tell the right story. It had details that would be used later in the story. This book actually makes me want to read the story of Job on my own. I know it’s a fictional telling but some of the names of characters makes me want to know if those names are used. I would recommend this to anyone who loves fictional stories based on Bible Stories but also knows that it is a fictional story. I would love to read other books by Cynthia and I am adding to this to my fictional retellings of true stories collection. I will definitely be buying the physical book to add to my shelves.
Some of my highlighted quotes with explanations:
“Job loved me from the day I was born, or so he liked to tell it. Even on his deathbed he wanted me to remember. ‘It’s true, Ix’ises. From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the girl for me.’ ‘But you were only five, Job,’ I countered gently. ‘Even so,’ he replied. ‘It was you - it was always you.’”
From that sentence alone, I was hooked. I love a good love story.
“I held my brother and watched, horrified, as an ugly piece of meat slid out from where the baby had come. ‘What’s that?’ I cried in alarm. ‘That’s not a baby!’ ‘No, Ix’ises,’ Mama answered, ‘it’s the afterbirth. It grows in the womb with the baby.’ ‘That’s disgusting,’ I declared. ‘I’ll never let a baby grow inside of me!’”
This quote just makes me laugh due to children always thinking something is disgusting but when we grow up, everything changes. The innocence of a child.
“‘If it’s true, it’s true,’ Job said gently, ‘and I’ve been glad to help. But I’ll be happier to be home with you. Shall I show you just how much?’ ‘I’m ready if you are,’ I returned laughing, never able to resist his manly charms. In younger days we might have raced each other to our tent, but with youth only memory, we walked hand in hand to our comfortable bed where, I learned weeks later, we conceived once more.”
I love the romance between these two. This is the epitome of a loving couple.
“That marked the beginning of Aida’s bread creations. Timnah and Mehetabel would prepare flatbread in all sorts of shapes, then Aida would decorate them with grape juice, mustard seed, green onions, and any spices or herbs our cook would share. It made for some odd taste combinations, but no one dared hurt her tender feelings. ‘What a beautiful bread tree, Aida,’ Jobiah remarked at dinner one night. ‘It’s cinnamon and onion,’ Aida said proudly. She adored her eldest brother, who seemed more like an uncle, he was so much older. ‘I could eat every bite,’ he replied before he’d taken even one. True to his word, he did so, slowly but surely, watching her eyes glow with happiness at his praise.”
This is what I always wanted in a big brother. I am jealous of their relationship. Aida is adored. She was the baby of nine older siblings with Jobiah being the eldest.
“For seven days Job languished there, ridiculed by those he’d treated well. An endless parade of gawkers reveled in the spectacle, pointing and laughing in their newfound eminence. Job ignored them, shutting his eyes against their taunts, and praying, I suppose, to the God he refused to denounce.”
When you have fallen to your lowest point, who will be by your side? Those who you treated so kindly? Usually not. Usually the only ones that stand by your side are the ones you least expect. I envy Job for not giving in to the ones taunting him and just ignoring them. He is a better man than I will ever be.
“Time, I’d learned, yielded the answer to many of life’s challenges.”
A very true statement indeed.
This was completely a Christian book with no cursing with no graphic language. It has some subtle sexual language, which I referenced in one of my highlighted quotes. I didn’t notice any typos or grammar errors. I did have a problem with some phrases but I think that it is just the language for that time period such as a baby being wrapped in a “lamb’s wool coverlet”.
This book made me laugh and bawl like a baby. I highlighted many phrases that I wanted to remember. The research into the time period was recognized through the writing. There weren't any misplaced items that didn’t fit into the time period. I always wondered how Job’s wife could curse God. But it was easy for me to put myself in her shoes in this book and I love that not only did it show the sorrow she went through but it also showed the blessing she received from continuing to follow God despite the hardship she went through with her family. In the book, we watch Job’s wife, Ix’ises, born to Job’s neighbor, to a young girl, to teenager that is unsure of herself, to a young woman waiting on the man she loves to show he loves her too, to an adult woman who gets everything she has dreamed about and then loses everything except her husband and the brother that she has raised. Her loss had me bawling. As she grieves for years, she finally realizes what it means to rely on others. As the eldest child, everyone always relied on her. Through her grief, she learns how to read and that is a blessing to her and her family.
One thing Ix’ises’ family does that I wish I could do, is that every time a child is born into their family, they create a birth song for each child. They sing that on their birthdays instead of a song like “Happy Birthday” that’s generic and used for every child in the family. I cannot write music or sing so creating birth songs for each child I birth would be out of the question for me and my husband. However, I do love the uniqueness of it.
I give this book a five out of five stars. If I had read the physical book instead of the ebook, the length wouldn’t have mattered to me because I would have known from the beginning how long it was. I think this book was the right size to tell the right story. It had details that would be used later in the story. This book actually makes me want to read the story of Job on my own. I know it’s a fictional telling but some of the names of characters makes me want to know if those names are used. I would recommend this to anyone who loves fictional stories based on Bible Stories but also knows that it is a fictional story. I would love to read other books by Cynthia and I am adding to this to my fictional retellings of true stories collection. I will definitely be buying the physical book to add to my shelves.
Some of my highlighted quotes with explanations:
“Job loved me from the day I was born, or so he liked to tell it. Even on his deathbed he wanted me to remember. ‘It’s true, Ix’ises. From the moment I first saw you, I knew you were the girl for me.’ ‘But you were only five, Job,’ I countered gently. ‘Even so,’ he replied. ‘It was you - it was always you.’”
From that sentence alone, I was hooked. I love a good love story.
“I held my brother and watched, horrified, as an ugly piece of meat slid out from where the baby had come. ‘What’s that?’ I cried in alarm. ‘That’s not a baby!’ ‘No, Ix’ises,’ Mama answered, ‘it’s the afterbirth. It grows in the womb with the baby.’ ‘That’s disgusting,’ I declared. ‘I’ll never let a baby grow inside of me!’”
This quote just makes me laugh due to children always thinking something is disgusting but when we grow up, everything changes. The innocence of a child.
“‘If it’s true, it’s true,’ Job said gently, ‘and I’ve been glad to help. But I’ll be happier to be home with you. Shall I show you just how much?’ ‘I’m ready if you are,’ I returned laughing, never able to resist his manly charms. In younger days we might have raced each other to our tent, but with youth only memory, we walked hand in hand to our comfortable bed where, I learned weeks later, we conceived once more.”
I love the romance between these two. This is the epitome of a loving couple.
“That marked the beginning of Aida’s bread creations. Timnah and Mehetabel would prepare flatbread in all sorts of shapes, then Aida would decorate them with grape juice, mustard seed, green onions, and any spices or herbs our cook would share. It made for some odd taste combinations, but no one dared hurt her tender feelings. ‘What a beautiful bread tree, Aida,’ Jobiah remarked at dinner one night. ‘It’s cinnamon and onion,’ Aida said proudly. She adored her eldest brother, who seemed more like an uncle, he was so much older. ‘I could eat every bite,’ he replied before he’d taken even one. True to his word, he did so, slowly but surely, watching her eyes glow with happiness at his praise.”
This is what I always wanted in a big brother. I am jealous of their relationship. Aida is adored. She was the baby of nine older siblings with Jobiah being the eldest.
“For seven days Job languished there, ridiculed by those he’d treated well. An endless parade of gawkers reveled in the spectacle, pointing and laughing in their newfound eminence. Job ignored them, shutting his eyes against their taunts, and praying, I suppose, to the God he refused to denounce.”
When you have fallen to your lowest point, who will be by your side? Those who you treated so kindly? Usually not. Usually the only ones that stand by your side are the ones you least expect. I envy Job for not giving in to the ones taunting him and just ignoring them. He is a better man than I will ever be.
“Time, I’d learned, yielded the answer to many of life’s challenges.”
A very true statement indeed.
January 14, 2020
An amazing look at what the life of Job’s wife could have been like and the things she endured by his side. Truly an amazing story of why we shouldn’t judge someone’s entire life based on one statement made in desperation.
Prior to reading this book, I really didn’t consider what it must have been like for Job’s wife to be by his side during the loss of everything they owned, the death of their children, and the extreme suffering of Job. It had always just been part of the story I grew up knowing. The author does an amazing job of putting you in the shoes of Job’s wife—you will feel what she feels, see what she sees, and endure the suffering and grief caused by losing her children. A truly fantastic read that I highly recommend!
Prior to reading this book, I really didn’t consider what it must have been like for Job’s wife to be by his side during the loss of everything they owned, the death of their children, and the extreme suffering of Job. It had always just been part of the story I grew up knowing. The author does an amazing job of putting you in the shoes of Job’s wife—you will feel what she feels, see what she sees, and endure the suffering and grief caused by losing her children. A truly fantastic read that I highly recommend!
April 28, 2020
The Legacy of Job’s Wife by Cynthia Koelker is a romantic novel with the main characters Ixises and Job. Their love story begins with a beautiful childhood friendship. This story beautifully outlines their growth as individuals along with their lovely families. It revolves around several incidents in their lives that make them enjoy life together and the others that separate them only to strengthen them and bring them closer than ever before. All their ups and downs bring them together in a beautiful marriage union which however begins to fall apart not because of their own mistakes but because of their fate.
Please read full review on https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
Please read full review on https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
February 23, 2019
Job’s Wife....now I know you
A wonderful and very plausible retelling of the story of Job. Compared to bible’s telling and felt strongly it lined up. So grateful for the author’s careful handling of such a challenging story of suffering.
A wonderful and very plausible retelling of the story of Job. Compared to bible’s telling and felt strongly it lined up. So grateful for the author’s careful handling of such a challenging story of suffering.
November 8, 2019
It is the story of Job and his wife, all the good and bad times they have experienced and understanding the intentions of GOD for his doings.
This is a classic piece of writing.
This is a classic piece of writing.
February 20, 2023
In the Book of Job, Job is the main character, and there is not very much said about his wife, Ix'ises. The Legacy of Job's Wife is Cynthia Koelker's version of the other side of the story from Ix'ises point of view. It begins when Ix'ses is nearing the end of her life, and she wants to leave a record of the events for her ancestors. Job was five when his neighbour went into labour, and his mother was called to help with the birth. When Ix'ises was born, Job looked at her little face and fell in love. It is Job who names the new baby. Ix'ises had an idyllic childhood, her father was often away working, but she got lots of attention each time he came home.
The family was not deeply religious, and Ix'ises questioned whether there was a God when her pet lamb drowned in a well when Ix'ises was a child. However, Job's family is highly religious, and they sacrifice animals to thank God for all he has done for them. What is wrong with Ix'ises brother B'nahram? Do Job and Ix'ises marry when they are old enough? Moreover, what tragic events will befall them in the future? To learn more about Job and Ix'ises's lives, read The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker.
Job's family and Ix'ses get together for a meal to celebrate Ix'ses birthday. When her children are born, Ix'ses mother makes up a song for them. She sings these lullabies to soothe her babies and get them off to sleep. When the children are no longer babies, it becomes a tradition for their mother to sing their unique songs on their birthdays. The families are together celebrating Ix'ses birthday, but on this occasion, Ix'ses has asked her mother to sing all of the children's songs. I love the way Koelker beautifully describes the scene, and I could picture the families sitting around the fire listening to the beautiful singing while the sun sets and the summer moon rises.
The Legacy of Job's Wife is written in a beautifully lyrical way. Example from page forty-three, 'God was talking to me in the secret melody of my wind chimes, a language forgotten as quickly as the sun dried the morning dew.' Cynthia Koelker found that when reading about Job in the Bible, very little was told of his wife, Ix'ses. This book tells a fictional version of Ix'ses life. Koelker is very knowledgeable about the era's history, making this book fascinating. She also writes in such a way that you can feel the raw emotions of the characters and empathize with their joys and suffering.
I disliked nothing about The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker. It was well-written and researched. This book is, above all else, a love story, the love between Job and Ix'ses and the love for their families. I recommend this to readers who enjoy books about romance and those interested in learning more about the life and times of the Biblical story, the 'Book of Job.' I do not believe in God and the Bible, but I found this story fascinating. It would be best to read The Legacy of Job's Wife with an open mind.
I rate The Legacy of Job's wife by Cynthia Koelker 4 out of 5 stars. I have reduced my score by one star because of many grammar errors. Although this is a fictional story, it is well-researched and provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of the people of the era in which the 'Book of Job' is set. It is an enjoyable story that educates the reader in a beautifully lyrical way.
I want to thank Cynthia Koelker for a copy of The Legacy of Job's Wife in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews on my blog https://redmakesmyheartsing.blogspot.com or here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-...
The family was not deeply religious, and Ix'ises questioned whether there was a God when her pet lamb drowned in a well when Ix'ises was a child. However, Job's family is highly religious, and they sacrifice animals to thank God for all he has done for them. What is wrong with Ix'ises brother B'nahram? Do Job and Ix'ises marry when they are old enough? Moreover, what tragic events will befall them in the future? To learn more about Job and Ix'ises's lives, read The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker.
Job's family and Ix'ses get together for a meal to celebrate Ix'ses birthday. When her children are born, Ix'ses mother makes up a song for them. She sings these lullabies to soothe her babies and get them off to sleep. When the children are no longer babies, it becomes a tradition for their mother to sing their unique songs on their birthdays. The families are together celebrating Ix'ses birthday, but on this occasion, Ix'ses has asked her mother to sing all of the children's songs. I love the way Koelker beautifully describes the scene, and I could picture the families sitting around the fire listening to the beautiful singing while the sun sets and the summer moon rises.
The Legacy of Job's Wife is written in a beautifully lyrical way. Example from page forty-three, 'God was talking to me in the secret melody of my wind chimes, a language forgotten as quickly as the sun dried the morning dew.' Cynthia Koelker found that when reading about Job in the Bible, very little was told of his wife, Ix'ses. This book tells a fictional version of Ix'ses life. Koelker is very knowledgeable about the era's history, making this book fascinating. She also writes in such a way that you can feel the raw emotions of the characters and empathize with their joys and suffering.
I disliked nothing about The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker. It was well-written and researched. This book is, above all else, a love story, the love between Job and Ix'ses and the love for their families. I recommend this to readers who enjoy books about romance and those interested in learning more about the life and times of the Biblical story, the 'Book of Job.' I do not believe in God and the Bible, but I found this story fascinating. It would be best to read The Legacy of Job's Wife with an open mind.
I rate The Legacy of Job's wife by Cynthia Koelker 4 out of 5 stars. I have reduced my score by one star because of many grammar errors. Although this is a fictional story, it is well-researched and provides a fascinating insight into the life and times of the people of the era in which the 'Book of Job' is set. It is an enjoyable story that educates the reader in a beautifully lyrical way.
I want to thank Cynthia Koelker for a copy of The Legacy of Job's Wife in exchange for my honest and impartial review. You can see more of my reviews on my blog https://redmakesmyheartsing.blogspot.com or here http://onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-...
January 13, 2022
The biblical account of Job from the bible shows a man of honor, generosity, faithfulness and, loving sensitivity. The bible speaks briefly of his wife. We know next to nothing of her life as Job's wife or her contributions to family or community. She is merely a footnote in the biblical story of Job. With only a brief-phrase spoken at a time of their life of severe hardship, that spoken phrase portrays her as cold and heartless. The Legacy of Job's Wife by Cynthia Koelker gives us a fictional view of who Job's wife could have been and the circumstances that surrounded her when she whispered those profound words "curse God and die."
The story begins with Job as a young boy introduced to a newborn baby girl. He looks into her eyes, and from that moment, he knows she is unique and will be his wife someday. He names her Ix'ises with permission from her parents. From here, the story centers on Ix'ises life as a young girl through adulthood. We learn that she is happy and curious, and gifted in music. Job and Ix'ises are best friends and grew up spending most days together. Young Ix'ises does not share Job's religious upbringing and customs, but she is curious and open to the possibilities of God being in her life. Life continues, and she grows and enjoys her siblings and family helping in whatever way she can. When they are grown, Job and Ix'ises are married and start their family. They share their great wealth and prosperity with those in need. Land and livestock increased as time went on, providing jobs for many to work Job's land. The magistrate of the city of Uz appoints Job to look after the city's interests and sells the family a large house. Ix'ises enjoys raising their ten children. Job and Ix'ises are very generous with all God has provided for them. Then comes the day that changes everything and will challenge every last piece of faith they have in each other and the God they serve.
This is a fantastic book! I loved everything about it. Cynthia wove this fictional story of Job's wife into the biblical account flawlessly. I would see the culture, landscape, and emotions in a tapestry of sounds, smells, and colors as I read. The book came alive for me. Ix'ises became someone I could recognize in myself. I understood her feelings and dreams. Her devastation and pain were indeed what I believe anyone would feel. I wept and laughed and felt the pain of each chapter of life. The book was very easy to read. I knew the biblical story of Job, so I knew what was coming later in their life. It broke my heart as it came closer to that time. I also knew the ending of their story would end with hope and new beginnings if they found the faith in God that they thought they lost.
There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. I found it hard to put down. I appreciated the telling of Ix'ises life with Job. Without those stories of her childhood and adulthood, I wouldn't have understood what molded her into the woman she was. She was a loving devoted wife and mother. She was respectful of her husband's views on God and independently strove to understand it. She was more than just a phrase spoken from extreme pain. She was not just Job's wife; she was a woman in her own right. We are all flawed human beings, and that makes us susceptible to imperfections born from anguish. This fictional account of Job's wife made her relateable as a woman, wife, and mother. Cynthia Koelker wrote a book that I will never forget.
The story begins with Job as a young boy introduced to a newborn baby girl. He looks into her eyes, and from that moment, he knows she is unique and will be his wife someday. He names her Ix'ises with permission from her parents. From here, the story centers on Ix'ises life as a young girl through adulthood. We learn that she is happy and curious, and gifted in music. Job and Ix'ises are best friends and grew up spending most days together. Young Ix'ises does not share Job's religious upbringing and customs, but she is curious and open to the possibilities of God being in her life. Life continues, and she grows and enjoys her siblings and family helping in whatever way she can. When they are grown, Job and Ix'ises are married and start their family. They share their great wealth and prosperity with those in need. Land and livestock increased as time went on, providing jobs for many to work Job's land. The magistrate of the city of Uz appoints Job to look after the city's interests and sells the family a large house. Ix'ises enjoys raising their ten children. Job and Ix'ises are very generous with all God has provided for them. Then comes the day that changes everything and will challenge every last piece of faith they have in each other and the God they serve.
This is a fantastic book! I loved everything about it. Cynthia wove this fictional story of Job's wife into the biblical account flawlessly. I would see the culture, landscape, and emotions in a tapestry of sounds, smells, and colors as I read. The book came alive for me. Ix'ises became someone I could recognize in myself. I understood her feelings and dreams. Her devastation and pain were indeed what I believe anyone would feel. I wept and laughed and felt the pain of each chapter of life. The book was very easy to read. I knew the biblical story of Job, so I knew what was coming later in their life. It broke my heart as it came closer to that time. I also knew the ending of their story would end with hope and new beginnings if they found the faith in God that they thought they lost.
There wasn't anything I didn't like about this book. I found it hard to put down. I appreciated the telling of Ix'ises life with Job. Without those stories of her childhood and adulthood, I wouldn't have understood what molded her into the woman she was. She was a loving devoted wife and mother. She was respectful of her husband's views on God and independently strove to understand it. She was more than just a phrase spoken from extreme pain. She was not just Job's wife; she was a woman in her own right. We are all flawed human beings, and that makes us susceptible to imperfections born from anguish. This fictional account of Job's wife made her relateable as a woman, wife, and mother. Cynthia Koelker wrote a book that I will never forget.
July 12, 2023
The Legacy of Jobs Wife is a romantic fictional depiction of Job's life seen through the eyes of his wife, Ix'ises. Job’s wife is traditionally viewed as being unsupportive and without faith in God.
The bible doesn't mention her very often, but in this book, she is portrayed as a daughter, mother, wife, and lover. The author takes us along on her life's path and reminds us that she experienced all that Job did. Her entire life, as well as how devoted she was to her husband, children and family, is described in the book.
Job's transformation from a boy to a man is also described. His wife brilliantly portrays his devotion to his family, his love for his wife, and his nobility and humility. It takes time to read because the author's descriptions of the settings are so detailed, and the manner of life is thoroughly researched, so you may have a deeper understanding of the experiences that women experienced in daily life at the time. In this book Ix'ises had a loving family, and she came from a stable home, and both her parents and her siblings showed her love and care. Their family was quite close-knit.
As their relationship grows from teenage love to an adult, passionate relationship, it blossoms and makes you want to keep reading about her romance with Job. She makes it apparent that she relies on her husband's intelligence and trusts him to make the best choices for their future.
While still quite young, Job and Ix'ises fell in love, got married, and started living a wonderful and prosperous life together. The book mentions biblical characters like Job's friends and briefly explains their lives and development as well as their relationships with Job and Ix'ises.
In an instant their life was abruptly and completely shattered, leaving them with nothing. As she watches her husband experience sickness, anguish and suffering, Ix'ises utters the well-known line she is famed for: "Curse God and die." But this comment bolster Job and remind him to stay faithful to God whether things are good or bad.
I would recommend the book because it captures the joy a woman has when she begins a new life with the man she loves as well as her feelings of anguish and grief when her sorrow becomes unbearable.
Amid his sorrow, Job not only relies on God, but he also battles for his wife's soul, supporting her through the incomprehensible loss until she finds happiness once more.
It serves as a reminder that God is ever-present and restores what has been lost in both the good and the bad. Our ability to forgive sets us free from a life of anger and bitterness. Ix'ises shows that loyalty and love in a relationship can also get us through challenges and the most trying times.
The bible doesn't mention her very often, but in this book, she is portrayed as a daughter, mother, wife, and lover. The author takes us along on her life's path and reminds us that she experienced all that Job did. Her entire life, as well as how devoted she was to her husband, children and family, is described in the book.
Job's transformation from a boy to a man is also described. His wife brilliantly portrays his devotion to his family, his love for his wife, and his nobility and humility. It takes time to read because the author's descriptions of the settings are so detailed, and the manner of life is thoroughly researched, so you may have a deeper understanding of the experiences that women experienced in daily life at the time. In this book Ix'ises had a loving family, and she came from a stable home, and both her parents and her siblings showed her love and care. Their family was quite close-knit.
As their relationship grows from teenage love to an adult, passionate relationship, it blossoms and makes you want to keep reading about her romance with Job. She makes it apparent that she relies on her husband's intelligence and trusts him to make the best choices for their future.
While still quite young, Job and Ix'ises fell in love, got married, and started living a wonderful and prosperous life together. The book mentions biblical characters like Job's friends and briefly explains their lives and development as well as their relationships with Job and Ix'ises.
In an instant their life was abruptly and completely shattered, leaving them with nothing. As she watches her husband experience sickness, anguish and suffering, Ix'ises utters the well-known line she is famed for: "Curse God and die." But this comment bolster Job and remind him to stay faithful to God whether things are good or bad.
I would recommend the book because it captures the joy a woman has when she begins a new life with the man she loves as well as her feelings of anguish and grief when her sorrow becomes unbearable.
Amid his sorrow, Job not only relies on God, but he also battles for his wife's soul, supporting her through the incomprehensible loss until she finds happiness once more.
It serves as a reminder that God is ever-present and restores what has been lost in both the good and the bad. Our ability to forgive sets us free from a life of anger and bitterness. Ix'ises shows that loyalty and love in a relationship can also get us through challenges and the most trying times.
March 13, 2025
Have you ever wondered why one act or one wrong move made out of desperation can overshadow every other thing you have ever done in life? You don't have to overthink it, as this book, The Legacy of Job's Wife, by Cynthia Koelker, is the perfect example. When you hear about the Biblical character Job, you will think about the man God bragged about and stripped off all his wealth and riches as proof to Satan of his loyalty to him. Amid all this turmoil, losing his wealth, his resources, his children, and even his health, Job became an eyesore; due to the desperation his wife, Ix'ises, felt at the moment, she asked him to curse God and die.
This singular act, or suggestion from the wife, became a permanent mark on her existence. However, the author of this book took it to another level by telling us about Job's wife, Ix'ises, which included her parents, siblings, childhood, and even how she met Job. She was never a Christian, while Job came from a Christian background. They were childhood friends, their families were close, and they respected each other's beliefs. But Ix'ises could never understand why a God would require sacrifices to forgive the sins of his people when he could easily forgive them. Time went on, and they grew older; just like every other love story, they drifted apart, had some real challenges along the way, and, at some point, came back together. The author allows us to see Ix'ises from another perspective instead of the insolent wife who encouraged her husband to curse God.
I loved how the story was told from Ix'ises's point of view; it helped me understand her upbringing, beliefs, and feelings, not just as a wife but as a person. The author painted a very vivid picture of the era they were in and what it looked like. The story was on point, very captivating, and easy to understand, and all parts were exciting. The plot was good, well-paced, and very easy to follow. The characters were described correctly, and they made the story very easy to relate to.
There is nothing that I disliked about this book, as everything about it was up to the standard I expected from it. I hoped the book would shed more light on Job's wife, and the author not only met but surpassed my expectations, leaving me pleasantly surprised.
The book's editing was good but could have been better, as I spotted a few errors while reading it. However, they were not a cause for concern, as they did not affect my reading experience. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, not only because of the likes I mentioned but because I enjoyed this book, and the author did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend this book to people who love Biblical stories, as it offers a fresh and intriguing perspective on Job's wife.
This singular act, or suggestion from the wife, became a permanent mark on her existence. However, the author of this book took it to another level by telling us about Job's wife, Ix'ises, which included her parents, siblings, childhood, and even how she met Job. She was never a Christian, while Job came from a Christian background. They were childhood friends, their families were close, and they respected each other's beliefs. But Ix'ises could never understand why a God would require sacrifices to forgive the sins of his people when he could easily forgive them. Time went on, and they grew older; just like every other love story, they drifted apart, had some real challenges along the way, and, at some point, came back together. The author allows us to see Ix'ises from another perspective instead of the insolent wife who encouraged her husband to curse God.
I loved how the story was told from Ix'ises's point of view; it helped me understand her upbringing, beliefs, and feelings, not just as a wife but as a person. The author painted a very vivid picture of the era they were in and what it looked like. The story was on point, very captivating, and easy to understand, and all parts were exciting. The plot was good, well-paced, and very easy to follow. The characters were described correctly, and they made the story very easy to relate to.
There is nothing that I disliked about this book, as everything about it was up to the standard I expected from it. I hoped the book would shed more light on Job's wife, and the author not only met but surpassed my expectations, leaving me pleasantly surprised.
The book's editing was good but could have been better, as I spotted a few errors while reading it. However, they were not a cause for concern, as they did not affect my reading experience. I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars, not only because of the likes I mentioned but because I enjoyed this book, and the author did an excellent job bringing the characters to life. I highly recommend this book to people who love Biblical stories, as it offers a fresh and intriguing perspective on Job's wife.
January 3, 2022
In life, we might experience some incidents which shake us from the core, because of which we lose hope; we go into depression; we feel like everything and everyone is against us; we lose faith in God, search for answers helplessly and search for ways to get out of this state of trauma, even might wish for death.
Cynthia J. Koelker’s, The Legacy of Job’s Wife, is on the same subject.
The story revolves around a couple living in a village, who know each other from childhood, whose families share a close bond, who end up marrying each other, who grow prosperous over time, move to the city, and who ultimately have 10 children of their own.
All was going well, when suddenly a calamity strikes them and they lose everything which they treasured and loved, including their hope.
The wife suffers the most, and she loses her faith in God completely and goes into depression.
Then how they get out of that state, with love and support, and how ultimately forgiveness proves to be the ultimate salvation, is depicted in the story.
The main point which goes in favor of the narration is how well the author has displayed the vivid emotions, from happiness to grief, to hope, to anger, to loneliness, to depression, beautifully. Readers can feel the emotions flowing through them.
Apart from emotions, the author has well shown the importance and role of different relations in life, like friendship, motherhood, fatherhood, siblings, etc.
The setup for the village environment is pretty good.
The story also conveys, the message of helping the poor and orphans, vividly.
While the narration has some good points in its favor, but the negative points are also equal in proportion.
And the biggest negative point is the speed of the tale.
Readers have to wait till almost 70-75% of the book is finished to witness the important incidents which lead to the major theme of the story. While the lead-up to the incidents is not that bad, but as the book progresses towards completion, the reader can get eager when he/she might get to witness the main theme for which they had picked the book.
Apart from speed, editing is also not up to the mark, even though there are not as many grammatical or spelling mistakes, but the punctuation mistakes, especially missing commas are so vivid that they can hinder one’s reading experience, causing a reader to read some sentence 2-3 times to understand properly.
For those who believe in God and his powers and are looking out for a moral tale that teaches us to rise above depression and sadness, this book is for them.
Some facts are beyond science, but if you believe in God, you will surely enjoy this book.
Cynthia J. Koelker’s, The Legacy of Job’s Wife, is on the same subject.
The story revolves around a couple living in a village, who know each other from childhood, whose families share a close bond, who end up marrying each other, who grow prosperous over time, move to the city, and who ultimately have 10 children of their own.
All was going well, when suddenly a calamity strikes them and they lose everything which they treasured and loved, including their hope.
The wife suffers the most, and she loses her faith in God completely and goes into depression.
Then how they get out of that state, with love and support, and how ultimately forgiveness proves to be the ultimate salvation, is depicted in the story.
The main point which goes in favor of the narration is how well the author has displayed the vivid emotions, from happiness to grief, to hope, to anger, to loneliness, to depression, beautifully. Readers can feel the emotions flowing through them.
Apart from emotions, the author has well shown the importance and role of different relations in life, like friendship, motherhood, fatherhood, siblings, etc.
The setup for the village environment is pretty good.
The story also conveys, the message of helping the poor and orphans, vividly.
While the narration has some good points in its favor, but the negative points are also equal in proportion.
And the biggest negative point is the speed of the tale.
Readers have to wait till almost 70-75% of the book is finished to witness the important incidents which lead to the major theme of the story. While the lead-up to the incidents is not that bad, but as the book progresses towards completion, the reader can get eager when he/she might get to witness the main theme for which they had picked the book.
Apart from speed, editing is also not up to the mark, even though there are not as many grammatical or spelling mistakes, but the punctuation mistakes, especially missing commas are so vivid that they can hinder one’s reading experience, causing a reader to read some sentence 2-3 times to understand properly.
For those who believe in God and his powers and are looking out for a moral tale that teaches us to rise above depression and sadness, this book is for them.
Some facts are beyond science, but if you believe in God, you will surely enjoy this book.
July 9, 2023
The Legacy of Job’s Wife is a fictitious retelling of the story of the book of Job (of the Christian Old Testament) and his wife, here named Ix’ises. The premise had significant promise, but the execution was so poor that this book only a one out of five rating from me. There are a few major issues with the story.
First, despite being so closely tied to the Christian Bible, there is no explicit mention of religion in the story. Instead, the characters refer to “trust in God” and speak of “making sacrifices” without any indication of a structured faith or tradition that would provide a context for these practices. Ironically, this undefined and inexplicable faith plays a pivotal role in the plot, casting a vagueness and confusion over the rest of the storyline.
Second, the book reads more like a chronicle than a novel, detailing the events of Ix’ises’ life with unnecessary detail and background. The book was filled with stories and tangents that did little to establish the characters' identities or advance the plot, and did not contribute to a definable background. There were characters introduced and events in the first part of the book that had no significance to the plot or to the development of the character. In fact, the central conflict is not introduced until over halfway into the book, leaving the first half without any drive or plot beyond following the progression of Ix’ises’ life. Furthermore, the main conflict itself only actually spans a few pages before the chronicle-like account of her life and emotion continues, giving very little treatment, background, or explanation for the event itself.
The book could be far improved by reducing the first half of the book down to a synopsis of the important details and instead spending that time developing and exploring the central conflict of the story. A delayed resolution of the main conflict would add to the interest of the story as well.
Back to the book as it is, there are allusions to sex and childbirth, all within the context of marriage, but no detail or description is given to any of these events.
Overall, the writing style is dull and stilted and the vocabulary limited. The book lacks any defining characteristic or outstanding quality that makes it worth reading. Notably, there are no grammatical or editorial errors in the writing, but sentence structure and length is unvaried throughout, which does little to advance the already-dull narrative.
First, despite being so closely tied to the Christian Bible, there is no explicit mention of religion in the story. Instead, the characters refer to “trust in God” and speak of “making sacrifices” without any indication of a structured faith or tradition that would provide a context for these practices. Ironically, this undefined and inexplicable faith plays a pivotal role in the plot, casting a vagueness and confusion over the rest of the storyline.
Second, the book reads more like a chronicle than a novel, detailing the events of Ix’ises’ life with unnecessary detail and background. The book was filled with stories and tangents that did little to establish the characters' identities or advance the plot, and did not contribute to a definable background. There were characters introduced and events in the first part of the book that had no significance to the plot or to the development of the character. In fact, the central conflict is not introduced until over halfway into the book, leaving the first half without any drive or plot beyond following the progression of Ix’ises’ life. Furthermore, the main conflict itself only actually spans a few pages before the chronicle-like account of her life and emotion continues, giving very little treatment, background, or explanation for the event itself.
The book could be far improved by reducing the first half of the book down to a synopsis of the important details and instead spending that time developing and exploring the central conflict of the story. A delayed resolution of the main conflict would add to the interest of the story as well.
Back to the book as it is, there are allusions to sex and childbirth, all within the context of marriage, but no detail or description is given to any of these events.
Overall, the writing style is dull and stilted and the vocabulary limited. The book lacks any defining characteristic or outstanding quality that makes it worth reading. Notably, there are no grammatical or editorial errors in the writing, but sentence structure and length is unvaried throughout, which does little to advance the already-dull narrative.
December 17, 2024
The Legacy of Job's Wife is a novel about the suffering of a mother and wife who feels hopeless and frustrated. She feels alienated from God and does not understand the cause of her suffering and sorrow. At the height of her despair and grief, she remembers her beginning and her love and looks at her husband and marvels at his contentment with God's judgment and his love for his Lord and remembers their life together. She remembers his contentment with God's judgment in all the difficult things they went through, while she was in doubt and incomprehension, her husband was content and accepting. She is talking about the greatest story in history, mentioned in all heavenly religions. The story of Job tells the story of his life from different aspects in an interesting and smooth way. You live with Job in the details of his life with a passion to know how Job dealt with these events. I realized in this vision some of the most beautiful words that enlighten the heart of every broken human being who has lived a bitter experience. Job said: "We rejoice in God's grace, so shall we not be patient in affliction?" From this account you learn how to deal with Job with a good heart, with crises and tribulations. And how to love God. This story is for every human being on earth, the story of every human being who doubts his Lord. He will learn the meaning of love and contentment, patience in adversity, and the magic recipe for achieving inner peace. The author deals with the crises that human beings are exposed to: Infant death, father's illness, children's death, husband's illness, poverty, how did Job deal with all of them? The author deals with an important part of God's care and love for us. God saved the children from the attack of the bulls. God took care of Axis to give birth to her baby alone in the grass safely. God saved Axis' father from death when she prayed to God. God provided for the poor and homeless from hunger. God gave Axis's brother a pure, charismatic, quick-learning, wise brother with a disfigured face. How did Job deal with all these things? The author reviews Job's secret of dealing with affliction. God healed Job from his deadly disease. And how his business and wealth returned to him after his poverty. I was amazed at the way Job regained his wealth. From this vision he learns the meaning of peace through love and forgiveness, the meaning of patience in affliction, and the meaning of thanksgiving for giving. When Job is mentioned talking to God, I was amazed and curious to know what he said. Dependence on God, forgiveness and patience with affliction. This is the legacy of Job's wife. I liked the variety of events in this novel written by God's vine, as well as the hardships. There is nothing I didn't like about this novel. The author has created the most wonderful characters from whom I learned to thank those who wronged her because they were the reason for her success. So everything in The Legacy of Job's Wife applies to her. What a beautiful novel, and it deserves more than 5 stars. I would like to express how wonderful this novel is. It changed me. Thank you.
June 30, 2024
**Title**: The Legacy of Job's Wife
**Author**: Cynthia Koelker
**Review**:
"The Legacy of Job's Wife" by Cynthia Koelker is a thought-provoking and deeply emotional exploration of a character often overlooked in biblical narratives. Koelker masterfully reimagines the story of Job’s wife, giving her a voice and a perspective that adds depth and complexity to the well-known tale of suffering and endurance.
Koelker's writing is both lyrical and profound, drawing readers into the ancient world with rich descriptions and vivid imagery. The author delves into the psyche of Job’s wife, exploring her struggles, doubts, and the impact of the immense trials she faces alongside her husband. This novel offers a unique perspective on faith, resilience, and the human capacity for endurance in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The character development is particularly noteworthy. Job’s wife is portrayed not just as a supportive spouse but as a woman with her own strengths, weaknesses, and inner battles. Her journey from despair to a nuanced understanding of faith and perseverance is both inspiring and relatable.
Koelker also skillfully integrates historical and cultural details, enriching the narrative and providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the context in which these events unfold. This attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the story, making it not just a retelling but a reimagining that feels both fresh and timeless.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to evoke deep emotional responses. Readers will find themselves empathizing with Job’s wife, sharing in her grief, frustration, and ultimate hope. Koelker's exploration of themes such as suffering, faith, and redemption is both heartfelt and intellectually stimulating, inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences.
Overall, "The Legacy of Job's Wife" is a beautifully written and insightful novel that breathes new life into an ancient story. Cynthia Koelker’s thoughtful portrayal of Job’s wife is a testament to the power of storytelling to uncover hidden depths and offer new perspectives. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in biblical narratives, historical fiction, or stories of resilience and faith.
**Author**: Cynthia Koelker
**Review**:
"The Legacy of Job's Wife" by Cynthia Koelker is a thought-provoking and deeply emotional exploration of a character often overlooked in biblical narratives. Koelker masterfully reimagines the story of Job’s wife, giving her a voice and a perspective that adds depth and complexity to the well-known tale of suffering and endurance.
Koelker's writing is both lyrical and profound, drawing readers into the ancient world with rich descriptions and vivid imagery. The author delves into the psyche of Job’s wife, exploring her struggles, doubts, and the impact of the immense trials she faces alongside her husband. This novel offers a unique perspective on faith, resilience, and the human capacity for endurance in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The character development is particularly noteworthy. Job’s wife is portrayed not just as a supportive spouse but as a woman with her own strengths, weaknesses, and inner battles. Her journey from despair to a nuanced understanding of faith and perseverance is both inspiring and relatable.
Koelker also skillfully integrates historical and cultural details, enriching the narrative and providing readers with a more comprehensive understanding of the context in which these events unfold. This attention to detail enhances the authenticity of the story, making it not just a retelling but a reimagining that feels both fresh and timeless.
One of the book’s strengths is its ability to evoke deep emotional responses. Readers will find themselves empathizing with Job’s wife, sharing in her grief, frustration, and ultimate hope. Koelker's exploration of themes such as suffering, faith, and redemption is both heartfelt and intellectually stimulating, inviting readers to reflect on their own beliefs and experiences.
Overall, "The Legacy of Job's Wife" is a beautifully written and insightful novel that breathes new life into an ancient story. Cynthia Koelker’s thoughtful portrayal of Job’s wife is a testament to the power of storytelling to uncover hidden depths and offer new perspectives. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in biblical narratives, historical fiction, or stories of resilience and faith.
January 20, 2025
Where is God when your children’s blood cries from the ground? Where is God when your husband’s flesh rots before your eyes? Where is God when your wealth drifts away from your grasp? Where is God when your closest friends mock and ridicule your integrity, and no one's left? It makes you wonder, is there a God? The Legacy of Job’s Wife by Cynthia Koelker is a fictional account of Ix’ises, the woman who told her husband to curse God and die for all the miseries he brought upon her. Her story is put in the spotlight as we delve deeper into her motive and heart, which put her in the position to say those words. We feel her love for Job and her curiosity about God and the world as she grows from a little girl to a young woman. Rather than pointing our fingers and judging her, we learn about her life, far from the telling of any preacher.
Cynthia Koelker does an excellent job of expounding on Ix’ises’ feelings and surroundings. She shows her actions that provoke deep emotions and thoughts that resonate within us. I loved Ix’ises’ perspective. She was a simple woman trying to understand the all-powerful being and his plans and purposes for human beings. Her questions about animal sacrifices were justifiable, and though she didn’t find reasons for committing such acts, she still obeyed, and her obedience was met with answers in the form of action. On the other hand, her relationships had bold developments, and the characters introduced were dynamic and well-written. They stood out for their uniqueness and added to the plotline and story. Her anecdotes were sweet and memorable. I felt enchanted by the lines of poetry before each chapter. It deepened my understanding of her character and the ending of her story. By the end, I knew why she said such words, why her heart cried, and why she still had the strength to move forward after such tragedies.
For becoming one of my favorite books, I rate ‘The Legacy of Job’s Wife’ by Cythnia Koelker a stunning five out of five stars. This book captivated me in its uniqueness, and I would recommend it to anyone who has read the book of Job before, wants to read it, or is looking to discover a bit about their creator and themselves.
Cynthia Koelker does an excellent job of expounding on Ix’ises’ feelings and surroundings. She shows her actions that provoke deep emotions and thoughts that resonate within us. I loved Ix’ises’ perspective. She was a simple woman trying to understand the all-powerful being and his plans and purposes for human beings. Her questions about animal sacrifices were justifiable, and though she didn’t find reasons for committing such acts, she still obeyed, and her obedience was met with answers in the form of action. On the other hand, her relationships had bold developments, and the characters introduced were dynamic and well-written. They stood out for their uniqueness and added to the plotline and story. Her anecdotes were sweet and memorable. I felt enchanted by the lines of poetry before each chapter. It deepened my understanding of her character and the ending of her story. By the end, I knew why she said such words, why her heart cried, and why she still had the strength to move forward after such tragedies.
For becoming one of my favorite books, I rate ‘The Legacy of Job’s Wife’ by Cythnia Koelker a stunning five out of five stars. This book captivated me in its uniqueness, and I would recommend it to anyone who has read the book of Job before, wants to read it, or is looking to discover a bit about their creator and themselves.
September 23, 2025
The Legacy of Job’s Wife by Cynthia J. Koelker is a beautifully written and emotional retelling of Job’s story from the perspective of his wife. I really enjoyed how the author gave a voice to a character who is often overlooked in the biblical account. The narrative is heartfelt, reflective, and shows the struggles of grief, faith, and forgiveness in a very human way.
The writing is gentle but powerful, and the story lingers in your mind long after reading. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction, women’s fiction, or stories that explore resilience and hope in the face of suffering.
The writing is gentle but powerful, and the story lingers in your mind long after reading. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys biblical fiction, women’s fiction, or stories that explore resilience and hope in the face of suffering.
April 21, 2023
Looking deeper at the Book of Job
I was so intrigued by the title of this book. If you’re s Christian, Job’s story is the epitome of restoration. I held his wife in a negative light but this book cause me to take pause. I had misgivings that the people was given more of a European undertone by using words as blushing and face appearing pink. It started rather slow but build to a good conclusion. Nice take on a beloved and hard story on God and Satan impacting Job. The triumph ending allows us to truly understand that the lord giveth and takes away🙏🏿
I was so intrigued by the title of this book. If you’re s Christian, Job’s story is the epitome of restoration. I held his wife in a negative light but this book cause me to take pause. I had misgivings that the people was given more of a European undertone by using words as blushing and face appearing pink. It started rather slow but build to a good conclusion. Nice take on a beloved and hard story on God and Satan impacting Job. The triumph ending allows us to truly understand that the lord giveth and takes away🙏🏿
September 20, 2022
Good storyline...
I took a couple days before my review because I wanted to go to the book of Job in my bib!e and compare the two stories. I have always heard of his story but never read it until now. This author did a great job and with the historical fiction of this storyline it made a good read. Wouldn't it be something if they actually grew up together.... Anyway I would recommend this to anyone who hasn't heard the storytelling of Job.
I took a couple days before my review because I wanted to go to the book of Job in my bib!e and compare the two stories. I have always heard of his story but never read it until now. This author did a great job and with the historical fiction of this storyline it made a good read. Wouldn't it be something if they actually grew up together.... Anyway I would recommend this to anyone who hasn't heard the storytelling of Job.
October 6, 2022
author is amazing telling this story
I am a an editor and as such my eyes stumble on any grammatical error. How refreshing it has been to read 14 chapters and only encounter two very minor lapses. The story narrated by ix’esx, job’s wife seems so real. The grammar as old and timeless as the story. I love how koelker tells this story. The language is as alive as the characters and scenery.
I am a an editor and as such my eyes stumble on any grammatical error. How refreshing it has been to read 14 chapters and only encounter two very minor lapses. The story narrated by ix’esx, job’s wife seems so real. The grammar as old and timeless as the story. I love how koelker tells this story. The language is as alive as the characters and scenery.
February 18, 2025
I absolutely loved The Legacy of Job’s Wife! I picked up this book because I love Christian fiction and how it reimagines biblical stories, offering fresh perspectives on biblical characters. This novel provides a touching and faith-filled retelling of the story of Job through the eyes of his wife, Ix’ises.
The book begins by following Ix’ises throughout her childhood in ancient Uz. We see her strong bond with her parents and siblings, her friendship with Job and his family, her dreams and passions, and the simplicity and challenges of living in the wilderness. As she grows older and becomes a young woman, we witness her longing for Job and, finally, the beautiful union between them. The novel follows her into adulthood, detailing her life as she gives birth to their children and shows the blessings God gives their family. After this detailed account of her life with Job, we experience the tragedy of losing everything she has and the desperation, grief, and anger that follow.
Throughout the book, Ix’ises is portrayed as a strong, caring, and loving woman, though she is also conflicted with herself. Meanwhile, Job is steadfast, righteous, and faithful to the Lord no matter what happens. Ix’ises, Job, and all the other characters are extremely lovable, and it is easy to become attached to all of them.
Koelker’s writing is beautiful and vivid, making it a fascinating read. I give the book a perfect score of 5/5 stars. There were very few grammatical errors, and the whole journey was delightful. Not only did it give me a new appreciation for Job’s wife and the reason behind her famous saying, ‘Curse God and die,’ but I also found that much of the writing aligned accurately with the story of Job in the Bible. The romance between Job and Ix’ises was so sweet, and I loved the central themes of family and faith. The character growth of Ix’ises was perfectly paced, as she went through a time of doubt and anger at God when everything was taken from her and then her belief in the Lord, who she learns does all things for a reason. I wholeheartedly loved this book and would recommend others to read this story of longing, love, joy, and heartbreak.
The book begins by following Ix’ises throughout her childhood in ancient Uz. We see her strong bond with her parents and siblings, her friendship with Job and his family, her dreams and passions, and the simplicity and challenges of living in the wilderness. As she grows older and becomes a young woman, we witness her longing for Job and, finally, the beautiful union between them. The novel follows her into adulthood, detailing her life as she gives birth to their children and shows the blessings God gives their family. After this detailed account of her life with Job, we experience the tragedy of losing everything she has and the desperation, grief, and anger that follow.
Throughout the book, Ix’ises is portrayed as a strong, caring, and loving woman, though she is also conflicted with herself. Meanwhile, Job is steadfast, righteous, and faithful to the Lord no matter what happens. Ix’ises, Job, and all the other characters are extremely lovable, and it is easy to become attached to all of them.
Koelker’s writing is beautiful and vivid, making it a fascinating read. I give the book a perfect score of 5/5 stars. There were very few grammatical errors, and the whole journey was delightful. Not only did it give me a new appreciation for Job’s wife and the reason behind her famous saying, ‘Curse God and die,’ but I also found that much of the writing aligned accurately with the story of Job in the Bible. The romance between Job and Ix’ises was so sweet, and I loved the central themes of family and faith. The character growth of Ix’ises was perfectly paced, as she went through a time of doubt and anger at God when everything was taken from her and then her belief in the Lord, who she learns does all things for a reason. I wholeheartedly loved this book and would recommend others to read this story of longing, love, joy, and heartbreak.
April 20, 2025
I picked up this book with hopes of being taken through the journey of life with God through Job's wife but I found the shock of my life: It is explicitly boring. I couldn't get past the slow-paced writing style of the author with uninteresting characters. I'm giving 2 out of 5 star rating at best. Not happy all.
March 2, 2022
A fictional perspective on Job that I never thought I needed but I do. So thought provoking, interesting, and filled with wisdom. Don't confuse it as scripture, of course, since it is not yet it's still so worth reading.
October 6, 2022
The Legacy of Job's Wife
My spirit united with the story as it was being told and it brought tears to my eyes that one who knew nothing came to a relationship with the Almighty through one who believed from birth the story unfolds.
My spirit united with the story as it was being told and it brought tears to my eyes that one who knew nothing came to a relationship with the Almighty through one who believed from birth the story unfolds.
May 25, 2023
Beautiful writing of Job!
I liked the truth of God’s presence when Job was suffering. For sharing the life Job, Ix’ises and their families. How they held onto their faith in God through all their sufferings. Highly recommend this book.
I liked the truth of God’s presence when Job was suffering. For sharing the life Job, Ix’ises and their families. How they held onto their faith in God through all their sufferings. Highly recommend this book.
April 26, 2021
A great historical fiction book!!! Loved it. Full review here: https://forums.onlinebookclub.org/vie...
September 14, 2022
Very well written
I know the life of Job. I am blessed to have the opportunity to read. This book was looking from Job's wife and how she felt. Well written in a fiction form.
I know the life of Job. I am blessed to have the opportunity to read. This book was looking from Job's wife and how she felt. Well written in a fiction form.
May 23, 2024
Interesting reading and very true. I loved how easy it was to write
November 23, 2024
This is a beautiful book I love it so much
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