The Book of Mary

by Gail Sidonie Sobat

In a society where adulterous women and unmarried mothers can be stoned, Mary must do some quick thinking when she finds herself with child. To save her own life and that of her child, she weaves a rapturous tale of immaculate conception. Little does she know that the story will spread like wildfire, with unforeseen consequences.Through diary entries, Sobat's Mary gives us an unfettered view of the life of women in a solidly patriarchal society, repudiating traditional stereotypes and breaking the boundaries of time and place. Provocative and irreverent, author Gail Sidonie Sobat employs a daring blend of contemporary and historical voice to bring an ancient tale into the realm of the wholly original.

251 pages, Paperback

First published May 28, 2006

About the author

Gail is a witch at heart, a pirate in her dreams, and a gypsy in practice.
She has assumed any number of disguises in her lifetime, including that of teacher, adjunct professor, woman-in black, professional actor and singer, grounds keeper, flag girl, parimutuel seller and flower seller. She is the creator/ coordinator of YouthWrite, a camp for kids who love to write, a teacher at the University of Alberta Hospital School, an instructor in the University of Alberta Faculty of Education, and the Canadian Authors Association(Alberta Chapter) Writer-in Residence. Gail completed a Master’s degree in English at the University of Alberta in Children’s Literature, specializing in fantasy.

Reviews

[Skaistė Girtienė · Rating 3 out of 5]

Seniai norėjau perskaityti šią knygą, bet vis atidėliojau. Nustebino žaismingas jumoras. Įdomus kūrinys, pateikiantis Marijos istoriją netikėtu kampu. Kai kuriuos gali papiktinti. Man buvo įdomu ir smalsu.

[Three O'Clock Press]

In a society where adulterous women and unmarried mothers can be stoned, Mary must do some quick thinking when she finds herself with child. To save her own life and that of her child, she weaves a rapturous tale of immaculate conception. Little does she know that the story will spread like wildfire, with unforeseen consequences. Through diary entries, Sobat's Mary gives us an unfettered view of the life of women in a solidly patriarchal society, repudiating traditional stereotypes and breaking the boundaries of time and place. Provocative and irreverent, author Gail Sidonie Sobat employs a daring blend of contemporary and historical voice to bring an ancient tale into the realm of the wholly original.

[Elise · Rating 4 out of 5]

I still have about 2 chapters, but this book is brilliantly written.

[Theodora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everything Gail touches turns to gold.
This is no exception. A brilliant look at a well known story. There's a reason she's my mentor author!