Book Review

Basic Details:

Book Title: Her Story

Subtitle: A Womanist Perspective on Mary (in her own words)

Author: Ermelinda Makkimane

Genre: Christian Poetry

Part of a series? No

Order in series:

Best read after earlier books in series? N/A

Available: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/54580722-her-story

Overall score:

I scored this book 5/5

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

Short Summary of the book:

Ever wondered what life was like for Mary, mother of Jesus? This book tells the story from Mary’s point of view, as interpreted by the author. It is written as poetry, but easy to read.

What I liked about the book:

The book was easy to read and relatable.

What I didn’t like about the book:

The book was good in its entirety.

My favourite bits in the book:

This book allowed you to see that even Mary might have been unsure of things at times.

My least favourite bits in the book:

The book was good in its entirety.

Any further books in the series? Any more planned by this author?

I understand this author has written at least one other book.

What books could this be compared to and why?

This is the first book of Christian Poetry I have read.

Recommendation:

In summary, I would recommend this book for the following readers:

Children No

Young Adult Maybe

Adult Yes

If you like poetry and would like to read an interpretation of the life of Mary, this book may be the book for you.

Book Description by Author:

Her Story in her own words....Who wouldn't want to know the inner workings of the mind of one of the greatest and gentlest souls to have walked the planet? Knowing Mary on her own terms as a woman who thought deeply and acted on her beliefs is something like a balm to our souls. This inspired poetic account of Mary's life gives a glimpse into her struggles during

her teenage pregnancy

her marriage to an older man

her life in Nazareth

her motherhood to a hugely blessed (read: rebellious) son

her witness to the turbulence in her son's ministry

her presence at his death

her life post-Resurrection

This seemingly "Christian" tale resonates with lessons for all who seek...

Here's what the author Braz Menezes of the MATATA TRILOGY has to say after reading this debut work:

I bought this Kindle version on Amazon Kindle in 90 seconds.

I can only describe it as an immaculate concept. A beautiful reconstruct of a well known story, exquisitely described from a woman’s POV, or in the author's words "a poetic account of Mary's life gives a glimpse into her struggles during her teenage pregnancy, her life in Nazareth, in her son's ministry and his death, and of her life post-resurrection.”

A pleasure to read. Keep writing, Ermelinda Makkimane.

For whom is this book? Who should buy it?

Even a poetically challenged reader can easily find their way around this book. A student of literature and feminism has a lot to infer from the portrayal of a strong female character. As also do women's groups. This book is ideal for contemplative meditation as several Biblical instances are referred to thereby drawing the reader to their own personal insights.

So what's the take away from this reading?

A calmer you. Why? Because someone who has been there, in that difficult situation, never cowed down. Read it aloud for better poetic understanding and effect. And may you reach that place of mercy and "timelessness,/less of a place and more a space/of boundlessness, abundance, overflowing."

About the Author: