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faybe's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this to start with and think it's a great idea for a book, however the different voices didn't feel distinct enough for me and by the end it was all starting to feel quite samey.
kingarooski's review against another edition
4.0
The books they will call untrue because they are true and the truths they will call heresy because it casts them as heretics. Know they will shame your name because you are the future. They will say there is only one true church when there are as many as there are tongues upon the earth. They will fall upon the weak and take their extortion, for they are usurpers grown rich in the citadels of Rome.
The story of Jesus' life has been written by men, some who were there and others who heard what happened. Jeet Thayil writes the story of Jesus from the women's perspective, fifteen voices who crossed Jesus' path. Some were disciples and followed him on his wanderings. Others were more distantly connected, whether married to Herrod or the story of Salome deftly incorporated into this chorus of voices.
The book took me a while to settle into because, as each chapter begins, another voice takes over the telling of this story and it isn't until the last sentence when we find out who is speaking now. The story is not linear, so we read about different parts of Jesus' life.
What I found powerful is the fact that throughout history, women's voices and experiences are largely silent and omitted, but Jeet Thayil brings these women's voices to the reader. Regardless of whether you are a Christian or were raised as one, the focus on women's experiences and thoughts is a powerful one.
But then some of his men write the stories down and turn them into gospels in which his brothers are mentioned by name and his sisters are not. She and Lydia are never named. They are hidden away like shameful family secrets. Two of her brothers also write popular versions of his life, James first, then Jude, and she and her sister are left out.
The story of Jesus' life has been written by men, some who were there and others who heard what happened. Jeet Thayil writes the story of Jesus from the women's perspective, fifteen voices who crossed Jesus' path. Some were disciples and followed him on his wanderings. Others were more distantly connected, whether married to Herrod or the story of Salome deftly incorporated into this chorus of voices.
The book took me a while to settle into because, as each chapter begins, another voice takes over the telling of this story and it isn't until the last sentence when we find out who is speaking now. The story is not linear, so we read about different parts of Jesus' life.
What I found powerful is the fact that throughout history, women's voices and experiences are largely silent and omitted, but Jeet Thayil brings these women's voices to the reader. Regardless of whether you are a Christian or were raised as one, the focus on women's experiences and thoughts is a powerful one.
But then some of his men write the stories down and turn them into gospels in which his brothers are mentioned by name and his sisters are not. She and Lydia are never named. They are hidden away like shameful family secrets. Two of her brothers also write popular versions of his life, James first, then Jude, and she and her sister are left out.
jager123's review against another edition
5.0
Over the years I’ve read Lloyd C Douglas’s novel the Robe many times. Maybe it was my love for that story that made me buy this book on a whim while scrolling through Booktopia.
But Names of the Women by Jeet Thayil has torn my heart from my chest several times. It is the story of the women who stayed by the side of Christ when all others had abandoned him. At the end of the chapters their names are written. The reader is given the names of the women who were left unnamed throughout the New Testament. Their stories are finally told. I admit I wept when the first name was given.
I am not religious in any way but found it to be a beautifully told story of female strength and a genuine attempt to return these women to their place, be it good or bad, in the story.
But Names of the Women by Jeet Thayil has torn my heart from my chest several times. It is the story of the women who stayed by the side of Christ when all others had abandoned him. At the end of the chapters their names are written. The reader is given the names of the women who were left unnamed throughout the New Testament. Their stories are finally told. I admit I wept when the first name was given.
I am not religious in any way but found it to be a beautifully told story of female strength and a genuine attempt to return these women to their place, be it good or bad, in the story.
pink_lobster's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
hillersg7's review against another edition
5.0
A mesmerising, powerful, poetic telling bringing to the fore the women who have been ignored and falsely remembered as part of the gospel stories of Jesus. Beautiful, mysterious, visceral stories, bringing back the women into the body of Christ. Stunning.
luckygreendress's review
challenging
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
angelinakahlo's review against another edition
5.0
Although I am only slightly familiar with the bible, this was a refreshing re-telling of some biblical stories, BUT from the perspective of women which have been forgotten over the years.
It is beautifuly written and some parts of it are even quite poetic!! A pleasant, quick read (which I will be picking up again in the future!)
It is beautifuly written and some parts of it are even quite poetic!! A pleasant, quick read (which I will be picking up again in the future!)
rooster356's review against another edition
4.0
ik heb zo’n gevoel dat ik niet christelijk genoeg ben om dit boek helemaal te snappen