Maryam is stuck in an abusive marriage, living with her in-laws in a conservative, toxically religious village. A few years back, her father was given a jar of priceless perfume by a dying leper and it seemed as if their fortunes would improve, but then Maryam's father contracted leprosy and was exiled from the village. Maryam and her siblings, Eleazar and Marta, experience the shame and ostracism this brings. The precious jar that was meant to bring them freedom has only brought destruction. But rumors abound concerning a new doctor; perhaps hope is on the horizon...
Alabaster brings a biblical-era Middle Eastern village and its culture to life for modern-day readers.
My thoughts...
A beautifully written story with the best characters, the perfect setting, and informative about the way people lived in that time and area. I loved the twists that came along at just the right times. Fifteen year old Maryam’s life is so sorrowful, her beloved father has a disease and he has been banished from the village, her husband is abusive…women were treated so badly. This is fiction but there were biblical characters that woven into the story. Great book!
I received a copy of this book free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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