Ya'acov's Well
- Kirsten Edwards
- Jun 5
- 2 min read
Author: Nina Peck
From the back cover: "The year is 1 AD. The setting is Samaria, in the Roman province of Judaea. Mara is the beautiful youngest daughter in a poor family, seeking her place in a world where she has always been the underdog. When Yelsaventa, a rich girl from a Romanised family, takes Mara under her wing, she thinks this is the beginning of her future. But little by little, Mara watches her life fall apart before her very eyes. How can she ever regain what has been lost? Will a chance meeting beside her ancestor's well change everything?."
This novel, inspired by a story from the Gospels, transports readers to New Testament times through the eyes of Mara, a young Samaritan girl with dreams of marrying above her social station. Mara's ambition, however, becomes the catalyst for her tragic downfall.
The narrative is beautifully crafted, with Mara’s vivid and relatable character drawing readers into her world. I found myself unable to put the book down, captivated by her emotional journey and the rich historical setting.
Remarkably, the author was only 21 when she wrote this novel, yet her insight into Mara’s struggles and the complexities of her plight is profound, showcasing a maturity beyond her years. While the Gospel story inspiring the novel becomes apparent early on, the author skillfully weaves an unpredictable ending that keeps readers guessing until the final pages.
This thought-provoking and deeply satisfying story lingers long after the last chapter, offering rich themes for reflection. Published recently, the novel is widely available at many New Zealand Christian bookstores.
I highly recommend this book for young adults and older readers who enjoy historical fiction with emotional depth and spiritual resonance.
Comments