The Handmaid and the Carpenter

I was in the check-out line at the library yesterday when this book caught my eye. It is a fictional account of the relationship between Mary and Joseph, from their initial meeting to his death. Elizabeth Berg has certainly taken liberties with the gospel accounts, as all who seek to enlarge the story of the Holy Family must do. Catholics might be offended at the sexual relationship between Mary and Joseph after Jesus was born. In this novel, they go on to have several other children. But other than that, I think that most readers will find this to be a very readable take on their private lives, which no doubt were thrown into turmoil by the announcement of Jesus' birth. Berg delves into Joseph's doubt and his willingness to take Mary as his wife in spite of it. She describes Mary as a free-spirited young teen who feels called to great things. Overall, her portrayal of Mary and Joseph leaves one feeling as if it might have been this way.