The Reviews

"Told in a poetic style firmly grounded in the kind of authenticity achieved by years of research, THE PASSION OF MARYAM takes us deep into the intimate world of the mother of Jesus (Yeshua).  With his background in psychoanalysis, author Woodson is able to shed new and fascinating light on a familiar story by revealing, in language appropriate to the times, what Maryam and those closest to her might have experienced emotionally at each stage of her remarkable journey through life."

–Nancy Hardin, book editor and film producer (Frida, Noriega: God's Favorite)

“From the beginning of time there have been individuals who have been intensely capable of knowing and revealing the presence of the Divine in human life. The woman known as the Holy Madonna, Mary, or Maryam, is certainly one of these persons. Her story, as told by Loren Woodson’s THE PASSION OF MARYAM, is verified not by our reasoning, but by God-given, faith-filled revelations that span across centuries. Through and in this novel we learn about our strengths, our weakness, our spirit, and ourselves……and indeed about all that connects us to the God of many names.”

–Rev. Ann Louise Hutchins-Case, The United Methodist Church, South Indiana

"The first clue that this is a new view of the mother of Jesus (Yeshua) is the bold depiction of her on the cover by artist Joan Woodson. This is not a cloying, romantic vision of a girl/woman, eyes demurely cast down or to the side, forever balancing a halo, and forever young. This Maryam's eyes meet you straight on and wide open. This is a woman with a life. This is a woman whose inner life is vivid, disquieting, and sometimes portentous. While those close to her attempt to dismiss her fears and apprehensions, she will not be persuaded to ignore her own inner wisdom. She meets evil early on and lives thereafter in the tension which comes from true encounter with shadows. Yet Loren Woodson's Maryam insists that the Holy is present even in the shadows, even in the darkness of malevolence and cruelty, at birth and in death."

–Jean Young, psychotherapist; contributing author, The Spiral Path: Explorations in Women's Spirituality, ed. Theresa King.

“Woodson in writing THE PASSION OF MARYAM set out to stir the reader to reconsider the widely accepted account of the birth of Jesus to the virgin, Mary. [He] has an amazing insight and understanding of family relationships. This insight is brilliantly used as he developed his characters, their interaction and their relationships. He has shown remarkable sensitivity in drawing out feelings of emotions, family, and cultural implications of the Jewish people in Israel in the era surrounding the birth of Jesus.”

–Richard R. Blake, Christian Education Consultant

"THE PASSION OF MARYAM is an enjoyable read, but more important it offers valuable insights into what might have been the relationship of Mary and her son and her family in the context of the tumultuous first century of the Christian era. THE PASSION OF MARYAM will challenge the thoughtful reader to reconsider just what was the whole story of the limited portion of Mary's life that the Gospels provide. This is a book to read and reread and then consider its place in the reader's view of Christianity."

–Frederick L. Simmons (author King David, a play; co-moderator Archeology and the Bible, University of Judaism, Los Angeles)

"In the face of our tendency to imagine that God's anointed ones are exempt from most worldly ills, THE PASSION OF MARYAM depicts a Mary (Maryam) and Jesus (Yeshua) who confront evil, fear, doubt, and struggle full-force, yet sensing the Almighty is truly at work in their lives. Woodson gives us a fresh perspective on the human struggle to discover God's leading and to live faithfully in an ambiguous world. Here is a realism that can point the way to faith and hope for 21st Century people."

–Rev. Larry Young, United Methodist pastor, Southern California

"This epic narrative brings to life the emotional relation of Mary and Jesus in the Hebraic and Roman social and historical context of their age. Woodson is a talented teller of sagas who pushes all the right buttons in relating the immortal moving legend of the Virgin Mary and her son. The story is informed by the Gospels of Matthew, John, Luke, and Mark, yet is rich in innovative meanings, symbolism, mythology, and Biblical lore. THE PASSION OF MARYAM is totally gripping, an excellent tale, that will reward all readers."

--Peter Loewenberg, Professor of History (Intellectual and Cultural), UCLA, Writer and psychoanalyst

"Author Loren Woodson draws upon his background in Biblical studies and psychoanalysis as well as personal visits to the Holy Land in THE PASSION OF MARYAM, a novel that explores what life could have been like for the Virgin Mother of Jesus Christ. Chapters examine the question: what if both the Virgin Mary and her son Yeshua had been forced to seek holiness amid an abyss of evil? An exploration of the inexplicable mystery of the divine as well as the hardships of seeking spiritual truth while maintaining responsibilities as a wife and mother, THE PASSION OF MARYAM is an absorbing and thought-provoking read, recommended for lay Christians and scholars intrigued by what might have been alike."

--Midwest Book Review

"In his third novel, THE PASSION OF MARYAM, Loren Woodson takes a lot of chances, both conceptually and technically, in writing a novel about characters so well known to the public: not only are his story and characters part of the fabric of religious beliefs, they are also icons, and to ‘re-tell’ as though his story is another of the gospels takes courage and requires extensive research. Woodson has both prerequisites."

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--Grady Harp

"I was very anxious to read this book, knowing that it presented a different view of early biblical times. Even though we may be solid Christians or Jews, we can always read another view on Jesus' years on earth. Believe a new version or not, the reading is very thought provoking and no doubt, will be quite a topic of discussion when this book is released."

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--Cy Hilterman, Bestsellersworld.com

“…beautifully written, (a) compelling work, which offered a moving and original view of Mary and her relationship with her special son, Jesus—and the relationship of each to God.”

–Kris Ashley, Assistant Editor, Harper Collins