Preacher's Bride, The - eBook
4.7
5
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37
Loved it!
Just when I thought I knew about Puritansâ¦hereâÂÂs a novel about one of the most famous ones in history. And a great one too!
Jody Hedlund paints a vivid and accurate picture of the Puritan culture and era centuries ago in The PreacherâÂÂs Bride. While the Puritans lived out their faith much different from the way I live mine, there is plenty to learn from. I found it historically intriguing as well, from the conflict (and often persecution) that happened depending on which English king or queen took the throne (Henry VIII, then his daughters Mary and Elizabeth).
And now I know why the Puritans high tailed it to the U S of A.
I really enjoyed the story and her characters. I liked that the main character Elizabeth was a strong woman with a feisty spirit, who stood up for what was right and could give a much needed tongue lashing to some well deserving people. I really enjoyed the story of her and John and what they went up against. Times were different, but love never really changes does it?
Looking at the culture of England and specifically the Puritan culture in the 1600s, I canâÂÂt help but chuckle at the differences. Example A) Elizabeth freaking out over seeing a man without a shirt on. Oh how different today is! One look at a Victoria Secrets commercial and they would have died. But it shaped much of history and itâÂÂs a fascinating time period to study. Probably why I enjoyed it so much.
I didnâÂÂt realize until after I finished that this story was based upon real life preacher, John Bunyan and his second wife Elizabeth. So sad to think there really were insane people who thrived off of harming others with violence and intimidation. Even worse that there are still people like that today.
History sidenote: Bunyan wrote one of the classics of Christian literature, PilgrimâÂÂs Progress (you can get it free for the kindle), and is a key figure in Christianity history (he was in prison for twelve years for preaching scripture). His book inspired C.S. Lewisâ PilgrimâÂÂs Regress (another creative read that documents Lewisâ conversion).
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February 28, 2013
I would've liked it, but there's one problem.
In the beginning, I enjoyed reading about the characters and life in Puritan England. When I got to the part about John's daughter Mary and reading that she was blind, I thought, "Wait, John Bunyan had a blind daughter named Mary." Then, when I read that John Costin was a tinker (just like John Bunyan) I didn't enjoy it as much as I hoped. (If you don't know who John Bunyan is, he's the author of Pilgrim's Progress.) After I read the book, I read the author's note stating that she based this book on the life of Elizabeth Bunyan, John Bunyan's wife.
I just don't understand why the author would take real people, change their names a bit, tweak some of the events, and call it a work of fiction. I mean, you're talking about REAL people and REAL history here. I feel that shouldn't be touched. (It's a reason why I stay away from biblical fiction.) I don't understand why the author didn't just do a biography on the life of Elizabeth Bunyan. I would've found that enjoyable to read.
So, if you don't mind all this, go ahead and read it anyway because the author does do a really good job with the story and the characters. But if you're like me, then I suggest you don't pick up this book.
October 13, 2012
Incredible Debut Novel!
The Preacher's Bride by Jody Hedlund is Jody's debut release from 2010, which I somehow missed. The story was inspired by the life of John Bunyan (Pilgrim's Progress, anyone?), but Jody chose to focus primarily on his second wife, Elizabeth.
Elizabeth is a fairly "plain" Puritan woman whose greatest desire is to serve the Lord. When John Costin's wife dies shortly after childbirth, Elizabeth volunteers to step into the role of housekeeper and take care of his four children, including his oldest daughter Mary who is blind. The children quickly come to love Elizabeth, but it takes John quite a bit longer to realize the depth of his feelings for her.
As far as debut novels go, this is one of the best I've read. The story is gripping from the very start and Jody does a fantastic job introducing characters (there are quite a few), explaining the political and religious affairs of the day, and describing the town of Bedford in such a way that you feel like you're walking through the community with a personal tour guide. The dialog was incredibly well-done as well . . . with a few "methinks" and "mayhaps" and "perchances" thrown so you don't forget that you're in England in the mid-1600s.
The relationship between John and Elizabeth certainly didn't come easily. As I read their story I was both frustrated with John and hoping that he would come around (and quickly!). At the same time, I wanted Elizabeth to find something in herself that was worthy of love and for others to see that in her as well. The romantic relationship between John and Elizabeth was unlike anything I've ever read before. While completely innocent and chaste (as was proper for Puritan men and women), it was simultaneously steamy. I'm not sure how she pulled it off but it was perfect!
The story itself is incredibly inspiring. To get a glimpse of what it might have been like to be the wife of one of the heroes of the faith at a time when Christians were regularly persecuted. It made me think more about what it was like to be a Christian in England during that time and also what it's like to be a Christian in many parts of the world . . . even today.
I can't wait to read more from Jody Hedlund. The Doctor's Lady (2011) is definitely on my TBR list! I can't wait to see what she publishes this year.
This book was loaned to me by a friend. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 16, 2012
I liked this book. It was exactly what I expected after reading the previous reviews. It was suspenseful and I really enjoyed it.
October 19, 2011
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