Review by AnnOgochukwu -- The Legacy of Job's Wife

[AnnOgochukwu]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The Legacy of Job's Wife" by Cynthia Koelker.]

---

4 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The Legacy Of Job's Wife is a novel that is adapted from a book of the Bible, the book of Job. Cynthia J. Kolker presents the story from the first-person perspective of Job's wife. The author presents a plausible and elaborate account of the life of Job's wife, who the Bible mentions but once. And as the author rightly stated in her Acknowledgment, the charterers surely had hopes and dreams beyond what was recorded in the Bible. Hence this book can be said to be a fictional account of a non-fictional story.

Five-year-old Job loved Ix'ises from the moment he held her, just after she was brought into the world. He called her 'Ix'ises,' for he said, 'her eyes are beautiful.' And from then, they became best friends. Ix'ises is an adorable and adventurous little child who loves music. Her childhood revolves around taking care of her twin sisters and her youngest brother, B'nahram, and adventuring with Job and B'nahram. When Job reaches adulthood, the Magistrate of the city offers him a job to be the city's trade representative to other cities.

Job's departure leaves Ix'ises less occupied and lonely, so she decides to join her father on his caravans (trade travels), in the company of B'nahram. During the course of her trade travels with her father, Ix'ises runs into Job occasionally. However, Job grows more distant with each brief meeting, departing to his next destination before Ix'ises had even spoken with him. Ix'ises becomes depressed because of Job's attitude. She had always imagined that she would get married to Job, whom she has loved since she was a little girl. Doubt sets in and Ix'ises contemplates dedicating her life to music just like her aunty Zhabella. On the verge of announcing this weighty decision to her family, Job finally professes his obvious love and asks for Ix'ises' hand in marriage.

Their marriage could be called a match made in heaven; a tender and perfect love story. Job's wealth expanded over the years as God blessed him abundantly with ten children; seven sons and three daughters. Soon, Job's fame as the richest man in Uz is known in lands beyond Uz. He was also known for his philanthropy. When Job's sons come of age, he builds each of them a house. Job's sons usually took turns in hosting their siblings to parties. After such parties, Job would offer sacrifices to God - just as he had learnt from his father - to atone for whatever sin his children might have committed against God. Job served God with all his heart and means. Now, Ix'ises wasn't brought up in the way of Job's God, she found His ways difficult to comprehend and she felt the animal sacrifices to this God were unjustified. Nonetheless, she soon learnt to accept Job's God and share Job's belief. Whatever belief or trust Ix'ises had started to have in God was shattered the fateful day everything she had disappeared in the twinkling of an eye; her livestock, her laborers, even her children. Everything, save her husband. And soon, she watched her beloved husband, Job, decay right before her eyes.

'Curse God and die,' These were the words of a broken woman who awaited death, but alas, even death had forsaken her after stealing her essence of life. And with these words was she forever remembered and judged. I, for one, am guilty of this. I so easily dismissed Job's wife as a woman of little faith. Perhaps it was because the biblical version of Job's story had very little to say about her; or because I had never imagined her as a person with feelings, having a past and a future, with dreams and plans. Putting myself in her shoes now, I can only think, 'I might have said worse.' The Legacy Of Job's Wife is a book intended to help people appreciate the biblical story of Job better. It gives an insight into the level of faith and trust that Job had in God, and the pain and suffering he and his wife had to endure. This book also helped me comprehend the fact that, although I want to understand the reason why some things happen, I would not always get any explanation.

I enjoyed everything about this novel. Although it had little suspense, it was interesting and captivating. The diction and characterization were simple and easy to understand. The themes of the book include love, endurance, faith, and the supremacy of God. The book is set in the middle ages, and I feel the author did a very good job in her description with regards to the time and setting. This book was also very professionally edited, I found only one punctuation error. I happily rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars, I would add an extra star if I could. This book is amazing and would be enjoyed by almost anyone. However, I feel it would be better appreciated by persons who are conversant with the biblical story of Job. Lovers of romance and historical novels would also enjoy this one. And, as this book has no erotic content, I say it is suitable for children, although the volume of the book might discourage their interest.

******
The Legacy of Job's Wife
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Honest-reviewer]

I was skeptical about reading this book, but the line, “Although it had a little suspense” made me want to read this. Thanks for your wonderful review.

[Ellylion]

Sounds like an interesting take of a Biblical story I would love to try this one. Thank you for a great review!

[Olabode Joshua]

Sounds interesting. A deep dive into the life of Job even if it is a fictional one is difficult to pass up.

[AnnOgochukwu]

I was skeptical about reading this book, but the line, “Although it had a little suspense” made me want to read this. Thanks for your wonderful review.

You'd definitely enjoy it.

[AnnOgochukwu]

Sounds like an interesting take of a Biblical story I would love to try this one. Thank you for a great review!

[Vic Chimezie]

Ever thought about seeing the world from the woman's perspective? I am sure this book will be intriguing. Thanks for your detailed review and recommendation.

[Lisa A Rayburn]

I have always found the story of Job to be disturbing on several levels. I agree with you, though. If I had been Job's wife and had those events happen to and around me, I'm certain I would have said things much, much worse than what she did. Excellent review, thanks!

[Miks_solon]

Your summary was comprehensive. However, I think this book isn't my tea. Thanks for the insightful review!

[AnnOgochukwu]

I have always found the story of Job to be disturbing on several levels. I agree with you, though. If I had been Job's wife and had those events happen to and around me, I'm certain I would have said things much, much worse than what she did. Excellent review, thanks!

I can't even begin to imagine what we might have said.

[AnnOgochukwu]

Your summary was comprehensive. However, I think this book isn't my tea. Thanks for the insightful review!

[AnnOgochukwu]

Ever thought about seeing the world from the woman's perspective? I am sure this book will be intriguing. Thanks for your detailed review and recommendation.

[Elvis Best]

The book sounds wonderful. I do enjoy Bible stories, too. Thanks for the insightful review. Good job!

[Sanju Lali]

A book which is adapted from a book of the Bible, the book of Job looks quite appealing . Thanks for your honest review.

[riyosha]

Damn, I initially thought the Job in question was Steve Job's. Silly me, anyway, thanks for the nice review.