Preview
  • The Handmaid and the Carpenter

  • A Novel
  • By: Elizabeth Berg
  • Narrated by: Elizabeth Berg
  • Length: 3 hrs and 44 mins
  • 3.6 out of 5 stars (30 ratings)

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The Handmaid and the Carpenter

By: Elizabeth Berg
Narrated by: Elizabeth Berg
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Publisher's summary

In this wonderful novel about love and trust, hope and belief, Elizabeth Berg, the best-selling author of We Are All Welcome Here and The Year of Pleasures, transports us to Nazareth in biblical times to reimagine the events of the classic Christmas story.

We meet Mary (young, strong, and inquisitive) as she first meets Joseph, a serious-minded young carpenter who is steadfastly devoted to the religious traditions of their people. The two become betrothed, but are soon faced with an unexpected pregnancy. Aided by a great and abiding love, they endure challenges to their relationship as well as threats to their lives as they come to terms with the mysterious circumstances surrounding the birth of their child, Jesus. For Mary, the pregnancy is a divine miracle and a privilege. For Joseph, it is an ongoing test, not only of his courage but of his faith in his wife as well as his God.

Exquisitely written and imbued with the truthful emotions and richness of detail that have earned Elizabeth Berg a devoted readership, The Handmaid and the Carpenter explores lives touched profoundly by miracles large and small. This powerful and moving novel is destined to become a classic.

©2006 Elizabeth Berg (P)2006 Random House, Inc.
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Critic reviews

"Poetic, reflective, and intricate." (Booklist)

What listeners say about The Handmaid and the Carpenter

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I loved it!

The story of Mary and Joseph is so special. Being RC, I have heard the story many times.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Superb!!!!

This book has given me the CHRISTmas spirit. And now that I have listened to it in Elizabeth Berg’s clear and expressive voice, I look forward to listening to it each Christmas and sharing the pleasure of it with others.

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Author’s Interpretation

This was such a lovely story of the author’s idea of what it may have been like for Joseph and Mary during that time. She painted a picture so vividly, there were moments that I felt like I could see the depiction perfectly. I love that she also notes that she took liberties in the story to make her version the story that it is. This is something I will go back to every December.

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Sweet story of Mary and Joseph

Readers of the Bible have always wanted more details of Jesus’ early life. We’ve asked, what happened to Joseph? Elizabeth Berg gives us a version that seems reasonable and is certainly entertaining. We will only know once we reach Heaven

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One star

I don’t like this book. Very well performed but as someone who loves Truth I can’t accept this as Truth. So for me it’s a no!

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not biblical do not recommend

if you are looking for a book true to scripture, don't get this book. The author takes huge liberties. I would not recommend this book.

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