Woman of God
James Patterson, Maxine Paetro
Little, Brown and Company 2016
400 pages

 

The prologue of Woman of God, is set “20 years from now”.  It is Easter Sunday.  Amidst great stirrings and controversy, a new pope is about to be chosen.  The rumour is, she could be a woman.

Woman of God, by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro follows Brigid Fitzgerald, a church-loving woman who has her faith tested by many trials and tragedies that occur during her life.  From her challenging upbringing, to her selfless doctoring in the war-ravaged Sudan, she experiences the worst, and sometimes the best of what life has to offer.  Sadly, often the best is abruptly shattered, leaving her to wonder why God allows her to suffer such loss, and what He has in store for her future. Woman of God on Kindle

When her faith is the strongest, she finds herself in the most danger.  By standing up for her beliefs, she becomes a threat to the Catholic church itself.

Woman of God is an intriguing novel of faith.  Written in short chapter style, it is an exciting drama that grabs your attention.  It compels you to read further, as Brigid moves from country to country.  She experiences some very surreal moments while her life takes extreme twists and turns.

Woman of God by James Patterson and Maxine Paetro is a well-written and enjoyable book, with world events and concerns tied to its storyline.  Brigid is definitely an interesting and personable character, who is simultaneously extraordinary, and the common woman.  Nearer to the end, every additional crisis became a bit much; when she can’t possibly be happy for long before something else happens.

Eventually the plot returns full circle to Easter Sunday, but you will have to read the book to see what happens.

An interesting and certainly controversial topic, Woman of God is a good read.  It will definitely spark thoughtful discussions among the faithful and secular alike.