Two From Galilee: The Story Of Mary And Joseph

I am with child... the child of Jahveh, himself. Even he of Joseph's lifelong covenant. God the victor. God—he saw it now—the rival.

Countless people are familiar with the biblical story of Mary and Joseph. The novel Two from Galilee by author Marjorie Holmes is one story I've encountered that illustrates what the couple's early experiences together might have been like.

Yes, it's a love story, with an old-fashioned flair that's much like dramatic poetry. There's depth and an almost painful beauty to it, and distinct characters with backstories, personalities, and different motives that come into play. Mary and Joseph's feelings for each other are unashamedly romantic, and yet their tale isn't all sunbursts and butterflies. It's set show more against a religious and political backdrop of uncertainty and violence. It's a tale about how flawed human beings might react when what they "claim to believe" may no longer just be an ideal concept that's a nice, safe distance away from reality.

It was a grave thing to become involved with God.

I'll admit, though, that while I appreciate the novel's poetic style, the many comma splices got to me sometimes. Also, while the story's depth is a plus, there were moments when I became a bit bogged down with all of the contemplation and such. I would've been fine with the story getting some ideas across more concisely and then moving on.

Even so, this is the second (or third?) time I've read this novel, and I see why so many other people have enjoyed it over the years. show less

Very good storytelling makes this a winner to read. Solid Christian doctrine makes it believable. With a combination like that, it's hard to go wrong.

I have just a few issues, though, with some of the characterizations. The first, and greatest, is with Mary's mother, Hannah. She is portrayed as a harsh, selfish, harpy of a woman who takes to her bed with headaches whenever she doesn't get her way. It was annoying at best and caused me to bristle every time she was involved in the story. When she finally broke at the end, believing that her daughter was actually carrying the Messiah, I felt no sympathy for her in the least. I was glad that she had finally received her mental comeuppance.

The other issue I had, albeit very minor, was show more Joseph's reaction to Mary's pregnancy. He was not angry in the least, but only confused. The text also doesn't indicate that he wanted to divorce her quietly, but that it was the urging of her father for him to do so. This story tells of a firm and steadfast Joseph who never waivers in his love and devotion to Mary. I don't think that's the way it could have happened, especially when the culture at the time called for the stoning death of the woman.

With that said, the writing was beautiful. I highlighted many passages in the course of my reading to be able to go back later and fully digest them, or to have the simple pleasure of reading them again. Mary's arrival at Elizabeth's and her reaction was a joy. Joseph's delivery of the Christ child was touching. It was a delight to read and I look forward to the other two in this series.

Highly recommended. show less

This was different from any "religious" book I have ever read. It had main themes from the Biblical story of Mary and Joseph, but also had some cultural norms and customs that are not included in the Bible, but were part of life at that time. It gave me a new perspective of how courtship/marriage, and regular family life was at the time of Jesus' birth.

I really enjoyed Joseph's tenderness and love toward Mary at the time of Jesus' birth. This would be a great read at Christmas time, but I am a bit early.

Two From Galilee: The Story Of Mary And Joseph

What a lovely book. I'm not one who reads many love stories. This one was worthy of my attention though; enough so that I have read it twice~January 2006 and July 2011.

This is Christian fiction. It isn't proselytization. It never attempts to sway anyone that Jesus is the Christ, it simply tells his story.

The story begins with Mary who has just become a woman and is now old enough to be betrothed to a willing suitor. Eventually Joseph is decided upon and the story takes off.

Holmes attempts something really big by putting words and feelings to the events leading up to Christ's birth and infancy. The scene she paints draws the reader in. A virgin birth? Even though it was foretold in the show more Prophets it was not something most people were willing to accept. Her father and her aunt, Elizabeth, however, did accept it. They were the first believers (in her telling). As the story progressed the scales fell from the eyes of her stern but loving mother, Hannah. The final pages bring the story to the point of the small family's flight to Egypt.

I read it again in 2024/2025.

Pg 215
For is not every birth a mystery and every child the child of God? show less

An interesting book that originally came out in the 70s. It looks at the relationship between Mary and Joseph as a romance (nonarranged marriage) but deviates considerably from the scripture texts. The author says that she spent time during several trips to the Holy Land to do research. She wrote another book called Three From Galilee which takes up where this books ends. The final chapters of this book end with the Magi's arrival and the flight to Egypt. I wanted to read this during Christmas to get in the mood but I actually finished it on New Year's Day. A departure from Anne Rice's book which is from the point of view of Jesus, this book has a narrator who includes the dialogue of many characters.

Two From Galilee is a beautifully written tale about the greatest love story of all time. Ms. Holmes combines the divine and earthly essence of Mary and Joseph's story and brings it to life!

While reading this fictional rendition of the age old true story, I found I could relate to both Mary and Joseph as real people. I gained a glimpse of what they may have gone through - their blessings, challenges and day to day lives. How their families and friends responded to God's miracle.

Every time I read this book, it brings me back to the absolutely true meaning of Christmas - the birth of Christ. I am blessed and awed again and again that God so loved us he sent His Son to save us. Thank You, Lord!

One author's interpretation of the story of Mary and Joseph, the parents of Jesus. I had read good things about this book, but I didn't really enjoy it. I didn't particularly like the characters, and I spent too much time analyzing how close to the truth I felt it too be. I couldn't just enjoy it.