A haunting and def necessary deep dive into how women are shaped, erased, and rebuilt through a religious, cultural, and even personal lens. In tackling these systems of power, McDonald’s voice is strong and precise while maintaining empathy and centuries of myth and expectation are unraveled. This felt like both an academic unpacking and a personal reckoning, and I found myself highlighting whole passages. If you're drawn to feminist theology, deconstruction, or simply tired of being told to be a "Mary," this one will hit hard. My gender and sexuality studies degree was THRIVING.

The extensive bibliography at the end of this book shows just how much time, research, and energy was put into what ultimately feels like a very well written thesis paper. An engaging and thought provoking piece, this book led me down a number of rabbit holes and grabbing my Bible to read sections that weren't as familiar to me. Tying in a modern mother's struggle with social medias, the Covid-19 pandemic, and other issues affecting our daily lives to what historical motherhood truly was, and what it is traditionally presented as, allowed a personal connection to what my experience as a mother has been. This is definitely a book that has given me food for thought while affirming my place as a good mother. I read this book through NetGalley.

A thought provoking approach to the topic and person of Mary. Some good thoughts, some very fresh and some more familiar.

(I received a free digital copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the e-ARC. This book is a masterpiece manifesto of motherhood and Mary - and how they both enable us to see our loving God afresh in in their stubborn hope and action.