Alabaster ~ Review

Alabaster
By Chris Aslan

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 

𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒐𝒖𝒔 𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒔𝒐 

𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒇𝒓𝒂𝒈𝒊𝒍𝒆

Alabaster is a moving story that features Mariam and Marta at its heart. Two sisters who are in circumstances beyond their control. They find themselves living in shame amongst those who have known them their whole lives. And with each loss in their lives, they are further shunned.

Mariam and Marta seemingly are caught in a world, a life, which they have no control of.  The men of their village govern as how they see best and association can ruin one for life. But there is so much more to this story.

Alabaster is allegorical in how it presents the story of Christ in a unique and meaningful way. Mariam and Marta take on the roles of Mary and Martha. I have to be honest when this book started I wasn't very happy with how it was going. But once the book progressed so that one could decern the Biblical similarities the story improved and it offered hope rather than the despair that seemed to be the path that was being followed. There is a teacher who helps those most in need, yet the government and religious leaders resent and oppose him as his followers grow in number. And throughout the story is an alabaster jar which is an important and pivotal part of this story. What is their greatest treasure is also their greatest burden.

This book is deceptive for its size. This story seems much longer than its 200 pages.  I would highly recommend this book for those who are looking for hope after despair.

I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher with no expectations of a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.


About the Book:

Mariam is stuck in an abusive marriage, living with her in-laws in a conservative, toxically religious village. A few years back, her father was given a jar of priceless perfume by a dying leper and it seemed as if their fortunes would improve, but then Mariam's father contracted leprosy and was exiled from the village. Mariam and her siblings, Eleazar and Marta, experience the shame and ostracism this brings. The precious jar that was meant to bring them freedom has only brought destruction. But rumors abound concerning a new doctor; perhaps hope is on the horizon...

Alabaster brings a first-century Middle Eastern village and its culture to life for modern-day readers.