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Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite
Most Christians are familiar with the story of the woman with the issue of blood whom Jesus healed. But the Bible doesn’t give many details about her. What was her name? What kind of life did she live before her encounter with Jesus? Veronica by Lucinda Weeks is a historical fiction story based on this woman's life that aptly answers these questions. Veronica never thought much of herself. She wasn’t considered beautiful and was also on the plump side, as her mother often liked to remind her. At fourteen, she met Nathaniel, and it was love at first sight. Although their life together was far from perfect, they were happy—until tragedy struck. A story about finding God, this book follows Veronica’s journey from childhood to motherhood, including the love, pain, heartache, and strife she experienced up to her fateful encounter with Jesus—and even after that.
The cover was the first thing that drew me into this book; it is striking. The picture of the woman is stunning and promised a riveting world filled with intrigue. I loved the Jewish traditions depicted in Nathaniel and Veronica’s wedding ceremony. It was also fascinating to read about the events of the New Testament in a new light, watching them unfold through Veronica’s eyes; for example, Herod killing the newborns and the trauma it brought to Veronica’s mother. The plot and character development were impeccable. Veronica was a strong protagonist. Though not perfect, her early life was filled with family and warmth, which made me ache for her more when her suffering started. Her story, her desperation and helplessness, leading to the moment when she touched Jesus’ cloak, were beautifully captured by Lucinda Weeks and moved me to tears. Weeks also seamlessly weaved personas and events from the Bible, such as Martha and Lazarus, Jairus and his sick daughter, and the woman with the alabaster jar of oil, with her characters, making the plot very believable. Veronica is one of the most beautiful books I’ve enjoyed reading.
