Introduction

A ForeWord Reviews Book of the Year for Historical Fiction!

From the perspective of a young girl with what is now known as Aspergers, Thorne weaves twists into the Biblical story, entwining myth, history, and archeological findings with her vivid imagination.

Na’amah wishes only to be a shepherdess on her beloved hills in ancient Turkey— a desire shattered by the hatred of her powerful brother and the love of two men.

Her savant abilities and penchant to speak truth forces her to walk a dangerous path in an age of change— a time of challenge to the goddess’ ancient ways, when cultures clash and the earth itself is unstable. When foreign raiders kidnap her, Na’amah’s journey to escape and return home becomes an attempt to save her people from the disaster only she knows is coming.

EXCERPT:

“My name, Na’amah, means pleasant or beautiful. I am not always pleasant, but I am beautiful. Perhaps that is why I am trundled atop this beast like a roll of hides for market and surrounded by grim-faced men. If my captors had bothered to ask me, I would have told them that their prize is of questionable value because my mind is damaged. But they did not, and I lie draped, belly down, across the back of an auroch, a large black ox with an eel stripe that runs down his spine and a stench worse than a rutting goat.

CRITICAL PRAISE:

“. . . a terrific storyteller.”
— Sena Jeter Naslund, Bestselling novelist, Ahab's Wife, Four Spirits, etc.

“. . . an extraordinary work.”
—Dianne Mooney, founder of Southern Living At Home

“. . . a novel of epic sweep, emotional power, and considerable beauty.”
—Ron Gholson, The Blount Countian

“. . . awed at Thorne’s ability to work magic with words. Her mastery kept me awake many nights.”
—Sherry Kughn, Anniston Star

“Noah's Wife is one of the best novels I have ever read— and I average about a book a week.”
—Barry Marks, Alabama Poetry Book of the Year for Possible Crocodiles

“So compelling and readable. Brava! Excellent! I am basking in the glow of a fascinating, complex read.”
—Jane Archer, Professor of English, Birmingham Southern College

“Well-researched, well-written, engaging book that is absolutely one of the best reads I have had in a long time.”
—Gail Sheldon, Director Oneonta Public Library

“Masterfully created . It is a MUST READ! Thorne is exceptionally gifted in her sensitivity to life, love, and loss.”
—L. Nolan-Ruiz, Editor, InternationalBookCafé.com

“A novel of great enchantment, suspense and power . . . looks like a BESTSELLER to me.”
—Malcom R. Campbell, author,
Sun Seeker and Jock Stewart and the Missing Sea of Fire

“. . . with an understanding of what makes us humans tick, Thorne looks at our origins in a brand new way. It’s more Clan of the Cave Bear than theological treatise—and that's a whole lot more fun!”
—John Archibald, Birmingham News

“Not since Mists of Avalon or Ahab’s Wife have I enjoyed such a finely crafted woman’s point of view on an oft-told tale.”
—Perle Champion, freelance writer and artist, Alabama Writer's Forum

A few interesting tidbits:

• Scientists (including Robert Ballard, the explorer who found the sunken Titanic) discovered evidence that the Black Sea was once a fresh water lake that flooded in a cataclysmic event around 5500.

• The oldest known worshipped deity was female! The role of the feminine in the divine was entwined with early Judaism and keeps reappearing throughout history.

• One in every 88 persons has a form of autism. The choice to make Noah’s wife an Asperger savant stemmed from personal experience in the author’s life and gives the story a distinctive perspective.

Editorial Review

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Excerpt

See web links to read an excerpt view abbreviated excerpt only...

Discussion Questions

1. Does this book challenge your perception of the way the story of Noah is traditionally told?
How do you feel about that?
2. Noah’s Wife predates organized religion. The author uses the concepts of Father God and
Mother Goddess in the book. Do they have validity today?
3. How does Na’amah perceive and relate to the world because of her Asperger Syndrome?
4. How does her condition help her/limit her on her journey?
5. How did Savta influence Na’amah’s perception of herself?
6. Discuss how your perception of Tubal changes as the story evolves.
7. What part does understanding the “cycle of violence” play in forgiveness? Can you forgive
Tubal? Yanner?
8. The Queen bee is a symbol of the goddess. How is the symbol used in the story?
9. How do the relationships between Yanner, Noah, and Na’amah define the different aspects of love?

Weblinks

»	Read an excerpt
»	Author's web site

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