"A fascinating and thought-provoking reimagining of the story of the son of God set in an alternate reality, where virgin Maryam gives birth to a girl."
This reimagining of the story of the son of God is gently powerful and beautifully thought-provoking. Virgin Maryam gives birth to Avigayil in Nazareth, as she grows, Avigayil determines to be a boy, challenges thoughts and behaviours, and performs miracles. I found Him to be thoughtful and considerate, though I appreciate others may well have a completely different experience with the concept of this new story. Author Geoff Ryman has set the novel in an alternate reality, and writes with sensitivity and empathy. It was easy to slip into the tale as there are known frames of reference even though the story itself breaks new ground. Huge topics of family, love, relationships, and religion are attentively explored. Avigayil who becomes Yeshu, wasn’t ever completely known to me as they shone so brightly with such fierce strength and determination. Maryam, the mother, was absolutely fascinating, her journey was immense and hers was a more obvious path to be able to follow. This is a tale that stimulates emotions, and I cried as the story came to a close. Chosen as a Liz Pick of the Month, Him is compelling, intriguing and unforgettable.
| Primary Genre | Science Fiction |
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The long-awaited new book from multi-award winner Geoff Ryman.
An extraordinary science-fiction novel about identity, divinity and alternate reality – the story of the son of God.
“Women, of course, can not be sons of God,”
In the village of Nazareth, virgin Maryam and the wife of Yosef barLevi gives birth to a miracle: a little girl. She is named Avigayil, after her grandmother.
But as Avigayil grows, it’s clear she believes that she is destined to be someone greater than just the daughter of Maryam. From leading a gang of village boys to challenging the priests in the temple, Avigayil is determined to find her way as Yeshu, a man.
Yeshu can work miracles. He can see futures. He can speak for God.
A gripping, thoughtful sci-fi novel, tackling family, the multiverse and the survival of love through immense change and crisis.
HIM features in the following genres: Science Fiction, Liz Robinson's Picks of the Month, Recommendations, Fantasy, Sharing Diverse Voices, Religious and spiritual fiction, Criticism and exegesis of sacred texts, New Testaments, Religious and spiritual figures, Narrative theme: Sense of place, Narrative theme: Death, grief, loss, Narrative theme: Identity / belonging, Fiction, Aspects of religion, Religion and beliefs, Philosophy and Religion, Bibles, Christianity: sacred texts and revered writings, Christianity, Religious institutions and organizations, Fiction: narrative themes
HIM is available in Paperback
HIM was written by Geoff Ryman and published by Angry Robot an imprint of Watkins Media Limited
HIM has 376 pages
£8.99
