I’ve read several James Patterson novels and I know him for his mysteries. Woman of God is a departure from those books as Patterson dives into what I’ll call Christian Fiction. While the subject matter is completely different, Patterson fans might be pleased to know that this book follows the same writing style (short chapter and sentence format) of previous books.
Woman of God begins 20 years in the future with the world awaiting news of a new pope. Is it possible that the new pope would be a woman?! Then comes the reader’s introduction to Brigid Fitzgerald. From her difficult childhood to her career as a doctor healing the wounded in Sudan to a series of trials we follow Brigid’s journey of faith. I found Brigid’s character to be totally unbelievable. A couple of trials, I can relate to that. But this woman went through way more than I can wrap my head around. And faith? What faith? I didn’t find faith to be the focus of this story at all. Patterson’s short and choppy sentences work against him here. I felt like big portions of the book were not explained fully and like there were big holes in the story requiring much more depth.
What kept me reading you may ask? I was intrigued enough to want to know what would happen. I wanted to see how all the elements of the story would play out, even if the journey didn’t feel completely credible. How much more would the writers (this book is co-authored with Maxine Paetro) put the main character through? I liked this book and read it quickly enough but in the end I think it’s a bit far-fetched. I’ll stick with Patterson’s mysteries from now on.
I received an uncorrected proof of this book from Book Expo America in May 2016.
Rating: 3 stars
Reviewer: Jennifer
Title: Woman of God
Authors: James Patterson & Maxine Paetro
Release Date: September 26, 2016
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