Childsong (Paperback)

by Barbara Wood (Author)
Key Phrases: spontaneous parthenogenesis, Father Crispin, Jonas Wade, Barbara Wood (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
“Barbara Wood is an entertainer.”—Washington Post Book World

From master storyteller Barbara Wood comes an engrossing suspense novel about a young girl caught between the possibilities of science and the mysteries of faith.

According to the doctors, seventeen-year-old Mary McFarland is pregnant. But Mary knows she is a virgin, despite her strange symptoms. In 1960s America, a woman’s worst social disgrace is to become pregnant out of wedlock. A good Catholic high school girl, Mary suddenly finds herself at the center of a scandal, rejected and ostracized by family, friends, and even her priest. At first she doesn’t accept what people say and thinks something else is wrong with her. But no one will believe her or try to help.

When a doctor begins to wonder if Mary’s claim to innocence could possibly be justified, he begins to investigate. The scientific theory he develops to explain her pregnancy is so bizarre and such a medical oddity that he knows the McFarland family, the church—and the world—will very likely refuse to accept it. But if he is right, what kind of child is Mary carrying? Mary and her family are suddenly trapped in a chilling conflict between the possibilities of science—and the mysteries of faith.

About the Author
Barbara Wood is the author of twenty-three acclaimed novels, including Green City in the Sun, The Dreaming, Virgins of Paradise, and The Blessing Stone. She lives in California.

Product Details

• Paperback: 214 pages
• Publisher: Authors Choice Press (June 19, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0595433308
• ISBN-13: 978-0595433308
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #599,895 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You Must Decide For Yourself..., July 19, 2000

By	R. Prescott "longplayer1" (Blackfoot, Idaho USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Childsong (Mass Market Paperback)

I purchased this book a few years back. We took this book with us on vacation. Be prepared, this is a book you will read in one sitting. It's an American tale of morality, disbelief, and betrayal that will strike a chord in all people of both sexes and every religion. When the vacation was nearing it's end, every adult, save one, in our group of 11 had read the book, and thoroughly enjoyed it. They were all ready to discuss it around the campfire. It made for some fasinating conversation. I was amazed how such a close knit group of people could all read the same book and come to so many logical conclusions. Set in modern times it's a well written, gripping, emotional, exciting, thought provoking, controversial, entertaining & well researched American novel. Another reason why Barbara Wood is an undiscovered American Treasure.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Is not her style., April 16, 2002

By	Jorge Frid (Mexico City) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Childsong (Hardcover)

This is not the best novel of Barbara, the story is interesting and may be could be real, I am not a doctor but if this story could be real we have to learn a lot more of the human body.
In general I like more The Virgins of Paradise, Green City in the Sun or Sacred Ground is more her writing style.