Customer Reviews

How Far to Bethlehem?

5 star:		(14)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This book is one for the ages. It improves with each reading, as more and more of the subtle pieces Ms Loft weaves into the story fit together. In addition to the principle story line already mentioned, I am fascinated with the way all the peripheral characters allude to characters in other Biblical stories. The inn keeper's story seems to be the man the Good Samaritan saved, for example. I can imagine Jesus hearing these stories as a child, and using them later in his ministry. Very believable. For lots of reasons - this book stays with you! I really hope I can find another copy.

I read this book years ago when I was in high school and made the fateful mistake of lending it out and never getting it back. The story of Mary and Joseph is written in their time but as if it was happening to everyday people - hence their honest reactions to the situation are readily identifiable to the reader. The 3 wise men are again ordinary people caught up in extraordinary circumstances. The memory of the story has stayed with me over the years and I would love to be able to find another copy of it to call my own (and no lending out!).

Just the most special story. Makes Mary's story one that any mother or mother to be can empathize with and put wonderful detail into the old story that never gets old. Unfortunatly my mother can no longer see to read but it would be wonderful if she could listen to an audio tape. Im sure there are many more who would like to revisit this story by listening. Merry Christmas 2003.

I've read HFTB several times, and the story, though familiar, is still fresh and captivating. A great read, and a great "you are there" experience. I would gladly recommend this book for any avid reader, from 12 on up. (Knowing the biblical "back story" is helpful, but not essential--in fact the book may inspire one to read the Scriptural accounts in Matthew and Luke closely)

What a creative, imaginative, satisfying book. Not overly religious, but historical in nature. I have read it several times and love it. Highly recommended.

This book has stayed with me for years. I was pregnant at fifteen & Lofts portrayed feelings I had & showed such a human & accurate side to Mary as a real human being that I want to be able to pass this book along to my grandaughter & her friends!

I read this book years ago when it was first published.I was thrilled with it, and would enjoy reading it again,if I could find it. It is a simple story of Mary and Joesph on their way to Bethlehem. It tells what befalls them on their way. This story is told in their day and time. It is a wonderful way Norah Lofts has written this, makes one feel as if you were there.

I have read this book almost every Christmas since I first got it as a teenager. It is wonderful, and heartwarming. Each character comes to life in the book. I would like to get a more permanent copy because my old one is torn and falling apart and a few years ago the last page fell out and is now missing. I continue to read the book every Christmas, but without the last page it is very frustrating. Please, re-publish this book. I may even get several copies as gifts.

Although I'm not a "religious" person, I love this book and read it every Christmas. I also bought copies for my mother and one of my daughters as gifts. I do not know how much it follows the Bible, and frankly I don't care...it sounds "real" to me.

I thoroughly enjoyed this retelling of the nativity story. The narrative follows the various players involved in the nativity story, and the journey made by each of them to Bethlehem.

Each individual is traveling for his own reasons, and not every traveler is aware of why they are on their journey, just that they know they must reach Bethlehem. Norah Lofts brings each person to life, and you can get swept away in the story, even though you know the ultimate outcomes. I particularly liked the descriptions of the various angel visits, as they focused, not on what was seen, but how the person felt in the presence of the angel and, therefore, became more powerful and more believable.

This book will certainly stay with me, and will be one that I return to year after year.