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The Jewel of Medina

by: Sherry Jones

2008-10
For a story in which the protagonist begins her tale as a pre-pubescent female forced into marriage with a much older man, the book develops little empathy for, or understanding of, A'isha's plight. She starts out as a plucky but spoiled little girl clutching a pretend sword and ends with little more than those same qualities and a real sword decades later. No authentic inner struggle or transformation occurs. Similarly, any potential reader expecting to gain insight into Islam or its self-proclaimed prophet will come away disappointed. While some effort at basic research is evident, very little of the story echos with verisimilitude, an essential component of any quasi-historical work. Before beginning to scribble her manuscript notes the author ... Read More: