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LIBRARY JOURNAL
In her latest book, Wood, who is well known for her epic
novels (The Prophetess), chronicles human development by following
the passage of a precious stone throughout history. The stone, a
striking blue meteorite that fell to Earth three millions years ago, is
first found by early humans in Africa when they are just learning to plan
for the future. They attribute their new understanding to the discovery
of the stone.
Thus begins the legend of the stone as it passes through
history from Ancient Israel, to Imperial Rome, to Medieval England, to
the colonial Caribbean and finally the American West. In each episode,
the individuals who come into contact with the stone are captivated by
its beauty, influenced by the powers instilled in it, and often involved
in significant human cultural developments. In each era, Wood creates
genuine, engaging characters whose stories are fascinating although a
bit uneven in the latter episodes. This novel should earn Wood the
larger audience in the United States that she deserves. Recommended
for all public libraries. Karen T. Bilton, Somerset Cty. Lib.,
Bridgewater, NJ
THE BLESSING STONE
By Barbara Wood
St Martin's Press (464 pp)
$25.95
January 12, 2003
ISBN: 0-312-27534-X
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