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Tobit

A Feminist Perspective on Grief and Family Dynamics

Michele Murray author Barbara E Reid editor Amy-Jill Levine editor

Format:Hardback

Publisher:Liturgical Press

Published:13th Jul '23

Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back

Tobit cover

This commentary on Tobit offers a feminist perspective on its themes of grief, family, and the struggle to understand divine intentions.

The Tobit narrative is filled with whimsical elements that include blindness caused by bird droppings, the tragic fate of seven husbands at the hands of a lovesick demon, and a father who buries his sons-in-law in the backyard. These absurdities contribute to the book's reputation as a humorous piece of literature, deeply rooted in the rich tradition of Jewish storytelling. However, the Tobit story transcends mere entertainment, as it also delves into profound themes that resonate with readers on a personal level.

While the comedic aspects may elicit laughter, they are juxtaposed with the characters' earnest struggles to comprehend the divine plan that governs their lives. This duality invites readers to engage with the text on a deeper level, fostering empathy for the characters as they navigate their challenges. The commentary surrounding the Tobit text explores these intricacies through a feminist perspective, addressing essential human experiences woven into the narrative.

Topics such as grief, death, and the complexities of family relationships are examined, alongside the issues faced by minority communities and individuals with disabilities. The exploration of why misfortune befalls good people adds another layer of depth, encouraging reflection and discussion. Ultimately, the Tobit story serves as both a humorous and poignant exploration of life's trials and tribulations.

"With this engaging treatment of Tobit, Michele Murray continues the high standards of the Wisdom Commentary Series. The social world of the story comes alive through comparisons to historical and modern equivalents. Feminist and intersectional concerns are prominent, creating a dialogue between ancient text and modern social issues. I was challenged on every page to return again to the text with new questions."
Lawrence M. Wills, Boston College School of Theology and Ministry
"This book, the first full-length feminist commentary on the Book of Tobit, is simply a delight—a commentary that fixes its lenses on the ancient context and our own. Not only does it inform the reader concerning the background of Tobit and the interpretive issues it raises, but it also addresses, with sensitivity and grace, the fundamental matters of equity that emerge from the book. Its intersectional approach lifts up the connections among gender, sexuality, race, and ability as they pertain to social justice. And it accomplishes all this in a highly readable, compelling style."
Adele Reinhartz, Distinguished University Professor, University of Ottawa

"Tobit is a romp and this commentary is a feminist tour through its fantastical world. With an expert’s hand, Michele Murray guides the reader through Tobit’s deeper questions about suffering, community identity, and God. At the same time, she offers a range of personal reflections (from others as well as her own) on disability, childlessness, pregnancy loss, widowhood, and the companionship of dogs.  Altogether, an engaging and thought-provoking commentary."
Jennifer L. Koosed, Professor of Religious Studies, Albright College
"An innovative approach to reading Tobit that interweaves basic information, feminist questions, and reflection arising out of the author's personal experience."
Eileen Schuller, Professor Emeritus, McMaster University, Ontario
"In her learned and lucid commentary on the humorous book of Tobit, Michele Murray bridges the distance between an ancient text and modern readers by harnessing the dynamic intersectional perspectives of contemporary feminism. Combining scholarly observations that shed light on the literary, intertextual, and cultural world of this work with insightful personal reflections and illustrative vignettes prompted by the social, ethical, and emotional dimensions of the story, Murray ensures that her readers will discover new meanings in the text and in themselves."
Christine Hayes, Sterling Professor of Religious Studies, Yale University
"A good introduction to a fascinating though too often side-lined book. Without being an in-depth critical commentary of Tobi, it serves as a useful guide for pastoral practice and an aid for the general student."
The Downside Review

ISBN: 9780814681145

Dimensions: 229mm x 152mm x 27mm

Weight: 652g

320 pages