"In this fine debut, McHugh combines scholarship with intriguing fictionalizations. This engrossing exploration of gender dynamics, identity, and the spiritual quest for meaning will appeal to Buddhists and general readers alike."

"McHugh deftly manages to vividly convey a moving drama with a message about female empowerment at its core without indulging in any heavy-handed, didactic sermonizing. This is an impressive tapestry of history, spiritual philosophy, and literary drama and an edifying look at the patriarchal limitations of Buddhism's genesis. An intelligently conceived and artistically executed reconsideration of religious history."

"Blending new scholarship, established myth, and skillful storytelling, McHugh delivers an inspiring portrait of a woman challenging the patriarchy."

"A luminous, imaginative story of love, courage, and devotion."

"Lovely, poetic prose illuminates this novel of the historical Buddha, his wife, and his followers. McHugh gives elegant new voice and form to this ancient story, telling the story from a female's unique perspective, and in doing so creates a fresh tale that will both entertain and inspire readers. Recommended." (Editor's Choice)

"Overall, this novel is about identity, gender norms, and enlightenment. The characters feel very real and complex. The setting of Ancient Nepal comes alive. The prose is lush and evocative. I love the first person narrative of the story because I came away feeling as if I knew Yashodhara. Bride of the Buddha is a very feminist novel because it highlights the injustices of women in a patriarchal society. Bride of the Buddha takes the reader on a spiritual journey that shines light on a forgotten but important historical figure."

"Firmly immersed in both Buddhist practice and historical research, it's a thoroughly satisfying read... Bride of the Buddha is a thoroughly engaging story. ... This book gives you spiritual wisdom you can use."

"Bride of the Buddha is a breath of fresh air. As a deeply personal account from the eyes of Yasodhara, the wife of the Buddha, it presents a unique eyewitness account of Siddhartha's journey and the origin of Buddhist theology that compels readers to reanalyze the extent of their knowledge while appreciating a beautifully written story. Barbara McHugh presents a much-needed perspective on the subject of early patriarchal limitations of Buddhism, concurrently telling an emotional story of an individual's search for identity, truth, and spiritual enlightenment while still staying very close to the canonical accounts (the Pali Canon)."