What do you think?
Rate this book
The Lambswool Chronicles
Legacy: A Novel
When a raven-haired beauty from a prosperous Ephraimite family finds herself betrothed to one of the most eligible bachelors in Bethlehem, she can hardly fathom the blessings on her life. Though far from home in a town not her own, and though others in the family wish her ill, she believes YHWH, the One True God, has brought her here and has a specific plan and purpose for her life. As long as she has her beloved by her side, she reasons, she can withstand any trial.
But after a series of tragic events causes the man of her dreams to doubt his legacy as a veritable Israelite, their very future as man and wife hangs in the balance. Nitzevet must find the courage to stand against all reason, all custom, and all decorum in favor of a higher calling.
Charged with adultery and yet claiming her innocence, Nitzevet sets about to overcome the seemingly impossible task of honoring her husband while protecting her son, of assuming the life of a servant while raising a shepherd boy destined to be king.
From an award-winning author with her debut novel comes a thrilling tale of a woman called to stand against all she has ever held dear to carry out the will of the Most High God—not only for herself or for her family, but for all of history.
Anna Moore Bradfield has a passion for stirring spiritual appetites through characters of Scripture. She identifies the depth of her characters and finds them in situations not often revealed in Christian fiction. In the process, she travels to new depths within herself and appreciates the world around her in new and unique ways. Born and raised in the Midwest, Anna loves the home she has built with her husband, John, and her fur baby, Gus, in West Michigan. Her moments of greatest joy are hanging out with family. She also loves reading, crafting, sewing, gardening, baking, and tooling around on the family’s pontoon boat.
But after a series of tragic events causes the man of her dreams to doubt his legacy as a veritable Israelite, their very future as man and wife hangs in the balance. Nitzevet must find the courage to stand against all reason, all custom, and all decorum in favor of a higher calling.
Charged with adultery and yet claiming her innocence, Nitzevet sets about to overcome the seemingly impossible task of honoring her husband while protecting her son, of assuming the life of a servant while raising a shepherd boy destined to be king.
From an award-winning author with her debut novel comes a thrilling tale of a woman called to stand against all she has ever held dear to carry out the will of the Most High God—not only for herself or for her family, but for all of history.
Anna Moore Bradfield has a passion for stirring spiritual appetites through characters of Scripture. She identifies the depth of her characters and finds them in situations not often revealed in Christian fiction. In the process, she travels to new depths within herself and appreciates the world around her in new and unique ways. Born and raised in the Midwest, Anna loves the home she has built with her husband, John, and her fur baby, Gus, in West Michigan. Her moments of greatest joy are hanging out with family. She also loves reading, crafting, sewing, gardening, baking, and tooling around on the family’s pontoon boat.
328 pages, Paperback
First published March 24, 2023
1 person is currently reading
29 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
June 1, 2023
Legacy: A Novel, by Anna Bradfield, is the first of it’s series in the Lambswool Chronicles. Legacy is a Christian historical fiction novel that tells the story of Nitzevet (also known as Bet), the mother of King David in the Bible. We see Bet, married to Jesse, go through great trials in her marriage as Jesse questions his legitimacy as an Israelite. This strain on their marriage causes a slew of events to follow, not the least of which involve accusations of adultery and separation.
Pros:
I absolutely love Christian Historical Fiction! It helps me to see the Bible in a new light, able to see the people written in the scriptures as ones with full lives and feelings and trials. It sends me into study over the named people and scenarios as I compare between the realistic and the fictional. I thought the storyline was interesting and captured my attention. I liked the way Anna Bradfield wove scripture into her story through conversation between characters as well.
Critiques:
I struggled connecting with the characters. I did find the character development lacking a bit which made it more difficult for me to make those connections. One tell-tale aspect of some of my favorite authors in this same genre (such as Lynn Austin, Francine Rivers, and Tessa Afshar) is that ability to have strong storylines and emotions surrounding every character that you can’t help but cry or laugh when they do. I struggled to feel those same emotions here. I felt as if certain areas of the story that would easily require emotion, even the characters themselves did not seem to feel it beyond a sentence or two. I felt in the dark about the histories of the characters, as the author did not go to many lengths to describe these things. I believe should that have happened, the character development would have begun to take more shape and connections better made.
The other area I struggled with was a sense of unfinished business at the end of the story. While I imagine the intention was to have a cliffhanger to prepare for the next book in the series, I felt as if the closure that was needed for this book just wasn’t there, particularly with Jesse’s son, Eliab.
Lastly in my critique was the sensual side of this book. Prior to becoming a Christian, I was not unfamiliar with steamier books. Upon becoming a believer, I purposely stay away from those sorts of stories and try to stick to mostly Christian books to avoid those sorts of scenes. This book, in my opinion, teetered on the edge of “too steamy” for a Christian book. Describing certain body parts and desires in such a way and detail, I felt was a bit much in this story. There was much emphasis in the story of these very base human desires – and it’s not that they aren’t biblical, but when reading almost as a voyeur, seemed wrong to go into the kind of detail that I felt the author was going to.
To sum up:
Overall, this book was entertaining, though does requires some imagination as the storyline was a bit of a reach at times. It showed biblical persons in a light I may not have thought of as possibilities until reading this. If you enjoy Christian historical bible fiction, you may enjoy this book thoroughly. If you’re someone that likes nice loose ends tied up at the end of the book, this may not be the book for you. I will include a trigger warning below regarding rape. If you would rather not read on, stop reading now!
** TRIGGER WARNING – SPOILER ALERT**
This story contains a rape scene that is described in such a way as to be quite triggering to those sensitive to this topic. If this is a trigger for you, this may be one to pass up.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for my honest review. My opinion is fully my own.*
Pros:
I absolutely love Christian Historical Fiction! It helps me to see the Bible in a new light, able to see the people written in the scriptures as ones with full lives and feelings and trials. It sends me into study over the named people and scenarios as I compare between the realistic and the fictional. I thought the storyline was interesting and captured my attention. I liked the way Anna Bradfield wove scripture into her story through conversation between characters as well.
Critiques:
I struggled connecting with the characters. I did find the character development lacking a bit which made it more difficult for me to make those connections. One tell-tale aspect of some of my favorite authors in this same genre (such as Lynn Austin, Francine Rivers, and Tessa Afshar) is that ability to have strong storylines and emotions surrounding every character that you can’t help but cry or laugh when they do. I struggled to feel those same emotions here. I felt as if certain areas of the story that would easily require emotion, even the characters themselves did not seem to feel it beyond a sentence or two. I felt in the dark about the histories of the characters, as the author did not go to many lengths to describe these things. I believe should that have happened, the character development would have begun to take more shape and connections better made.
The other area I struggled with was a sense of unfinished business at the end of the story. While I imagine the intention was to have a cliffhanger to prepare for the next book in the series, I felt as if the closure that was needed for this book just wasn’t there, particularly with Jesse’s son, Eliab.
Lastly in my critique was the sensual side of this book. Prior to becoming a Christian, I was not unfamiliar with steamier books. Upon becoming a believer, I purposely stay away from those sorts of stories and try to stick to mostly Christian books to avoid those sorts of scenes. This book, in my opinion, teetered on the edge of “too steamy” for a Christian book. Describing certain body parts and desires in such a way and detail, I felt was a bit much in this story. There was much emphasis in the story of these very base human desires – and it’s not that they aren’t biblical, but when reading almost as a voyeur, seemed wrong to go into the kind of detail that I felt the author was going to.
To sum up:
Overall, this book was entertaining, though does requires some imagination as the storyline was a bit of a reach at times. It showed biblical persons in a light I may not have thought of as possibilities until reading this. If you enjoy Christian historical bible fiction, you may enjoy this book thoroughly. If you’re someone that likes nice loose ends tied up at the end of the book, this may not be the book for you. I will include a trigger warning below regarding rape. If you would rather not read on, stop reading now!
** TRIGGER WARNING – SPOILER ALERT**
This story contains a rape scene that is described in such a way as to be quite triggering to those sensitive to this topic. If this is a trigger for you, this may be one to pass up.
*I was given a complimentary copy of this story in exchange for my honest review. My opinion is fully my own.*
June 21, 2023
The Legacy was better than I expected!
I knew where the storyline was going - well, really the early history of King David, though it took some time to get there. We have Nitzevet bat Adel (Bet) entering Bethlehem to marry Jesse, son of Obed and grandson to Ruth. Observing the entrance, but ignorant of the reason for the entrance is Eliab, Jesse's son from his first wife who immediately falls for Bet and becomes seething jealous when he sees she's there to marry his father. From here, the story goes on to describe the growth of the family and Eliab, who was wanting to marry from the onset of the book, finally getting married to one of Bet's cousins, who happens to resemble Bet. As life is happening, Jesse is brooding over two things - 1.) Who will take care of his flock, whereas he refused to let any of his sons to become shepherds, and 2.) Is he really a child of Israel - this question stemming from the fact that Ruth, his grandmother, was a Moabite, and the thought is Moabites cannot convert to children of Israel. At this time, Bet is pregnant and Jesse needed to travel for business. Jesse, to the men he was with, talks about this and states that if his child is a boy, his doubts will be resolved. However, Jesse comes home to a daughter. This is where the crux of the book begins...
Personally, I initially thought this book was predictable, but I was wrong! I loved that I was wrong! This is a must read for those who love biblical fiction and of course those who are interested in King David! Beware: this book is meant to be the first book of a series and it ends as a cliffhanger.
I knew where the storyline was going - well, really the early history of King David, though it took some time to get there. We have Nitzevet bat Adel (Bet) entering Bethlehem to marry Jesse, son of Obed and grandson to Ruth. Observing the entrance, but ignorant of the reason for the entrance is Eliab, Jesse's son from his first wife who immediately falls for Bet and becomes seething jealous when he sees she's there to marry his father. From here, the story goes on to describe the growth of the family and Eliab, who was wanting to marry from the onset of the book, finally getting married to one of Bet's cousins, who happens to resemble Bet. As life is happening, Jesse is brooding over two things - 1.) Who will take care of his flock, whereas he refused to let any of his sons to become shepherds, and 2.) Is he really a child of Israel - this question stemming from the fact that Ruth, his grandmother, was a Moabite, and the thought is Moabites cannot convert to children of Israel. At this time, Bet is pregnant and Jesse needed to travel for business. Jesse, to the men he was with, talks about this and states that if his child is a boy, his doubts will be resolved. However, Jesse comes home to a daughter. This is where the crux of the book begins...
Personally, I initially thought this book was predictable, but I was wrong! I loved that I was wrong! This is a must read for those who love biblical fiction and of course those who are interested in King David! Beware: this book is meant to be the first book of a series and it ends as a cliffhanger.
May 17, 2023
“Legacy” is an aptly-named, biblically-based novel depicting the family of Old Testament patriarch Jesse, who is best-known today as the father of the legendary King David of Israel.
The dramatized story turns on family dynamics colored by the era's religious practices and cultural mores. The journey proves challenging as the narrative details faithfulness and devotion as well as scheming and plotting among family members and associates.
Depictions of characters such as Eliab (Jesse's eldest son) may send readers scurrying to their Bibles to see where and how they fit into the overarching story. Several other figures are added in supporting-the-story roles.
Intrigue is never far. There are lies, unfaithfulness, deception and even a murder or two mixed in.
Added are detailed descriptions of everyday life: dress, diet, the work of shepherding and overall living conditions in Palestine a thousand years before Christ.
Each of the major figures has left a legacy - whether noble or troubling - that still stands today. But over the course of her years, Nitzevet, the wife of Jesse and mother of David, emerges as a hero through her consistent dedication to her God YHWH, her husband and her son.
-TDB
The dramatized story turns on family dynamics colored by the era's religious practices and cultural mores. The journey proves challenging as the narrative details faithfulness and devotion as well as scheming and plotting among family members and associates.
Depictions of characters such as Eliab (Jesse's eldest son) may send readers scurrying to their Bibles to see where and how they fit into the overarching story. Several other figures are added in supporting-the-story roles.
Intrigue is never far. There are lies, unfaithfulness, deception and even a murder or two mixed in.
Added are detailed descriptions of everyday life: dress, diet, the work of shepherding and overall living conditions in Palestine a thousand years before Christ.
Each of the major figures has left a legacy - whether noble or troubling - that still stands today. But over the course of her years, Nitzevet, the wife of Jesse and mother of David, emerges as a hero through her consistent dedication to her God YHWH, her husband and her son.
-TDB
July 18, 2023
Anna Moore Bradfield hits the mark of the life of Jesse ben Obed living conditions. In his house lives a serpent named Eliab. He is the eldest son and lusts after his father's new wife, Nizebet. Nizebet loves Jesse and has given his three sons before tragedy strikes. This story gives a reasonable explanation of why David is consigned to being a shepherd and not even thought of as a son of Jesse. The story is about restoration of honor and respect after being dragged down into the dirt by Eliab's lying tongue. The man's evil is great and known only by Amos, a shepherd who works for Jesse. YHWH's love is great for Nisebet and uses Eliab's evil to work for his plan for David. All that shepherding sheep prepares him on how to lead his people as King. The only part of the story I do not like is the ending. It takes away from the celebration of the redemption of Nizebet and Jesse's eyes being opened to the truth. If there is to be a second book in the series, the part about Eliab should have been left as an opener to the book. The ending left me angry and left me hanging on to what happens next. With that being said, the story is excellent without the epilogue. Nisebet is a woman who only wants her husband and her actions shine even in the dark days of her marriage. She endures, prays and believes that YHWH will redeem her, and He does, spectacularly.
August 7, 2023
Biblical fiction is my favorite genre, and this one was no exception.
Overall, I thought this new to me author has done very well in capturing the tough subjects.
I loved reading about King David's parents and getting to know them personally through this wonderful story.
There were lots of interesting twists and turns that made me keep turning the pages of this book. I just couldn't put it down until I finished it.
I loved seeing these characters in a different light, and I love how this author brought them to life along with their many flaws.
Especially Jesse. Jesse was a perfect example of being flawed and struggled with life's journey. I get it.
Look to the Lord my friends like David did. He will never leave you or forsake you even when u think He's not there he is.
5 stars for a well written story. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Overall, I thought this new to me author has done very well in capturing the tough subjects.
I loved reading about King David's parents and getting to know them personally through this wonderful story.
There were lots of interesting twists and turns that made me keep turning the pages of this book. I just couldn't put it down until I finished it.
I loved seeing these characters in a different light, and I love how this author brought them to life along with their many flaws.
Especially Jesse. Jesse was a perfect example of being flawed and struggled with life's journey. I get it.
Look to the Lord my friends like David did. He will never leave you or forsake you even when u think He's not there he is.
5 stars for a well written story. I highly recommend!
My thanks for a copy of this book. I was NOT required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 6, 2023
Legacy by Anna Moore Bradfield is the story of Nitzevet bat Adel (Bet), the mother of King David. It takes a while to arrive at David’s birth. Nitzevet bat Adel (Bet) is much younger than Jesse being the second wife after the first had died. Just the age difference could have caused problems but in this historical fiction story it causes huge issues since Jesse has some grown children.
The story is one that is full of trials for these people, who are easily swayed by rumors and hearsay. However, one should be reminded that this is fiction, historical perhaps but fiction, nonetheless. An interesting read of what could have happened but perhaps reality was very different.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
The story is one that is full of trials for these people, who are easily swayed by rumors and hearsay. However, one should be reminded that this is fiction, historical perhaps but fiction, nonetheless. An interesting read of what could have happened but perhaps reality was very different.
The publisher through Net Galley provided a complimentary digital copy. I have voluntarily decided to read and review, giving my personal opinions and thoughts.
April 5, 2023
I was blessed to be invited to pre-read the first three chapters of Anna Bradfield’s new novel, “Legacy.” This was my first exposure to Historical Biblical fiction, and I was easily transported back in time from page one. Anna's way of walking the reader through every detail is what I love as a reader, and using a third-person omniscient narrator allows the reader to see what all the characters are thinking. Anna did an incredible job keeping to the historical references, language, and landscape as she spun her fictional tale. You walk away with a more profound desire to understand the real-life people of the Bible and how they aren't that different from us.
I look forward to finishing it. Well done, my friend!
I look forward to finishing it. Well done, my friend!
May 15, 2024
Legacy: A Novel by author Anna Moore Bradfield is a Biblical fiction novel. It is the author’s perception of what might have occurred in the lives of King David's parents. This was a very interesting book that opened up new ideas on David’s father, Jesse.
The author has an inviting style of writing. I was quickly engaged in the book. The characters were thoughtfully crafted and believable with their flaws. Twists and turns kept me turning page after page. A lot of research was done before writing this book. It is well organized, written, and thought.
I recommend this to lovers of Biblical fiction. It would make a great small group selection. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.
The author has an inviting style of writing. I was quickly engaged in the book. The characters were thoughtfully crafted and believable with their flaws. Twists and turns kept me turning page after page. A lot of research was done before writing this book. It is well organized, written, and thought.
I recommend this to lovers of Biblical fiction. It would make a great small group selection. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars. A copy was provided by NetGalley, but these are my honest words.
April 2, 2023
Simply FABULOUS!
"Legacy", Anna Moore Bradfield's debut novel, also book one in the Lambswool Chronicles, is Biblical fiction at its best! All about Nitzevet, King David's mother, you will be fascinated by her story of love and passion, grit and determination. Not only is she forced to defend her own innocence to protect her reputation and that of her husband Jesse, but also she must face adversity that would challenge the strongest woman's level of endurance. And she does it all with utmost grace and for the glory and honor of the One True God, YHWH.
"Legacy" is an engrossing story that will leave its readers clamoring for the next installment in the series.
"Legacy", Anna Moore Bradfield's debut novel, also book one in the Lambswool Chronicles, is Biblical fiction at its best! All about Nitzevet, King David's mother, you will be fascinated by her story of love and passion, grit and determination. Not only is she forced to defend her own innocence to protect her reputation and that of her husband Jesse, but also she must face adversity that would challenge the strongest woman's level of endurance. And she does it all with utmost grace and for the glory and honor of the One True God, YHWH.
"Legacy" is an engrossing story that will leave its readers clamoring for the next installment in the series.
April 4, 2023
Wow! I have read through the Bible every year for the past 5 years, but this book has presented biblical characters and Jewish tradition in a way I had never considered before. The characters come alive and have personalities that make them very unique and relatable. The courage and strength of Nitzevet and the loyalty of her handmaid are character traits that are admirable and make you a kindred spirit in their quest for the truth to come out. I am looking forward to reading the next book and watching this story evolve (yeah, I already know how it's going to end because it's the story of David, but I'm relishing the journey Anna is taking us on to get there!)
July 7, 2023
Legacy
Many of us do not know the full story behind the shepherd boy who became King David of Biblical renown.
The story of Nitzevet comes from the supplemental material attached to the Torah, the Jewish Bible. This remarkable woman helped create one of the most noteworthy leaders in human history. A person can see how King David developed his courage and strength, having faced adversity from such a young age, and having had such a stellar role model in his mother.
This book must be read to be appreciated. It is inspirational in the best sense of the word.
Many of us do not know the full story behind the shepherd boy who became King David of Biblical renown.
The story of Nitzevet comes from the supplemental material attached to the Torah, the Jewish Bible. This remarkable woman helped create one of the most noteworthy leaders in human history. A person can see how King David developed his courage and strength, having faced adversity from such a young age, and having had such a stellar role model in his mother.
This book must be read to be appreciated. It is inspirational in the best sense of the word.
May 31, 2023
Loved reading the enthralling and intriguing story. As Jesse's wife, Nitzevet's love for Jesse grows, Jesse starts to doubt his legacy, accuses Nitzevet of adultery when she becomes pregnant with David, and Nitzevet lives on the outskirts of town with her daughter and son, David, teaching them the ways of God, and preparing for David to become a shepherd. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and inspirational story.
April 1, 2023
I just finished the 1st book in The Lambswool Chronicles…… Legacy!. A fascinating fiction depicting a beautiful love story of David’s mother, who demonstrated her love for her husband, her son and her God!! It was a page turner with the ups and downs, the relationships that were very well developed and a strong desire for justice to be served. A must read!
April 1, 2023
What a way to start a series! I was immediately drawn into the story with the development of characters and plot very well written. Who knew Christian historical novels could be so riveting? I would highly recommend Legacy, and can't wait to read the next in the Lambswool Chronicles.
June 28, 2023
I've had such a hard time trying to come up with words for my review on this book. It was disturbing to me. I received a copy from the Credo House Publishers via NetGalley and this is my personal opinion. It is a work of fiction based on a legend of King David. It is a 'how it could have been' work.
Nitzevet is a lovely young bride who is brought to Bethlehem by her family to wed Jesse. She is seen by his eldest, grown son, Eliab who thinks his father has found her to be his wife. He becomes sickeningly obsessed with his father's wife, for years. I liked her character and found it easy to care about her. The characterization is quite strong in the story.
I do have discomfort with this entire story though. I am a Christian and have been brought up with the Biblical depictions of David and his family. The novel is highly sensual. Lust is certainly a constant in the story. There are no blatant sexual acts described but I want to caution readers that there is a brutal rape which could be triggering for some readers. To me Eliab is written as a highly spoiled individual who thinks he can have anything and everything he wants and will stop at nothing to do so. He is equal to a modern-day stalker in my mind.
The love that Nitzevet has for Jesse is pure and sweet. The description of daily life, particularly for women is interesting. She is the character that kept me reading the book. Jesse's misguided thoughts are questionable to me. I honestly can't picture the couples' life going as it does in this telling. After David is born and becomes the shepherd we are aware of from Biblical accounts, the important slaying of Goliath does not enter this story.
Overall, I don't dislike the story, but it isn't what I'd hoped for. I'm disappointed but I may give the next book in the series a try.
Nitzevet is a lovely young bride who is brought to Bethlehem by her family to wed Jesse. She is seen by his eldest, grown son, Eliab who thinks his father has found her to be his wife. He becomes sickeningly obsessed with his father's wife, for years. I liked her character and found it easy to care about her. The characterization is quite strong in the story.
I do have discomfort with this entire story though. I am a Christian and have been brought up with the Biblical depictions of David and his family. The novel is highly sensual. Lust is certainly a constant in the story. There are no blatant sexual acts described but I want to caution readers that there is a brutal rape which could be triggering for some readers. To me Eliab is written as a highly spoiled individual who thinks he can have anything and everything he wants and will stop at nothing to do so. He is equal to a modern-day stalker in my mind.
The love that Nitzevet has for Jesse is pure and sweet. The description of daily life, particularly for women is interesting. She is the character that kept me reading the book. Jesse's misguided thoughts are questionable to me. I honestly can't picture the couples' life going as it does in this telling. After David is born and becomes the shepherd we are aware of from Biblical accounts, the important slaying of Goliath does not enter this story.
Overall, I don't dislike the story, but it isn't what I'd hoped for. I'm disappointed but I may give the next book in the series a try.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 18, 2025
11th century BC Bethlehem in the days of King Saul.
Eliab ben Jesse, a Benjaminite, scribe to the king and the most eligible bachelor in Bethlehem, espies the beautiful Nitzevet along the road and hopes that she is intended as his bride. Instead, his father Jesse marries the girl.
From a prosperous Ephraimite family, Nitzevet has to keep her wits about her while navigating her new family. Eliab pays his stepmother undue attention, and Jesse’s daughter Abigail is jealous.
When Nitzevet suffers a breach birth of her fourth child, midwifed by her Canaanite servant Rhea, it is her husband Jesse who, breaking religious taboos, delivers the stillborn babe to save his wife’s life. In her grief, Nitzevet, nicknamed Bet, sends for her cousin Peninnah, who is immediately attracted to Eliab. Bet’s fifth child is a girl.
Jesse is the grandson of Boaz and Ruth, a Moabite, and the legitimacy of that marriage was questionable, due to the Biblical injunction against marrying a Moabite convert. Jesse begins to doubt his own identity as an Israelite, and he shuns Bet’s bed. None of his sons seem inclined to take over the family’s sheep flock.
Bet and Rhea cook up a plan, to safeguard the legacy of the house, worthy of Jesse’s ancestresses.
Accusations of adultery, and worse, fly within the family. Bet tries to honour her husband while protecting her son, David. And we know the subsequent story of this boy—tends the sheep, plays the lyre, anointed by Samuel, kills Goliath, becomes king.
This is a fictional story woven around characters from the Old Testament, a great Concept. We’re talking about Late Bronze Age, here, and the period is portrayed well.
These Old Testament relationships are complex, offering rich possibilities for fictional biography. Biblical references are inevitable, as this is our only literary/historical source for these people, but they are handled awkwardly, put into the mouths of people who would have been so familiar with the stories as to not need repeating. In places the stories are repeated twice or even three times, which is unnecessary.
The characters often pronounce the name of ineffable YHWH, which would have been (and still is) utterly taboo. Instead, they would have referred to God as ‘Adonai’ (Lord) or by one of his epithets, Elohim, Shaddai, Tsevaot, etc. Rhea calls Bet by her full maiden name, Nitzevet bat Adel, which would have been considered very rude. I think she would most likely have called her ‘Gvéret’ (Madam).
Eliab ben Jesse, a Benjaminite, scribe to the king and the most eligible bachelor in Bethlehem, espies the beautiful Nitzevet along the road and hopes that she is intended as his bride. Instead, his father Jesse marries the girl.
From a prosperous Ephraimite family, Nitzevet has to keep her wits about her while navigating her new family. Eliab pays his stepmother undue attention, and Jesse’s daughter Abigail is jealous.
When Nitzevet suffers a breach birth of her fourth child, midwifed by her Canaanite servant Rhea, it is her husband Jesse who, breaking religious taboos, delivers the stillborn babe to save his wife’s life. In her grief, Nitzevet, nicknamed Bet, sends for her cousin Peninnah, who is immediately attracted to Eliab. Bet’s fifth child is a girl.
Jesse is the grandson of Boaz and Ruth, a Moabite, and the legitimacy of that marriage was questionable, due to the Biblical injunction against marrying a Moabite convert. Jesse begins to doubt his own identity as an Israelite, and he shuns Bet’s bed. None of his sons seem inclined to take over the family’s sheep flock.
Bet and Rhea cook up a plan, to safeguard the legacy of the house, worthy of Jesse’s ancestresses.
Accusations of adultery, and worse, fly within the family. Bet tries to honour her husband while protecting her son, David. And we know the subsequent story of this boy—tends the sheep, plays the lyre, anointed by Samuel, kills Goliath, becomes king.
This is a fictional story woven around characters from the Old Testament, a great Concept. We’re talking about Late Bronze Age, here, and the period is portrayed well.
These Old Testament relationships are complex, offering rich possibilities for fictional biography. Biblical references are inevitable, as this is our only literary/historical source for these people, but they are handled awkwardly, put into the mouths of people who would have been so familiar with the stories as to not need repeating. In places the stories are repeated twice or even three times, which is unnecessary.
The characters often pronounce the name of ineffable YHWH, which would have been (and still is) utterly taboo. Instead, they would have referred to God as ‘Adonai’ (Lord) or by one of his epithets, Elohim, Shaddai, Tsevaot, etc. Rhea calls Bet by her full maiden name, Nitzevet bat Adel, which would have been considered very rude. I think she would most likely have called her ‘Gvéret’ (Madam).
December 7, 2023
I'm so sorry but this really interesting story was just so badly edited that I found it really difficult to read.
The timeline is all over the place and there are frequently long, overdone passages.
One character purportedly loves the biblical figure of Leigh, but the other character still takes the time to re-tell the whole story to her?
There is a great story in here but it needs a good editor to bring it out and make me want to pick up the next book. It's a shame because I really enjoyed learning more about the history of King David.
The timeline is all over the place and there are frequently long, overdone passages.
One character purportedly loves the biblical figure of Leigh, but the other character still takes the time to re-tell the whole story to her?
There is a great story in here but it needs a good editor to bring it out and make me want to pick up the next book. It's a shame because I really enjoyed learning more about the history of King David.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews