The Scrolls of Deborah

Desert Songs Trilogy #1

by Esther Goldenberg

Unveiling the ancient tableaus of the desert, The Scrolls of Deborah is a profound feminist retelling that immerses readers in a breathtaking exploration of female relationships through the story of Biblical characters Rebekah and Deborah.

The Scrolls of Deborah transports us to the awe-inspiring landscapes of the past and uncovers the intertwined lives of Rebekah, a revered matriarch in Judaism, and her devoted handmaiden Deborah. In this mesmerizing tale, their strength, wisdom, and love take center stage, shaping their destinies amid a world steeped in tribal tradition.

With poignant vulnerability, The Scrolls of Deborah , a work of Biblical fiction and the first installment of the Desert Songs Trilogy , illuminates the hidden stories of these remarkable women, whose pivotal roles have often been overshadowed. Against the backdrop of the desert and the opulence of palaces, the narrative weaves a tapestry of captivating tales. Each page reveals stories filled with heartbreak and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of religious thought.

Through the telling of Deborah’s day-to-day life, the book exposes the profound beauty of connection and community, showcasing the transformative power of shared experiences. It invites readers to witness the immense strength found in the bonds between women and how their choices reverberate across generations.

The Scrolls of Deborah is a testament to the enduring legacy of these extraordinary women whose stories challenge and reshape our understanding of history, faith, and the limitless possibilities of the human spirit.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Jewish, Fiction

384 pages, Paperback

Published February 20, 2024

Reviews

[Jackie Pick · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars rounded up.

Scrolls of Deborah tells the story of the nursemaid to Rebekah from the Book of Genesis. Deborah is a relative, a servant, and a dear auntie, which allows for the stories of biblical patriarchs and matriarchs to be shared with both an insider and an outsider perspective. Deborah’s quiet strength and deep connections to the women in her life define her existence and her story. Her story is remarkable, of course, but also is a certain homage to the unremarkable lives of so many women whose names are lost to time and more male-oriented tellings of tales.

Goldenberg has picked up the baton of biblical fiction and proves she deserves it. She challenges herself to tell a story rooted in the everyday lives of women in the Middle Bronze Age—lives of service, heartache, and not a great amount of agency. But what is there? Sisterhood. Add to this Deborah’s connection with God, and Goldenberg gives us a beautifully crafted character study, told exquisitely.
In addition to a few physical journeys to new homes and new roles, Deborah’s journey is largely one through life with many of the expected pit stops: puberty, adulthood, birth, parenting, celebration, and mourning. Biblical fiction or any early stories expanded into novels run the risk of dwelling on the never-ending, the tedium punctuated occasionally by seasons of life, seasons of harvest/hunting, and the occasional natural disasters and wars. But Goldenberg has us considering the daily bonds of womanhood, dwelling not on the tedium but on a sort of sacred sisterhood and its quiet strength.

Yes, she addresses the horrors, big and small, of life then (and, to an extent, now). Life was just hard back then. Given all that happens and what we know/believe of this time, perhaps the greatest gift for characters is a peaceful death after a full life.

Goldenberg breathes life into this landscape, this dust, and into a character who has but a brief mention in Genesis. All the secondary and tertiary characters are humanized. All the moments of struggle, loss, connection, agency, and surrender, lead back to the one tie that binds – love: its presence, its lack, its face, and its back. The Scrolls of Deborah addresses some hefty questions: What makes for a sister, a wife, a mother? When so much is taken, and so little is expected, how can a woman craft a life of love? How are we connected and how much does the method of connection matter? Goldenberg explores those questions in a narrative voice that is strong, gentle, of the time, at times melancholic, other times joyful, and always beautiful.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy in exchange for my review. All opinions are my own.

[Lori B. Frank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is excellent! I knew Esther Goldenberg was a gifted storyteller but The Scrolls of Deborah reveal her to be a gifted novelist. She uses her wisdom, scholarship, knowledge, and her imagination to create a dramatic story with strong, interesting, compelling characters. Goldenberg draws in details where the biblical text leaves only mentions. Those details, and the stories she creates with them, are fascinating and wonderful. The story arc contains connection, family, and a beautiful rendering of the bonds of friendship. Reading this is like taking a magical trip, the kind that enlarges your sense of awe in the world. The Scrolls of Deborah makes for a great read during Women's History Month, and really during any month! Such a pleasure to return to each day, to find out what happens next...a sign of great historical fiction.

[Haviva Ner-David]

The Scrolls of Deborah is an inspiring imaginative accomplishment. The author manages to immerse us in a biblical world long-gone and bring new insight into the ancient text. This is modern midrash. You will never think of these biblical characters the same way again.

[Claire B · Rating 5 out of 5]

How lucky I was for the opportunity to read an ARC of this book! If you enjoy biblical fiction, feminist retellings, and stories about family and love, this is a must-read!

[Aiden]

DNF. Eh, I started this on audiobook and it couldn't keep my attention. I strongly disliked the format of the narrator writing a scroll for her nephew (?). If it was free from the library I probably would have continued to listen to it as background noise but it wasn't worth my precious audiobook minutes from spotify

[LaQuetta Glaze · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scrolls of Deborah by Esther Goldenberg: Book 1 of the Desert Songs Trilogy. The book synopsis states: "With poignant vulnerability, The Scrolls of Deborah, a work of Biblical fiction and the first installment of the Desert Songs Trilogy, illuminates the hidden stories of these remarkable women, whose pivotal roles have often been overshadowed. Against the backdrop of the desert and the opulence of palaces, the narrative weaves a tapestry of captivating tales. Each page reveals stories filled with heartbreak and inspiration, leaving an indelible mark on the very fabric of religious thought."

First of all, a book written about someone named Deborah by a person named Esther definitely got my attention. I loved this book! I read this book via Audible and every time I started the book, I felt like I stepped into another world. Everything was detailed and addressed- scents, water, deserts, the trauma of rough living, the beauty of childbirth, and the complexities of life. For those familiar with the story of Rebekah in the bible, this is a beautiful expansion of the story that is briefly mentioned in the bible. This story is a song; the song is lyrically and musically enthrolling. Esther is a gifted storyteller and I look forward to the next books of the Desert Trilogy series. Highly recommend.

[Yael Unterman · Rating 4 out of 5]

With gentle prose and ample imagination, Esther draws us irresistibly into the ancient world of the book of Genesis. She paints its figures in bright and often unexpected colours, suggesting interpretations never before inked on the page, and making us care deeply what happens next.

Those coming from more traditional readings of the Bible may find some of her ideas to be too far from the familiar or obvious meaning of the text (for example, regarding Isaac); but it certainly makes for a sense of fresh reading. I especially enjoyed the fact that, though the dark side of human nature does make its appearances, at the core of the book is a loving, close friendship between two honest and good women. These are protagonists we can love wholeheartedly, who will never stab each other in the back: a rarity these days in fiction.

Likewise, the spirituality pervading the book – the worship of 'Yah', the Creator of the universe – is nurturing, natural, and meditative, standing in contrast to many negative fictional portrayals of religion. We end the book inspired by the humble yet powerful life lived by the heroine; and the puzzle of why the Bible is so careful to announce the death and burial of Rebekah's nursemaid is finally resolved.

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scrolls of Deborah by Esther Goldenberg is a captivating retelling of the book of Genesis Chapters 12-50 from the perspective of Deborah, a direct descendent of Abraham. This section of Genesis is commonly referred to as the patriarchal age. Ms. Goldenberg has beautifully retold this story from the perspective of the matriarchs delightfully weaving in additional fictional elements.

With lyrical writing, The Scrolls of Deborah chronicles the life of Deborah and the women who surrounded her throughout her lifetime from childhood to old age and death. Through Deborah's eyes, the reader experiences the lives and deaths of Abraham and Sarah, the marriage of Issac to Rebekah and the saga of Jacob and Esau. Goldenberg also introduces several other dynamic characters who uniquely enhance the narrative.

I really love this book and highly recommend it. I am absolutely delighted that this book is the first book of a trilogy, and I cannot wait to read the next two forthcoming books.

Thank you to the author for an advanced reader copy of this book. I am excited to add a physical copy of this book to my library when it is published in Feb 2024.

[Sarah Berry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Plot 2/5
There are a lot of wonderful, immersive details and descriptions within this story, and while I do appreciate the mature and respectful tones of the narration, my biggest issue with it is the structure. It's written in first-person perspective, as though an elderly Deborah is telling her life story to her great-nephew Joeseph. While most of it occurs in chronological order, there were a few random flashbacks which didn't make a whole lot of sense to me. I think it would've made more sense to tell the story in chronological order from beginning to end. I also have an issue with the pacing of the story. The time passing in-between paragraphs could be anything from minutes to decades. And I get that it's no easy feat to encompass a character's entire life into a few hundred pages of a single volume, but nevertheless, the randomness of the time skips made the narration feel slower in some places and sped up in others. There was also a lot of repetition. Lots of Yhhhs and Whhhs and Hallelu Yahs. Even if this is a story about religious beliefs where it's common practice for the characters to praise their god with every breath, I don't think the author needs to keep bringing it up every time just to get this point across. The message would've come through loud and clear regardless. The author completely overdid it to a point where I found myself getting tired of reading the same redundant phrases over and over. The combination of these three issues is why I gave this a comparatively lower score. But thankfully, I feel the strength of the characters and setting help make up for its faults.

Characters 5/5
The most moving and heartfelt part of this story is the relationships between the characters, particularly Deborah and Rebekah. While the love between them was very touching, I also like that it wasn't always perfect. The characters experienced moments of jealousy and disagreements, particularly in the raising of their children. They had different strengths and flaws, but they were strongest when they encouraged, supported, and overcame struggles together. The characters grow, learn, and change. They experience joy and sorrows. Triumphs and loss. It made them feel very human and real. Often times I forgot that I was reading a historical fiction altogether, but sharing in these characters' moments of happiness and despair. And I sincerely enjoyed getting to know each of them and their complex relationships and feelings towards one another.

Setting 5/5
The one thing I hope and expect to see in a historical fiction, is a new perspective of how the world used to be. I wanted to be immersed into the setting and feel myself traveling back in time. And that is another aspect Goldenberg executed well. She doesn't just tell us what the characters are doing or saying, but what they're experiencing. The sights, the sounds, the smells, even tastes and touch. It was not only always clear where we were at in time based on the telling, but the showing as well. The markets and palaces of Egypt, the struggles and oases of the desert, the awe-inspiring beauty of rivers and oceans, the tranquil plains of the tribal shepherds and their flocks. It was all vividly captured. I didn't find myself longing to witness all these sights for myself, for I felt that, in a way, I was there alongside Deborah and her loved ones through all these wondrous adventures and experiences.

Overall 4/5
I'm always most curious in reading historical fiction from the female perspective. Partly because I'm a woman myself and can relate more to mothers and daughters, but also because the actual historical events often aren't as well recorded by women compared to that of their male counterparts. Such is often the case when one thinks of stories about Abraham, Issac, and Jacob. While I do feel there are some aspects of this book that could've been better executed and balanced, overall I found it a very entertaining read that exceeded my expectations. Emotionally moving, spiritually driven, and historically intriguing. I am very much curious to continue this series and eagerly await to see where Goldenberg takes us to next. And I could recommend this to anyone like me who also wonders about possibilities of the often overlooked female perspective.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Anita Diamant’s book “The Red Tent” came out, I was in awe of the way she wove the traditional midrashim stories of the Jewish people into a novel that was deep, rich, and spellbinding. This novel swept the nation and inspired many imitations. However, it was not until “The Scrolls of Deborah” landed in my lap that I finally felt there was a novel that was comparable.

Esther Goldenberg takes a small obscure reference, the nurse of Rebecca, and weaves her voice into the tradition while sowing seeds of many other midrashim. She provides the background narrative to some of the most prominent biblical stories in a woman’s voice of a warrior on the journey. Deborah‘s devotion and loyalty to Rebecca and Isaac is notable, and her vivid descriptions of life in Egypt before she travels the long road to Padan are fascinating. Goldenberg has taken a deep dive into Jewish tradition and elevated the voice of this obscure woman into a major character in her own story. Both of these feats are remarkable. The biblical text is obscure in many places and yet lends itself into creative writing. Between the lines, Goldenberg has filled in these missing places.

[Beth Koop · Rating 3 out of 5]

The scrolls of Deborah follows the story of Genesis from Abraham and Sarah to Joseph as a boy, told through the eyes of Deborah, a great-granddaughter of Abraham and nursemaid/companion to Rebekah. The story definitely has a feminist bent, focusing on a meditative worship of Yahweh by the women of the tribe. The part that bothered me though was not the interpretation but the creation of characters that change well-known facts of the story. Deborah is the granddaughter of Hallel, a daughter of Abraham and Sarah, betrothed to Lot and left behind in Egypt. It gives a reason for Abraham to have brought Lot with him, but it changes the central fact of Sarah’s infertility. Isaac is depicted as having something similar to Down’s syndrome and additional daughters area attributed to Jacob, despite the Bible clearly listing the children of Jacob. While I love reading Biblical and historical fiction, this was not my favorite.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Close readers of the biblical text often have difficulty when those biblical characters are portrayed in fictional works. It can be jarring when a novel strays too far from the story as it appears in the biblical text or goes off on a tangent with events that aren’t part of the Bible or midrash (stories of biblical characters told by the ancient rabbis based on their interpretation of the text). Some readers are tempted to simply list – and object to – these differences, but lovers of fiction are often willing to suspend belief. Those who are will find two recent novels of interest: “The Scrolls of Deborah: Book 1 of the Desert Songs Trilogy” by Esther Goldenberg (100 Block by Row House) and “Ahoti: A Story of Tamar” by Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson (Raven/Parclete Press).
See the rest of my review at https://www.thereportergroup.org/book...

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Native Chicagoan Esther Goldenberg, who now lives in Israel, offers a modern midrash on the story of our matriarch Rebecca told from the perspective of her (fictional) cousin/nursemaid Deborah. Goldenberg clearly did her research and the novel is rich with details about food, clothing, and everyday life in biblical times. An interesting author's note provides some background as to what she pulled from the text and what came from her imagination. However, I felt like there was a little too much telling rather than showing. There were a lot of parts that were simply one character telling their story to another character which bogged now the narrative. But the audiobook narrator was enjoyable and expressive and mostly accurate with her pronunciations. A welcome addition to the canon of women's biblical fiction, I am definitely interested in reading the sequel which will continue with Joseph's story.

[Gila Efrati · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having just concluded my journey through the pages of "The Scroll of Deborah," I find myself eagerly awaiting the opportunity to delve into the next installment. Esther Goldenberg's narrative captivated me from beginning to end, offering a tapestry of vibrant characters and vivid emotions that brought the ancient tale to life. With meticulous care and boundless imagination, she skillfully fills the gaps left by the Bible, inviting readers to ponder the "what if" scenarios and explore the depths of the human spirit.

For those who relish thought-provoking questions and crave insight into biblical narratives beyond the surface, I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this captivating book. Esther Goldenberg's masterful storytelling will leave you enriched, enlightened, and yearning for more. Don't miss the opportunity to embark on this enriching literary journey.

[Evonne Marzouk · Rating 5 out of 5]

By widening the perspective of Deborah the nursemaid, a relatively minor character in the biblical story of the Jewish patriarchs and matriarchs, Goldenberg retells the well-known story of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in an original and meaningful way. This book is a refreshing and feminist modern midrash, with some interesting liberties taken on the base text. It will be especially enjoyable for those interested in reading a feminine retelling of a biblical story which has traditionally focused on the masculine point of view.

I received an advanced review copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

[Abi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much!!! I read certain parts over and over and breathed in the beautiful imagery and ideas. I loved seeing the playful way Avraham taught his sons about Yah, loved the women's dance nights and the centrality of storytelling to their lives. Loved the relationship between Deborah and Rebecca. And also loved how Yishmael and Aisav were depicted within the family. The relationship between Aisav and Jacob and the way the women, their two mother's shaped them. It was so special and made me see the biblical text in a new light.
Was also gripping and fun. Made me think, reflect and feel. Just the perfect book!

[Netta Cohen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scrolls of Deborah takes us into the lives and times of biblical mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. It offers both stark and fresh takes on some of the men in their lives, and the foundationally feminine experiences that birthed Abrahamic religions. Deeply moving, Scrolls gives an inside view of ancient family and tribe without leaving women powerless in those times. Hard topics are covered with care and balance for what healing and depth of character emerges from difficulty. I loved it so much I ordered the audio book after reading.

[Bird · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5

I am sure a lot of research went into the making of this book but the story itself just didn't grab me. I understand that a lot of sentences were repeated perhaps wanting to match the style of writing from the biblical times. And I appreciate the retelling of the characters and how different they were from the bible and those were interesting to read. But I think the story was scattered and didn't have a focus. I feel like I still don't really know Deborah after reading the whole book.

[Gital Poupko · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved The Scrolls of Deborah. I didn't just read it - I inhaled it. It engaged me so deeply - body, mind and soul. The writing is beautiful. I love how creative the story was, bringing to life many untold aspects of the Biblical narrative so close to my heart. And the best part -- the characters. Alive. Compelling. Unique. I feel as though I was on a multi-sensory journey together with them. I would be rereading it now, if I hadn't lent it to a close friend. I know I will come back to it many times.

[Debbie Schwartz · Rating 5 out of 5]

In The Scrolls of Deborah, Esther Goldenberg weaves together Torah stories from the book of Genesis, focused on the lives of Rebekah and her handmaiden, Deborah. Through a beautifully written narrative, biblical characters come to life. Written from Deborah’s perspective, these stories offer insights into the complex relationships among women during biblical times and provide a fuller picture of our rich biblical history. The Scrolls of Deborah is a joy to read!

[Audrey · Rating 5 out of 5]

You can FEEL THE LOVE Esther Goldenberg has for her characters. Perfect biblical fiction that's not Christian or Inspirational by any means. This is just a love letter to the unsung warriors of the Old Testament--the women!

Reminiscent of The Red Tent, one of my favorites of all time, The Scrolls of Deborah is a gorgeous debut, and I'm so so so so so excited for the rest of the trilogy!

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This retelling of Genesis brings life to the families of the Patriarchs and Matriarchs. Fictional characters flesh out familiar events. Deborah was born in Egypt and was the granddaughter of a woman named Hallel who was Abraham and Sarah's first born. She ends up in Haran and becomes Rebekah's nursemaid and companion which she continues to be until the end of her life. The scrolls are all written by Jospeh. Really enjoyed this.

[Anat Harrel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Plunging into the ancient Biblical world of The Scrolls of Deborah was a delightful experience. The character development of these well-known figures from my childhood caught me by surprise and touched my heart. I love where Goldenberg goes with these stories! I will never read the Book of Genesis the same way again. An absolute must!

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imaginative, lyrical story of a deep friendship between two independent women in restrictive biblical times. By the book's conclusion you will treasure your own life-affirming relationships and realize it's not too late to make many more lasting friendships as we navigate this fragile life. Looking forward to the other two books in the trilogy.

[Susan Silverman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Scrolls of Deborah captured me from the start, launching so many captivating questions. The compelling characters and relationships in this vivid, deeply human story harmonized richly with a prophetic historical arc and the Divine.

[Fara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love women's speculative historical fiction, and this one does not disappoint. Absolutely spectacular! I was enthralled from the first page and enjoyed every moment. I had the time to sit down and not get up which I did until it was finished.

[Dorothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Do you love Biblical fiction? Do you want to explore what the experiences of women characters might have been? This is the book for you!!!! A sensitive, close and creative read of parts of Genesis. I am looking forward to the rest of the trilogy.

[Julia Cher · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very good but I didn’t love the audio reading, especially when the prayers came up. Still, it was no fault of the narrator. It just wasn’t my favorite kind of story to listen to.

[Stephanie Martinez · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF

[Kate Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly enjoyed this book. Very biblical in nature but it’s not an overwhelming amount, it’s a very easily digestible story inspired very directly by the book of Genesis.