Najila: A Novel

The Tablets of Ararat #2

by C.J. Illinik

A sequel to the compelling novel The Tablets of Ararat, Najila continues the story of the independent, assertive eleventh-century Persian princess whose heart is torn between two faiths. When her father dies in a tragic accident and Najila inherits his Constantinople estate, an evil cousin tries to seize it, letting nothing stand in his way. To complicate matters, Najila is taken captive from her home and only one man knows where to find her. Will the traumatic experience finally force Najila to choose her faith . . . and the man she loves?

Genres: Fiction, Historical, Christian Fiction

350 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

C. J. Illinik lives in a scenic town nestled into the foothills of the Oregon Cascades. For many years, C. J. bred and showed Appaloosa horses, much like the horses in Najila. As a retired college art instructor, C. J. still finds time to draw, paint, and dabble in photography.

Reviews

[Lynn's · Rating 3 out of 5]

“Najila” by C. J. Illinik is a sequel to another book called “The Tablets of Ararat.” (I did not read the first book before beginning this one.) In the story, Najila, her Christian father and Muslim grandmother leaves Baghdad to return to Constantinople. Young and spoiled, Najila has only known Baghdad as her home and has no desire to go to the strange Christian city. But her father has decided upon their return to his estate and along the long journey, trouble arises and Najila becomes an orphan. When they arrive in Constantinople and she inherits her father's estate, her life changes drastically.

I was so excited when I found this book on the bottom row of my sister’s bookshelf. I had never heard of a Christian Fiction book set in Baghdad, and thought it would be the perfect addition to my “Around The World In 80 Books” reading challenge. Of course, most of the book was set in Constantinople, but I was still eager to dig into a story where a girl had both Christian and Muslim ties in her family. It was kind of interesting, but I found the writing style wasn’t my favorite. It was one of those stories that didn’t seem to have a “story.” Though we walk through Najila’s whole life - from teenager to elderly widow - I didn’t feel that there was a real plot that kept the story flowing from one chapter to the next. While the book wasn’t awful, I did feel a little disappointed in the lack of suspense and purpose in the book. Maybe this story would be recommendable to folks who prefer books without a lot of romance, or, a really low key plot.

[Anna Catherman · Rating 2 out of 5]

Full disclosure: I was unaware that this book was the second in a series, so I can only speak for Najila and not the first book.

Najila had an interesting premise but fell flat for me. It spans Najila's entire life, birth to death, and is definitely more slice-of-life than plot driven. I do like some slice-of-life type books, but in this one, none of the characters were captivating, and at times it was hard to keep reading.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a surprisingly unique historical Christian novel that follows a Persian girl from late adolescence until her death, going through her conversion to Christianity from Islam, her romance and marriage, her children, and her late widowhood spent in a convent. Also entwined through much of the novel is a plot of suspense between Najila and the distant cousin she has to oust from her estate after her father's death; he has her kidnapped, assaulted, and tries to kill her even after she becomes his daughter-in-law. It's a brilliantly written novel with characters that live on the pages.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a strong girl to brave the world (and the rest of her extended family) after her father's untimely death on the trip to his homeland. She heroically battles her external enemies and internal demons and comes to terms with her faith under the guise of such elegant grace. Beautifully written. I am especially intrigued by how she donated her estate to a convent and decided to dedicate her elderly years to helping others. Wonder if that is an option in America?

[Heather Domin · Rating 2 out of 5]

[to be reviewed for HNS Feb. 2008:]

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it.