Avishag

by Yael Lotan

Lotan’s meticulously researched novel wears its mantle of scholarship lightly as it breathes life into a fascinating period of the bible—the reigns of David and Solomon in Jerusalem, some three thousand years ago.

Of the scant female biblical characters, few are as intriguing as Avishag the a young girl brought from obscurity to the court of the aged King David, to warm the king’s bed and stir his aged blood. Though ‘exceedingly fair’, she does not become the King’s concubine. Reticent and loyal to David, she becomes an unwitting magnet, drawing the attention of the kingdom’s most powerful men. As the sons of David—Adonijah the Judean and Solomon the Wise stake their claims, it is Avishag who will play the decisive role in the bloody rivalry for the succession.

260 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2002

Reviews

[sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

good writing but so boring oml

[Debra Preston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this one browsing the library stacks. At the same time I am reading the book of Isaiah. Gave me a shock back to reality-the idolatry in the lives of those in David's kingdom. Reminds us to watch for and repent when idolatry creeps in our lives.

[Karah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This novel taught me another story I had not read before: who killed Goliath. In 2 Samuel 21:19, Elhanan is credited with killing Goliath. Not once had I read or heard this story until I read this book. I thought people were disrespectful when they say the Bible has contradictions. There is so much history that much of it has been tangled. So many interpretations and mysteries, it's difficult to fathom.

Anyone who loves political intrigue, goddess worship, bloodshed, and many catastrophes set in Biblical times, perhaps you would like to read this book.

[Victoria Harrison · Rating 2 out of 5]

Could have been so much more

I would have given this a four star if the author had not twisted the Bible, and written totally wrong stuff about is known. I like biblical fiction to stick to the truth while imagining the unknown.

[Deborah Byrd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps you need to be a reader of the Old Testament, in order to find this book wonderful. I liked it, and by the end admired it. But it seemed too obscure to love.

[Myra Italiano · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful story

I had this book on my kindle for quite a while before reading it, thinking I was not sure it would interest me. However, after finally picking it up I could not put it down. I also found myself reading it with a copy of the OT next to me to reread Kings and some of Samuel. Avishag herself is such a likeable character and a young woman of great wisdom.

[Kerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. It brought to life the Biblical story of the later years of David's life, and the succession of Solomon. I can't speak to the accuracy, but the story itself is beautiful, and it is beautifully told.

[Mary Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

This was a great historical and biblical read and even though fiction, stayed close enough to the Bible so that you almost felt the incidents could have transpired.

[Marley · Rating 1 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book. After 50 pages or so,I gave up. It had little dialogue and not much happened. It has such good reviews Maybe I'm shallow.