Seeker of Stars

by Susan Fish

Seeker of Stars is a fictional memoir of Melchior, one of the magi, whose story neither begins nor ends at the first Christmas.


As a small boy, Melchior is fascinated by stars, but lives in a world of rigid obligations where he must apprentice with his rug-making father. Through sandstorms and family upheaval, Melchior dares to dream of grasping those stars. Then his expected course radically alters, setting him on a new path, full of danger and glory, in pursuit of that one special star. The novella traces Melchior’s pilgrimage across the desert, sifting through years of memory, to a place of surprising wholeness and love. The journey leads Melchior to reflect on desire and pain, life and death, family and love, dreams and duty, and to find unusual reconciliation within his own family and with the God he never knew he sought. Seeker of Stars offers a fresh retelling of the story of the magi, and invites us to a new perspective and passion for our own spiritual journeys.

Genres: Christmas, Christian Fiction, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Christian, Biblical Fiction, Historical

112 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 25, 2005

About the author

Susan Fish is a writer and editor (storywell.ca) living in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada with her husband, dogs and sometimes with her adult children. She has two Masters degrees, one in Religion and Culture, the other in Theological Studies. Renaissance is her third novel; Seeker of Stars, was published in 2005 (Winding Trail Press) and reissued in 2014 (David C Cook), while Ithaca, was published in 2014. Her writing has appeared in various literary and trade publications, and she has written widely for the nonprofit sector.

Reviews

[Paula Vince · Rating 3 out of 5]

The perfect time to read this novel would be in the lead-up to Christmas.

The start was great. We're introduced to Melchior, a young boy who lives in ancient Persia. Sadly, his lovely mother dies while giving birth to his sister, Daria, devastating the family, but they bond together in their grief.

Melchior's older brother, Salvi, is outgoing and loves flirting with the village girls. He gets the opportunity to join their fun-loving uncle Taz, living the adventurous life of a merchant.

Melchi himself, who is quieter and more reflective, would love to study the stars and their signs, as mathematics and astronomy stimulate him. His father thinks that's foolish and impractical, and insists that Melchi work in the family rug-making business.

Meanwhile, both brothers are smitten with Leyla, a very pretty and lively village girl. They also make friends with Reta, the quiet Hebrew girl who does their housekeeping, since their mother died.

Circumstances line up so that Melchi finally gets his opportunity to study with the Magi. I'm looking forward to every move, when suddenly the rug is pulled from under my feet. With no warning, the story jumps ahead several years. Melchior is now a man familiar with the layout of the university town and strangers he met there are brought before the reader as if he's known them for ages. Most disconcertingly, he's married to one of the girls from his past and we have no idea why that happened!

If I'd been reading a paperback, I would have checked to see if a large chunk had fallen out of the binding, but I have a kindle book. Reading on, the story explains what happened in the intervening years, but I still find it too jarring. Although I like the use of flashbacks as a literary device, I think in this case, they should have been introduced from the very start of the book. The sudden style change was far too big a jolt, as I'd got used to the chronological tale of his childhood.

Until that point, I would have given this book 5 stars for several reasons. The historical authenticity, the filial affection between the brothers and their love for their little sister, Susan Fish's sensitive and evocative writing style, the way in which Melchior becomes one of the wise men from the gospels. However, that seismic jolt to the future, and the disorientation and disappointment it caused, is something I think deserves a lower rating. So I'll go for the middle and choose three stars.

I want to make it clear that I loved Susan Fish's writing and I will definitely read novels more by her, as I hope they won't pull the same stunt again.

Thanks to NetGalley and David C Cook for a review copy.

[Mesu · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Destined to become a classic” is such a cliché, but Seeker of Stars has become the Christmas story I will read each year to prepare my heart for the TRUE meaning of Christmas. This powerful little book—read in a single afternoon—touched me in a profound way. I felt about this book much like the author described the Magi’s response to their first glimpse of Jesus, “There was nothing religious about this; it was holy and true.”
Granted, the book is fiction, a biblical novel. But it was biblical storytelling at its finest. Rich word pictures and deep spiritual truths leapt off the page and nestled into my heart. Exceptional research and truly likeable (and unlikeable) characters created a rich tapestry of story to savor and enjoy. I’m sure there were knots and broken threads beneath the tapestry that only the author knew, but to her credit, she mastered my questions and distractions so flawlessly, I followed these characters through decades and miles without a hiccup. Beautifully done.
Perhaps one of the reasons I loved this book so much was the tying together of Old Testament promises and New Covenant hope. The main characters—Melchi and his family—live in the East, a land the Old Testament would recognize as Babylon. Bible history buffs will recall that as God’s judgment for worshiping false gods, the northern kingdom of Israel was exiled to Assyria, and years later, the southern kingdom of Judah—the rest of God’s people—were exiled to Babylon, and Solomon’s great Temple was destroyed. Many Israelites returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the Temple, but some Jews remained in Babylon for generations.
The author weaves together these Babylonian Jews with the story of the Magi, and suddenly the “wise men” we’ve seen in every Christmas play since grade school become real men on an arduous journey to find Israel’s new king. For those who revel in bridging Old Testament stories with New Testament fulfillment and present day application, Seeker of Stars is especially rewarding.
This unique Christmas story touches every human relationship. Marriage. Sibling love and rivalry. Parent/child yearning and emotion. It’s a timely reminder of the frailty of earthly relationships—when we have opportunities to unpack old baggage during holiday travels. Don’t let another Christmas pass with unspoken sentiments looming over your family. Be a Seeker of Stars, and experience the true miracle of Jesus—the Child, born King.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a very mixed book for me. I loved the imagery and the rich cultural background in this book. I loved some of the ideas. However, I didn't like the jumping ahead in the story then flashing back. It felt like when my Dad keeps pausing a movie to explain something to me. It isn't all bad, but it gets tiersome. I would like to read this story if it was expanded and not told in flashbacks.

[Kristi · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a great reminder to me that Christmas should be a time for reflection - not only on the life of Christ, but also of our own lives. Melchior was born to a rug-maker and although he loved the stars, he was trained to always be a rug-maker. When a work accident destroyed his abilities to continue in that trade, he was finally given an opportunity to follow his passion for astrology. As the years pass, many changes come into his life. The greatest and best change came when a new star rose in the sky.

His journey to follow the star will cause him to reflect on his brother, his wife, and his own life. He will discover new things about himself that will allow him to build stronger relationships with his family and friends. He learns to mend broken relationships, and strengthen current relationships. It is beautifully done during Melchior's travels. The star not only leads him to a new King, but it also leads him on the path to develop himself personally.

Although it has a Christmas theme as Melchior follows the Star and meets the Christ Child, I believe the message is stronger than just a good Christmas message. This book taught me the importance of communicating your feelings with others and opening your eyes to the needs of people around you. This is a great read for any time of the year.

[Loraine · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most unique and unusual Christmas reads I have come across. This is the story of Melchior, one of the three wise men. It begins with him as a child and takes him through adulthood as a Magi and to the Nativity.

God's direction and plans are evident as events lead Melchior to take his place at the Nativity. It is seen as well in his connection to Reta through his love of the stars and her knowledge of Hebrew prophecy. In turn, all of his life events lead him to his role in the birth of Jesus as well as new life for himself. Beautiful and poignant, this lovely, short read tells us the Nativity story from a completely different perspective. Fish brought the Christmas story to life in a way that made the people involved feel very real and lifelike. This is a story that I think would be enjoyed by older children as well as adults and one I will reread another Christmas.

FAVORITE QUOTES: "He was a God who delighted in small things---the stars, tiny but perfect, set in their places in the dance, leading those who would look to the small, perfect wonder of the infant king."

"No longer was I following a moving star, but I was following the Maker."

"I don't mean to be disrespectful. And I'm not sure what it means. It's just--I think I want to declare myself as a follower of your God, this Yeshua, the unmoving star."

[Janet Sketchley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Melchi has always been fascinated by the stars’ slow dance in the night sky. Even after exhausting days learning the family trade of rug making, he steals to the rooftop at night to gaze on his “beauties”.

When his father at last permits him to go and study with the astronomers, Melchi plays a key part in discovering the meaning of a new star and joins the expedition to Jerusalem in search of the newborn king of the Jews.

Told in the first person by an adult Melchoir who looks back over the events leading to his journey—and what happened at its end—Seeker of Stars carries an exotic taste as if this ancient scholar had learned English and invited us to hear the tale.

I love the richness of the language, both in feel and in word choice. Susan Fish says a lot in a very few pages, and creates memorable, complex characters.

This novella has become a part of my Christmas tradition. The season’s first strains of “We Three Kings” bring the story to life in my mind, but I save the reading—like a treat—to savour in the days after Christmas. Ideally I’ll read it around the time of Epiphany, when Christians observe the Magi’s visit.

[Eric Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeker of Stars takes us back to the beginning of the Christian era. Melchoir, a young boy, grows up in a carpet weaving family. His passion is to gaze at the stars, a pursuit encouraged by his uncle who suggests an apprenticeship among the magi. Melchoir's father rejects this option instead training the son to become a rug weaver. His brother is chosen to travel with the uncle to exciting destinations where they sell the carpets.

As one might expect the story leads up to Melchoir becoming one of the magi who visit the new born King in Bethlehem.

The story, might seems overly familiar, but Fish gives us a new perspective and fascinating details about the time and setting. The plot is engaging. Altogether an enjoyable read, even on my Kindle, which I don't generally enjoy. It deserves to be 4.5, but alas I don't have that choice.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeker of Stars takes readers back to the birth of Jesus, this time told from the perspective of one of the Magi. I found this to be a truly unique story, and so well-developed for a short book. I loved how the author weaved back story throughout the narrative, so that I was never bogged down with information. So many things are touched on in this story, and yet Fish manages to bring them all together in a touching, realistic way. Love between brothers, a husband and his wife, parents & their child - all were beautifully portrayed here, with the birth of Christ at the epicenter.

My only wish is that it was a full-length novel instead of a novella because at times I wanted more. This is definitely my favorite "Christmas-themed" read of the year, and I can see myself re-reading this one.

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

Seeker of Stars: A Novel by Susan Fish is a beautiful story of a young boy named Melchior who has a fascination for star-gazing. Hailing from a family who are carpet weavers, the story is set at the beginning of the Christian era. Though discouraged by his father, who wants him to weave rugs, Melchior’s uncle took him under his wings to be a magi. The boy eventually becomes one of the magi who visited Jesus in Bethlehem at his birth.

Susan Fish weaves a tender and fascinating story out of the more known and common story with which most are familiar. It throws much light on the time with Fish’s well-researched work and offers new perspective. It is an enjoyable read, and the plot is totally absorbing.

[Erin Laramore · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an interesting take on the original Christmas story, taken from the perspective of the wise men. While this one spent a lot of time setting the stage for the main character and how he came to be a magi, and therefore a bit less about the actual journey to see the Christ child, it felt a bit less like a Christmas story than I was expecting. The story was still good and had strong character development and the faith thread eventually came, but it was not quite the tale I was expecting. Still an enjoyable and uplifting story concerning the first Christmas and one I'd recommend to fans of Biblical historical fiction.

[Tarissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Now, this! THIS! Is a quality story, worthy of being cherished. It's an honest Christmas story, and even though it doesn't bellow out "holiday cheer", it's more like a Christian look at the magi, the important men who knew of our King's birth. I was completely enthralled while I read it.

A Biblical tale of great caliber. Masterfully written.

Seeker of Stars reeled me in with the genuine descriptions of Melchior's life as son of a Persian rug-maker, and as a boy who is entranced with the meanings of the stars. The story is spun with authenticity ringing through and through. If you've ever wondered about the wise men that visited baby Jesus, then this book provides you with a visual of how it may have come to be.

I think this would qualify as a coming-of-age story, as it lasts over several years of Melchior's life, as he's learning things for the first time about life and human nature. I believe this adds to the authenticity of the story overall, as his new thoughts and forming sentiments hold great truth.

The book is clearly written for an adult audience, on occasion (tactfully!) hinting at more mature content.

Seeker of Stars feels like a classic to me.

"He was a God who delighted in small things -- the stars, tiny but perfect, set in their places in the dance, leading those who would look to the small, perfect wonder of the infant king." -Susan Fish

[Timothy Darling · Rating 4 out of 5]

A lovely character sketch. Mrs. Fish lifts the magi from tradition and unselfconsciously sketches Melchior in warm human tones. While she sketches the others too, the story is clearly about Melchior. Being an amateur (very novice) astronomer myself, I can somewhat identify with the character and his love of the stars. I can also envy him his desert view of them. The complexity of the relationships outstrips the brevity of the story, and it is well told, lovely in its textures.

That said, the idea of yet another person being healed by the infant Messiah, all innocent and yet intentional in His power is a little hard worn. It is very difficult for us in hindsight to see the Messiah as anything other than momentous and miraculous. Even in his adult life, not all could see how special He was; as an infant He, it seems to me, must have seemed even more unexceptional. So, along with others who encounter the Christ Child at His nativity, Melchior walks away, his healing begun. I'm happy for him, but I certainly saw it coming many miles away.

This is a small thing, and is to be expected at Christmas. Jesus is the Great Healer, and it's hard for us to see Him any other way. Much more profound in this book is the human interaction, the frustration, the pain, the work it takes to heal. The symbol of the stars is shining in its effectiveness. The one star, which can be a point of stumbling, is simply described, and not over analyzed. I am sure I would be tempted to over do that part.

Read Seeker of Stars as a lovely Christmas offering. It goes deeper than the average overly sentimental "Hallmark" story of the season, and it leaves the complex taste of true emotion behind. It is what a Christmas book should be, simple, brief, and moving.

[Ashlyn Cox · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, it's a good story with the interesting concept of telling the Christmas story from the perspective of one of the wise men. It did a great job of discussing the culture of the time and had beautiful descriptions.

I do wish it was a longer story, that actually filled in the story in between the two time periods of the magi's life and flowed a little better chronologically though. Instead, the abrupt back and forth time hopping was distracting. How is was actually written felt choppy.

[Becky Fleming · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book! I had never read one from the point of view of the magi. There’s so much we don’t know about them, but this book helped me realize they had their own Christmas story to tell. I feel that the author did a wonderful job of weaving that tale with so little information to go on!

[Libby · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am often disappointed in fictionalized Bible stories and this was no exception. I felt like a lot of the cultural details didn't ring true even though the author had obviously done her research; I was very aware that this was an American take on a very different historical time and place. Most interesting were the glimpses Fish gave of what the life of magi might have been like.

[Brittany J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and enjoyable read. This story is a great reminder of our own adventures seeking the star.

“Somehow, this baby in this Carpetner’s home, in the middle of the Village night, was the magnificent unmoving star, the center of all moving things, of all life, of the whole world”

[Jane Gomez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Seeker of Stars

What an interesting story of the Nativity told from the perspective of one of the Magi. Easy, fast read - very interesting- highly recommend.

[Robert Lester · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great story to read during the Christmas season.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely story well told.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

short story worth reading

I enjoyed the author’s story of the magi and their journey to king the king.

The characters growth is believable.

Fun short Christmas story.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog at westmetromommy.blogspot.com
4.0 Stars

I always kind of shy away from "Christmas" books. Too often, they drip with fake sentimentality. When I saw this one, however, I decided to give it a try. For one thing, it isn't a "Christmas" story, but an "Epiphany" story. It focuses on one of the Magi, Melchior (Caspar and Balthazar are the other two). I'm sure books have been written from this viewpoint, but the only one I've encountered is sections from Christopher Moore's Lamb and, well, that's a different sort of book.

While this book may be categorized as "Christian Fiction," it doesn't read as such. By that, I mean it isn't steeped in Christian (post-Resurrection) beliefs. Instead, it goes back to the Jewish prophesies and their beliefs. Melchior is a Gentile--I'm not exactly sure what we would call him in modern terms. My guess "Persian" is the best description. His wife, however, is Hebrew--which is how he learns of the Jewish prophesies.

This is a short, enjoyable read--and one that is packed with content. We learn about Melchior's past, his relationships with his family, with his wife, with his fellow astronomers--all without the reader feeling like too much is being presented at once. Indeed, this is a book where every word is carefully chosen for greatest impact.

There were a few parts where I felt Fish overreached just a bit--and I wish she had gone into more detail when the Magi met up with Herod. However, beyond that, I found this a very fulfilling book that I would recommend to anyone looking for a seasonal read.

[Awenydd Orchantra Faeryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

This is the story of Melchior, a man who's story starts in his childhood in a poor town as a rug-maker, with his family, and the trials that bring adulthood, his destined profession as a magi, and his Faith. It tells the story of the birth in Bethlemhem, through the eyes of one of the "Three Wise Men".

This is a simple story that only took me two hours to finish, but it held my attention the entire time. Although it is definitely a work of fiction, it was a loving tale, and with the exception of a few ill-fitting statements, one seemingly forced/unnatural conversation between Melchior and Reta, and a jump in time that was not adequately transitioned (but was made up for with the story that followed), I greatly enjoyed the voice of the main character, and narrator, Melchior, and the way that he spoke. The characters were really well done for such a short book, and there were some really honest and touching lines that I loved. I probably wouldn't buy this to read again, but I like the way it feels in the air after it has ended.

(Review featured on www.evolvingthread.com )

[Rick · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's part of the greatest story ever told. Yet, details seem to be lacking. No, not enough to keep us in the dark of what happened and what we need to know. But, enough has been left out to make us wonder.

Susan Fish has written a story to fill in some of the blanks. This fictional look at one of the Magi who came to worship the baby Jesus fills in some possible back story. Have you ever wondered what the wise men were thinking? Have you ever wondered about some of the details that led them in and out of Israel?

I am guessing Susan has wondered that and a whole bunch more. She provides real depth to these astronomers and their families. Offering some twists and turns, she surprises us in some places but leaves us with a traditional and realistic look at the Magi's visit to our King.

Even if you've never wondered at the details, I would recommend this as a short read, offering insight as to how God leads people from every corner to eventually fall at His feet in worship. Perhaps this intriguing view will lead you to some answers you've been dreaming about as well.

[Bob Allen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melchior has always loved the stars. After an weaving accident leaves one hand crippled, he is allowed to apprentice to astronomers/astrologists. Having seen a scroll with an ancient Jewish prophecy about a new star announcing the birth of a new Jewish king, Melchior is able to convince the astrologists that this is the meaning of the new star and is allowed to be one of 4 who go to seek the king. Melchior married Reta, who is a Jewish orphan who worked in Melchior's house after his mother's death, showed him the prophecy. On the journey to Jerusalem, Melchior realizes that he truly loves Reta and didn't marry her just for her to be his housekeeper. He also experiences giving/receiving forgiveness and the healing of the relationship with his brother. Fish does a good job of weaving multiple themes together. Weak on some details — for instance, I suspect there would have been much more discussion about leaving Shaz in Jerusalm. Still, enjoyable, light read. Plausible story of the wise men. Good depiction of Herod.

[Kevin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Picked this up for free for my Kindle and read because I am fascinated by stories surrounding the Magi. It turned out to be a quick and enjoyable read. It has a simplicity to it but I felt like it captured the characters well and gave the reader some sense of what it might be like to live in that time and place. Also some interesting exploration of relationships and family life.

If I had a nitpick it might be that the story felt so connected to history and that particular time and place and yet as soon as Melchior meets the baby Jesus it is a supernatural encounter. It might have been interesting to explore what the Jewish messiah meant and entailed instead of immediately presenting Jesus as God and having him heal Melchior. (As you are likely aware, this constant need to spiritualize and de-contextualize faith and the stories surrounding the New Testament is one of my pet peeves).

But overall I thought it was a well done story for those looking to get in the "Christmas Spirit."

[Andrea Stoeckel · Rating 5 out of 5]

ebook, 4 1/2 stars Christian fiction. YA to adult read your freebies, theology

"One thing about journeys that I have learned is that you look back. You look back on your life and you see it in relief." (65)

This is a story, a myth, a fantasy written by a twenty first century Christian about a first century episode. One is reminded of Amhal and the Night Visitors while reading this fairly shot but powerful work. Susan Fish has taken the bits and pieces of fact and mythos and woven them into the fibers of a wonderful fable that will touch even the most harden cynic with its heartwarming story.

"Balzar had been right all those months ago when he said the deepest desires of my heart might indeed draw me closer to God. The seeker of stars had been lost and found. There was nothing religious about this. It was holy and true" ..."No longer was I following a moving star, but its Maker"(95)

[Jeanette · Rating 4 out of 5]

Melchior has loved the beauty of the stars from boyhood, though seems that he is destined to remain working in his dour father's rug making business. His mother's death, a serious accident and misunderstandings with his brother change the course of his life - eventually leading to a journey of destiny.

Seeker of the Stars is more novella and novel. Susan Fish leads us through the events of Melchior's life, exploring relationships and possibilities with a gentle and lyrical hand. The transition between Melchior's boyhood to his career as stargazer is abrupt and at times there could perhaps have been more show less tell, but the story keep me engaged from start to finished and it had a satisfying ending. It is a great reminder not to take relationships for granted - and the gives a message of hope and faith with a light hand.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy historical fiction that centers around characters that had minor / supporting roles in a noteworthy (from a cultural, anthropological or religious standpoint) historical event. For the most part, little, if anything at all, is known about their lives or their backgrounds. No biography about them will ever be written, and at best, whatever scant details about them will be a footnote in a larger work of historical import.

That said, this is a fictional microhistory about one young boy who had always been fascinated with star gazing. In an alignment of destiny, he becomes as astronomer: one of *the* Magi. Little is known in the Biblical scriptures about the wise men, other than what has been recorded. It was interesting to read about them and their families in this imaginative rendering.

[Judy King · Rating 4 out of 5]

In December I often read a series of "Christmasy" books. I started early this year and read Seeker of Stars -- the novel telling the back story of the Magi and their journey. The book features on Melchior, who is his father's apprentice in the family rug weaving business but dreams of studying, and even touching a star. When circumstances overcome his father's resistance, he is accepted into the school of the stargazers in a distant city. There he meets Balthazar and Gaspar (Casper). The book could be termed a bit saccharine, but I preferred to be swept along through the story, and through the lessons Melchi learns on the long journey following the star, and in Bethlehem.

It is as satisfying and gentle smile provoking as a Christmas story should be. I'm happy.

[Vicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Melchior. Since he was a young boy the stars have been his savior. He finally is allowed to go study under the astronomers of the day. Then known as Magi's.
This is his life and how he becomes one of the Magi's sent to welcome the new King.
An amazing story. I started it earlier and read straight through. I was so moved by this book that yes, I cried.
It's not a long book but it is such a profoundly moving book. I don't want to say a lot as it is a short book but read it. It's worth every minute spent reading it. The author's prose is beautiful and I highly, highly recommend it.