Joseph and Asenath

by Alex Chappell

Her grace and beauty aren't enough to prevent Pharaoh from making her his political hostage. His unwavering faith doesn't save him from his elder brothers' treachery. She serves a Hyksos storm god. He worships the God of Israel, but love will bind Joseph and Asenath together. Journey through Hebron's hills, cross Shechem's grasslands, and explore ancient Egypt's wonders in this timeless Old Testament tale.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Biblical Fiction, Clean Romance, Egypt, Historical Romance

471 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2005

Reviews

[Christine · Rating 1 out of 5]

Do not like the writing style. In part, this is because I loved the TNT movie version of Joseph, and the set-up in this book doesn't quite work.

[Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely

This is only the second story I have read about Joseph and Asenath, and though I enjoyed this one far more than the first, and the ending was good, I wish the story of Joseph had been complete. Still, the writing was great.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. The author has written chapter notes that give added history and meaning to words and places in the story; I enjoyed learning from these. When I think about the trials and hardships Joseph went through, I'm amazed by his faith and positive attitude. Very inspiring. I only gave the book 4 stars because I felt the story wasn't finished. The main reason Joseph was sent to Egypt was to save his family. The book talks about the coming famine and Joseph instructing the Egyptians to save their grain to prepare, but then the story ends after he has married Asenath!

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like stories that bring the scriptures to life, and this is a good one. The portrayal of Joseph was excellent! Of course, we don't really know how Joseph and Asenath meet. The book ends before Joseph's brothers come to him in Egypt, which I wished could have been included--maybe "Joseph, part 2."

[Sandra Barker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I've studied the Holy Bible and especially about Joseph, and I found this book to be very interesting. It begins shortly before Joseph makes his ill-fated visit to his 10 brothers in Shechem to see how they are doing as they watch the sheep. When they see him, they plot to kill him because they are jealous of him (he is his father Jacob's favorite son). If you're familiar with the Biblical account, you know what comes next and how the story comes to a favorable conclusion. I liked the way the author handled Joseph's story and it seemed true to the Bible and the spirit of how Joseph would have responded. (spoiler alert) The only question in the story was the part about a young Asenath, who became Joseph's wife after the Pharoah promoted him from slave to chief Vizier of Egypt. We're told very little in the Bible about Asenath, so I'm not sure if the author totally used his imagination or if he found historical evidence of some of what he wrote. There was a considerable bibliography at the end, which makes it hopeful to me that the author did find some historical information about Asenath. An author's note at the end of the story explaining how much truth was in her story would have been helpful.

[Cathy B · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting

A different view on how Joseph and Asenath met. I just read another book on the same topic and liked it more then this one. But this was a good read, it did over explain a little, like go into the background information especially in the beginning. In a way I feel if we aren't familiar with the Joseph story, there's a really good place we can go to look it up! I think all Biblical fiction should lead us to the Bible to look up information. The over explaining was a bit of a turn off. But it was interesting go think this was a possible way Joseph and Asenath could have met.

[Astar Williams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to love this story, but I just couldn't. 1.) I don't like the portrayal of the brother, especially Ruben. In the Bible we understand that they must have really hated Joseph to sell him into slavery. But I don't believe they were as evil as they were portrayed
2.) The first half of the book is very very slow and in the 2nd half the romance felt rushed
3.) The ending left me wanting more Joseph doesn't reconcile with his brothers nor do we see Joseph and Asenath having kids
Overall while I loved loved loved Joseph's faith the story just wasn't for me

[Kathy P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A compelling read

I loved this book. The author is a master storyteller and is articulate at weaving fictional details to bring the story to life. He did his research to bring ancient Egypt to life. The editing was lacking, but the storytelling and writing was so good that I could overlook this flaw. Anyone who likes Biblical fiction will love this book. I can't recommend it enough.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. The story of Joseph is a familiar one, yet the author, while sticking to the scriptural story, made it fresh and relevant. I honestly didn't want to put it down and read it in one day. They did a great job showing how God loves us and how He uses trials to grow our faith. And that He always walks through them with us. The characters were very real. This book will give you a lot to think about and leave you feeling good.

[Linda Spears · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this book!

There was a small problem with the editing and the printing. I assume it happened when it was changed to digital. It didn’t keep me from enjoying the book. I love the story of Joseph, it just ended too soon in this book. But it is true to the title... it is about Joseph’s great faith and love for God bringing Joseph and Asenath together.

[Reba · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engrossing

True to the Bible, this to fictional story of Joseph and Asenath will keep you engrossed. You'll find encouragement for your own faith in remembering the faith Joseph kept through his may trials. I
However, this book could have used a better proofer/editor for the many distracting mistakes.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope and faith

Hope and faith could easily replace the name of this book. As you read this book, you can feel the faith Joseph has in God and the hope He gives us all.
I enjoyed reading Alex's interpretation of this story.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book as I was able to learn and ponder more about Joseph and his remarkable life. Many lessons to learn there! I’m grateful to the author for what he’s done and hope he does more! Thanks!

[Martha · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was good. I loved how they took us into the story, and brought us through the steps that would have occurred. I was left with the unsettling feeling that something was missing at the end, and I wished it would have wrapped up slightly better.

[Deanna Sutter · Rating 2 out of 5]

The author did a pretty good job with this book and I was enjoying his interpretations. Certainly not super well written but I was still enjoying it. Until the end. He abruptly rushed the marriage and then in what I believe was a fatal flaw he completely omitted any conclusion with Joseph and his family. All of a sudden they were married and then: The End. Big disappointment. Too bad.

[Shannon · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story starts with Joseph's brothers selling him into slavery and takes him through all the trial to the time of his interpretation of the Pharaoh dreams. This an inspiring love story that will strengthen your faith in God.

[Anne · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was impressed by the story: there were some flaws, but overall enjoyed the tale. There is a lot to admire about the main character; the author makes the tale very plausible by Joseph's faith and obedience to God.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought it was well researched. It was an interesting, more personal look at the life of Joseph of Egypt.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

LDS author. Bought at the D.C. Temple book store. A good stroy

[Bethany N Wallace · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so enjoyable. This author had brilliant ideas and characters to bring to this Biblical historical story.

[Constance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspiring

This novel was inspirational in demonstrating how Faith in GOD can make an individual endure life's difficult obstacles and tribulations.