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The Canaan Trilogy #2
Zippora
More than three thousand years ago, a black child was found on the shore of the Red Sea. She was given the name Zipporah, 'the bird'. But because of the colour of her skin, her fate was sealed: in the tribal lands where she lived, no man would want her as a wife. But one day, as she was drawing water at a well, Zipporah met a man like no other she'd met before. An outcast like herself, his name was Moses and he was a fugitive from Egypt. A passionate lover and a generous wife, Zipporah the Black, the stranger, the non-Jew, was to share Moses' destiny. Thanks to her, he would forget his fears and hear the message of God, bequeathing to mankind laws that, even today, protect the weak against the strong. But Zipporah's love for Moses would condemn her - for among the Hebrews of the Exodus her status as a black woman was to have catastrophic consequences...
A forgotten protagonist of the Old Testament, Zipporah was the embodiment of intelligence and love. Although the weakest of the weak, she was the first to understand the full potential of the role given to Moses, her emotional bravery and strength in adversity making her, like Sarah, an astonishing modern heroine: a woman for her - and our - troubled times.
A forgotten protagonist of the Old Testament, Zipporah was the embodiment of intelligence and love. Although the weakest of the weak, she was the first to understand the full potential of the role given to Moses, her emotional bravery and strength in adversity making her, like Sarah, an astonishing modern heroine: a woman for her - and our - troubled times.
369 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2003
216 people are currently reading
3196 people want to read
About the author
Marek Halter
81 books181 followersMarek Halter was born in Poland in 1936. During World War II, he and his parents narrowly escaped from the Warsaw ghetto. After a time in Russia and Uzbekistan, they emigrated to France in 1950. There Halter studied pantomime with Marcel Marceau and embarked on a career as a painter that led to several international exhibitions. In 1967, he founded the International Committee for a Negotiated Peace Agreement in the Near East and played a crucial role in the organization of the first official meetings between Palestinians and Israelis.
In the 1970s, Marek Halter turned to writing. He first published The Madman and the Kings, which was awarded the Prix Aujourd’hui in 1976. He is also the author of several internationally acclaimed, bestselling historical novels, including The Messiah, The Mysteries of Jerusalem, The Book of Abraham, which won the Prix du Livre Inter, and Sarah, the first of the Canaan trilogy, and Lilah, the concluding one.
In the 1970s, Marek Halter turned to writing. He first published The Madman and the Kings, which was awarded the Prix Aujourd’hui in 1976. He is also the author of several internationally acclaimed, bestselling historical novels, including The Messiah, The Mysteries of Jerusalem, The Book of Abraham, which won the Prix du Livre Inter, and Sarah, the first of the Canaan trilogy, and Lilah, the concluding one.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
January 26, 2014
"You are my garden, my myrrh and honey, my nightly tonic, my black dove.
Oh Zipporah, you are my love and the words that save me."
A wonderful story of blind love, romance, passion and destiny's bittersweet fulfillment.
This is only the second book I've read by author Marek Halter and I must say, I'm extremely impressed. What an artful and romantic way he has with words.
The mention of Moses wife Zipporah in the Bible is actually so few I think it can be counted on one hand. Of course, the Historical Fiction addict that I am, I had to do a little research. I read all of those limited verses. I also read through the entire account of the Moses story to re-familiarize myself in preparation for the reading of this book. What I confirmed was exactly what I thought. There is not much written about Zipporah and what is, is so limited that one must get extremely imaginative in order to create a whole novel around her. Thus is the skilled art of Marek Halter. What we do know is this. She is his wife. They have two sons together: Gershom and Eliezer one of which she circumcises on the way to Egypt. We know she is the daughter of Jethro a Midianite wise man who gives her in marriage to Moses a stranger in their land. Moses meets her at a well near Midian where she lives with her father Jethro yet she is described as Cushite and having dark skin. (Researchers dispute that ancient Cush could be modern day Somalia or Ethiopia, nevertheless, it seems as if she's being distinguished by this title.) We know she is with him at some point when he goes to Egypt and then at a later point we see her with her father once the people are free, going to meet him, therefore, giving the assumption that at some point she left and is rejoining her husband. That's it. If you think I just gave you spoilers, please go pick up a Bible and read the story. Those are the facts and the rest are a beautiful tale of romance that could only be brought into existence by the fancy of Marek Halter.
"I am Zipporah the Black, the Cushite, who came here from beyond the Sea of Reeds, and I have had a dream."
This is the story of a burning passionate love that was always meant to be. Zipporah, always a stranger in every circle dreamed of a stranger coming into her life who would fulfill her destiny and their love, their lives were destined. It was a dream until it finally manifested one day while her and her sisters were at the well at Irmana. Moses became her dream come true. Her passion realized. She became his strength, his burning desire, his encouragement. Zipporah was the quintessential example of the appearance of a strong man only being possible because of the upholding strength of a supportive stronger woman.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again, Without Zipporah, Moses wouldn't be Moses. Her thoughts are my thoughts. That's why she became my wife."
This is the inside story of the great woman who was called to stand behind her great man. God called Moses for the task of leading the people of Israel out of Egypt but he also called Zipporah to lead Moses to Him and then stand firm behind him when no one including his own feet were not sure of his own destiny. Only a love so pure and true could be so unselfish and giving. On so many levels this was such a luscious passionate, romantic love story.
"When you see me, Zipporah the Cushite, the adopted daughter of Jethro, you see a stranger. A black woman who isn't a daughter of Abraham, or Jacob, or Joseph. All of that is true. But I'm not a creature of Pharoah. I'm not your enemy. I'm your brother's wife!"
However, on so many other levels, this was also the account of struggle for Zipporah to be accepted and not prejudiced by the color of her skin. To many it set her apart. But to those who accepted her it was a testament to love that knows no boundaries for those who saw the beautiful wise woman that she was inside and out.
Of course knowing that this is Biblically based fiction, one knows generally what this book is going to be about. But I can't say enough about the delivery of this author. He is truly now one of my favorites. Such stirring romance and passion. His descriptions of a young Moses will have the ladies not thinking of the old white haired paintings or made for T.V. renditions but put in mind of the curly haired Eric Bana avatar from the Troy movie. Holding his staff and wearing his pleated Egyptian loincloth, Marek Halter makes you think Moses was kinda hot. Yes, my Zipporah, Wife of Moses movie stars Eric Bana as Moses and the regal looking Lupita Nyong'o as the lovely Zipporah. I would love to see this as a film. I think it would be a hit. I found myself glued to every page. I found myself stopping to smile, sigh and re-read romantic scenes. I rolled my eyes at stubbornness. I felt akin to the husbandly and wifely support they gave to each other until the bitter end. I shed a tear at the bittersweet end.
Marek does it again for me. 5 stars. I enjoyed every bit. Engrossing, addictive, seductive and so much more. This second novel in the series I do believe is better than the first. Maybe they just get better and better. We shall see with book #3. I do recommend to Historical fiction readers, Romance readers and Biblical fiction readers who can deal with it. By that I mean, that understand only one individual in the Bible stories was "divinely" impregnated. Everyone else made love and there is some of that in this book. Very sweet and beautiful. I love this view of the Moses story with the inclusion of his wife Zipporah. I enjoy the way these stories are told as not these solitary men but with their wives and loves it shows them as more rounded characters. More real. Lastly, for those who might stray away for fear that it might be too "religious" this second book is not as heavily as the first book.
Oh Zipporah, you are my love and the words that save me."
A wonderful story of blind love, romance, passion and destiny's bittersweet fulfillment.
This is only the second book I've read by author Marek Halter and I must say, I'm extremely impressed. What an artful and romantic way he has with words.
The mention of Moses wife Zipporah in the Bible is actually so few I think it can be counted on one hand. Of course, the Historical Fiction addict that I am, I had to do a little research. I read all of those limited verses. I also read through the entire account of the Moses story to re-familiarize myself in preparation for the reading of this book. What I confirmed was exactly what I thought. There is not much written about Zipporah and what is, is so limited that one must get extremely imaginative in order to create a whole novel around her. Thus is the skilled art of Marek Halter. What we do know is this. She is his wife. They have two sons together: Gershom and Eliezer one of which she circumcises on the way to Egypt. We know she is the daughter of Jethro a Midianite wise man who gives her in marriage to Moses a stranger in their land. Moses meets her at a well near Midian where she lives with her father Jethro yet she is described as Cushite and having dark skin. (Researchers dispute that ancient Cush could be modern day Somalia or Ethiopia, nevertheless, it seems as if she's being distinguished by this title.) We know she is with him at some point when he goes to Egypt and then at a later point we see her with her father once the people are free, going to meet him, therefore, giving the assumption that at some point she left and is rejoining her husband. That's it. If you think I just gave you spoilers, please go pick up a Bible and read the story. Those are the facts and the rest are a beautiful tale of romance that could only be brought into existence by the fancy of Marek Halter.
"I am Zipporah the Black, the Cushite, who came here from beyond the Sea of Reeds, and I have had a dream."
This is the story of a burning passionate love that was always meant to be. Zipporah, always a stranger in every circle dreamed of a stranger coming into her life who would fulfill her destiny and their love, their lives were destined. It was a dream until it finally manifested one day while her and her sisters were at the well at Irmana. Moses became her dream come true. Her passion realized. She became his strength, his burning desire, his encouragement. Zipporah was the quintessential example of the appearance of a strong man only being possible because of the upholding strength of a supportive stronger woman.
"I've said it before and I'll say it again, Without Zipporah, Moses wouldn't be Moses. Her thoughts are my thoughts. That's why she became my wife."
This is the inside story of the great woman who was called to stand behind her great man. God called Moses for the task of leading the people of Israel out of Egypt but he also called Zipporah to lead Moses to Him and then stand firm behind him when no one including his own feet were not sure of his own destiny. Only a love so pure and true could be so unselfish and giving. On so many levels this was such a luscious passionate, romantic love story.
"When you see me, Zipporah the Cushite, the adopted daughter of Jethro, you see a stranger. A black woman who isn't a daughter of Abraham, or Jacob, or Joseph. All of that is true. But I'm not a creature of Pharoah. I'm not your enemy. I'm your brother's wife!"
However, on so many other levels, this was also the account of struggle for Zipporah to be accepted and not prejudiced by the color of her skin. To many it set her apart. But to those who accepted her it was a testament to love that knows no boundaries for those who saw the beautiful wise woman that she was inside and out.
Of course knowing that this is Biblically based fiction, one knows generally what this book is going to be about. But I can't say enough about the delivery of this author. He is truly now one of my favorites. Such stirring romance and passion. His descriptions of a young Moses will have the ladies not thinking of the old white haired paintings or made for T.V. renditions but put in mind of the curly haired Eric Bana avatar from the Troy movie. Holding his staff and wearing his pleated Egyptian loincloth, Marek Halter makes you think Moses was kinda hot. Yes, my Zipporah, Wife of Moses movie stars Eric Bana as Moses and the regal looking Lupita Nyong'o as the lovely Zipporah. I would love to see this as a film. I think it would be a hit. I found myself glued to every page. I found myself stopping to smile, sigh and re-read romantic scenes. I rolled my eyes at stubbornness. I felt akin to the husbandly and wifely support they gave to each other until the bitter end. I shed a tear at the bittersweet end.
Marek does it again for me. 5 stars. I enjoyed every bit. Engrossing, addictive, seductive and so much more. This second novel in the series I do believe is better than the first. Maybe they just get better and better. We shall see with book #3. I do recommend to Historical fiction readers, Romance readers and Biblical fiction readers who can deal with it. By that I mean, that understand only one individual in the Bible stories was "divinely" impregnated. Everyone else made love and there is some of that in this book. Very sweet and beautiful. I love this view of the Moses story with the inclusion of his wife Zipporah. I enjoy the way these stories are told as not these solitary men but with their wives and loves it shows them as more rounded characters. More real. Lastly, for those who might stray away for fear that it might be too "religious" this second book is not as heavily as the first book.
October 18, 2022
An interesting interpretation of Old Testament figures. This novel explores the journey of Moses through the eyes of his wife Zipporah, a black Cushite woman adopted by Jethro, the high priest of the Midianites. It explores the concepts of racism, feminism, and religious conflict, giving a new dimension to the Biblical source material. I preferred the first novel of this series, but this held my attention to the end, and had some memorable scenes. Overall, I could take this or leave it, but I would love to see more novels exploring Zipporah as an early feminist figure, she is incredibly interesting, and only mentioned a few times in the Bible. Great idea, and some good scenes, but it was missing something, and one major event in the novel I did not like at all, so overall, it was okay.
June 22, 2011
A fictionalized account of Zipporah's life. For me, it was just OK. I knew it was fiction, but it still bothered me when the author took liberties with Biblical (read historical) text. In terms of imagining what life would have been like for these nomadic people, it was fairly interesting. The writing was a bit awkward, and very repetitive. For instance, after the author establishes that Zipporah is a Cushite woman, and black, I think it would be OK for it to be assumed and not brought up nearly every time Zipporah is mentioned. After all, that's going to be a lot in this story.
September 24, 2009
I was hoping this book would be more like "The Red Tent" by Anita Diamont, who took a few lines from the Bible about Dinah (the only daughter of Jacob) and created an entire fiction story about her, using the known culture and traditions of that time. I loved that book.
But this book...I didn't even finish it. I felt the author was showing me a story, instead of telling me a story. I felt the blurb written in the jacket told me more than the author did, and with more emotion. What relationships between the sisters? Why was Jethro such a good father, since the daughters constantly dropped hints of how good and kind he was.
I like the idea: take a little known person in the Bible and write a story about them.
I just feel this one didn't own up.
But this book...I didn't even finish it. I felt the author was showing me a story, instead of telling me a story. I felt the blurb written in the jacket told me more than the author did, and with more emotion. What relationships between the sisters? Why was Jethro such a good father, since the daughters constantly dropped hints of how good and kind he was.
I like the idea: take a little known person in the Bible and write a story about them.
I just feel this one didn't own up.
April 21, 2011
Really 4 1/2 stars.
I have a soft spot for anything Moses related, which I blame on my being raised on the yearly television showing of The Ten Commandments which I've always loved for it's pagentry and drama, and there really isn't anything more beautiful than old school technicolor.
I read Halter's first book of the Canaan Trilogy, Sarah, about a year ago and really enjoyed it. Halter has a great way of saying just enough which is probably why his novels are rather short but completely satisfying. This is the story of Moses' wife, Zipporah, as the title suggests. And it's quite a cleverly elaborated story that draws you in. Zipporah is Moses' pilar of strength and intelligence, which gives a different view of the man himself. The majority of the novel is written in third person, the end is in Zipporah's voice, which is a clever but smooth change. My only reason for not giving it a full five stars is I wish it was longer, as always.
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and will certainly read the third and final novel of the trilogy. And I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys proper bibilical historical fiction or has a soft spot for those Ten Commandments.
I have a soft spot for anything Moses related, which I blame on my being raised on the yearly television showing of The Ten Commandments which I've always loved for it's pagentry and drama, and there really isn't anything more beautiful than old school technicolor.
I read Halter's first book of the Canaan Trilogy, Sarah, about a year ago and really enjoyed it. Halter has a great way of saying just enough which is probably why his novels are rather short but completely satisfying. This is the story of Moses' wife, Zipporah, as the title suggests. And it's quite a cleverly elaborated story that draws you in. Zipporah is Moses' pilar of strength and intelligence, which gives a different view of the man himself. The majority of the novel is written in third person, the end is in Zipporah's voice, which is a clever but smooth change. My only reason for not giving it a full five stars is I wish it was longer, as always.
I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read and will certainly read the third and final novel of the trilogy. And I would definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys proper bibilical historical fiction or has a soft spot for those Ten Commandments.
April 21, 2019
Rating 3.5
This is the story of Moses wife, Zipporath, a black Cushite whom he married before beginning his service to God and bringing out the Hebrew people from Egypt in the Exodus. Zipporah is only mentioned once in Exodus that Moses married her and had a son named Gershom. So we know nothing about her. Halter fills out the story with both Biblical and historical history as well as speculating what Zipporah may have been like.
This is the second book I have read about Zipporah, and both gave differing pictures of what Moses' wife may have been like. The first depicted her as a somewhat cantankerous woman who was never happy with Moses or her life. This one pictured her as a wise supportive woman who felt alone when Moses was gone so much of the time and was unloved by Moses' family due to her skin color and the fact that she wasn't a Hebrew.
The main thought I took away from both of these books was: how lonely it must be to be the wife of a man of God whether it be a prophet, pastor, or evangelist. If their spouse is truly dedicated to their calling they must spend a lot of time separate from their spouse; and in some cases, become the head of the household as their spouse serves. It had to be hard for Zipporah and women like Ruth Graham, yet they also had to be strong supporters of their spouses. They must learn to lean on God for their support when their husbands are directed elsewhere.
I had to lower this particular book's rating due to a couple of too detailed intimacy scenes and also the overly repetitive use of Black Cushite whenever Halter talked about Zipphorah. I felt like I knew that at the end of the first chapter. I would still recommend this book as an interesting view of Moses' wife.
This is the story of Moses wife, Zipporath, a black Cushite whom he married before beginning his service to God and bringing out the Hebrew people from Egypt in the Exodus. Zipporah is only mentioned once in Exodus that Moses married her and had a son named Gershom. So we know nothing about her. Halter fills out the story with both Biblical and historical history as well as speculating what Zipporah may have been like.
This is the second book I have read about Zipporah, and both gave differing pictures of what Moses' wife may have been like. The first depicted her as a somewhat cantankerous woman who was never happy with Moses or her life. This one pictured her as a wise supportive woman who felt alone when Moses was gone so much of the time and was unloved by Moses' family due to her skin color and the fact that she wasn't a Hebrew.
The main thought I took away from both of these books was: how lonely it must be to be the wife of a man of God whether it be a prophet, pastor, or evangelist. If their spouse is truly dedicated to their calling they must spend a lot of time separate from their spouse; and in some cases, become the head of the household as their spouse serves. It had to be hard for Zipporah and women like Ruth Graham, yet they also had to be strong supporters of their spouses. They must learn to lean on God for their support when their husbands are directed elsewhere.
I had to lower this particular book's rating due to a couple of too detailed intimacy scenes and also the overly repetitive use of Black Cushite whenever Halter talked about Zipphorah. I felt like I knew that at the end of the first chapter. I would still recommend this book as an interesting view of Moses' wife.
May 19, 2022
I was surprised how much I enjoyed reading this book. I’m wondering how the author derived from the information within the book. Before you say anything, I know the story was fictional religion however, I was wondering what research she did to develop his book. She also has a book on Sarah, Abraham’s wife but I don’t know if I’m ready to read it yet.
This story was so compelling and interesting. It depicted racism and differences between the many tribes; Israel, the Midianites, Egyptians and so forth. It depicted Aaron, Moses’ brother as an arrogant yet provocative speaker and his sister, Miriam with a hatred and grudge upon her shoulders. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoyed the book because it provoked me into wanting to know more in a biblical sense.
Zipporah was a woman before her time who dealt with harsh realities with a kind and gentle temperament than I know I would have. According to the book, she was the wind beneath Moses wings to push him forth to go and free his people from pharaoh’s grasp. The narration of their love was so tender, kind, on one accord, and full of understand each other that it took your breath away and made you want to read more.
A Romeo and Juliet tale that took place before Shakespeare was an embryonic life.
This story was so compelling and interesting. It depicted racism and differences between the many tribes; Israel, the Midianites, Egyptians and so forth. It depicted Aaron, Moses’ brother as an arrogant yet provocative speaker and his sister, Miriam with a hatred and grudge upon her shoulders. Don’t get me wrong. I really enjoyed the book because it provoked me into wanting to know more in a biblical sense.
Zipporah was a woman before her time who dealt with harsh realities with a kind and gentle temperament than I know I would have. According to the book, she was the wind beneath Moses wings to push him forth to go and free his people from pharaoh’s grasp. The narration of their love was so tender, kind, on one accord, and full of understand each other that it took your breath away and made you want to read more.
A Romeo and Juliet tale that took place before Shakespeare was an embryonic life.
January 20, 2016
Meh! Every now and then, I get in the mood for a bit of independent bible study. And I love that there are books in the biblical fiction genre that I can use as companion reads when, for instance, I want to re-read Exodus. So, I fell for the cover art on this book and decided to give it a go. This imaginative story of Zipporah, the woman who became the wife of Moses, is not exactly what I expected. It deviates a great deal from scripture but not necessarily in a good way. I realize there is not much to go on in The Old Testament. She isn't mentioned all that much. I knew there would have to be some fiction inserted in order to piece together a portrait of her. However, I cannot account for Jethro's indifference when his daughter shacks up with Moses and births two illegitimate sons in defiance of the moral values and traditions of the time. I guess she couldn't resist the temptation of Moses' hot bod. (Saucy little minx!) By the way, if you are into steamy love scenes that revolve around your favorite biblical heroes this book is for you! (Personally, I felt kind of uncomfortable, I mean this is Moses!)
But the ending is what pulled me out of the three star camp. I don't want to be overly critical but I think I can contradict the part where the sons of Moses are trampled to death by stampeding Hebrews in the desert. (There is after all, some mention in 1 Chronicles 23:14-16 of the SONS of Moses the man of God, and THEIR descendants. I looked it up.) Like I said, this story is inventive and imaginative. There is more bad news at the end of this book but after this bit, I felt a little numb.
Having said that, I plan to keep reading this genre because it brings these historical people to life and gives me insight into their daily lives. All silliness aside, Zipporah truly amazed me with her courage and her faith. Even though I find this book to be flawed, I am glad I read it.
But the ending is what pulled me out of the three star camp. I don't want to be overly critical but I think I can contradict the part where the sons of Moses are trampled to death by stampeding Hebrews in the desert. (There is after all, some mention in 1 Chronicles 23:14-16 of the SONS of Moses the man of God, and THEIR descendants. I looked it up.) Like I said, this story is inventive and imaginative. There is more bad news at the end of this book but after this bit, I felt a little numb.
Having said that, I plan to keep reading this genre because it brings these historical people to life and gives me insight into their daily lives. All silliness aside, Zipporah truly amazed me with her courage and her faith. Even though I find this book to be flawed, I am glad I read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 31, 2014
Old Testament women certainly deserve biographies, but with information so scanty their stories will have to be imagined in fiction. Marek Halter makes a good try.
He speculates that as adoptees, Zipporah and Moses were attracted, or maybe fated. He also poses that Jethro, Zipporah's father belies the patrifocal stereotypes of desert patriarchs.
Halter illustrates Jethro's caring for his blood and adopted daughters by Jethro's allowing them to chose their husbands and a lack of any mention of paying another family to take them (i.e. dowery). If a suitor is a king, Jethro accepts a daughter's saying no.
It may be his love/respect for his daughters, and this lack of pressure on them to leave, that gives Zipporah the strength to resist marriage until Moses commits to returning to Egypt as she feels he must do. Once in Egypt, Zipporah maintains her dignity, perhaps because her adoptive father respected her in a way that Aron and Miriam (siblings to Moses)never could.
Once Moses leads the slaves to freedom, Halter gives practical examples of their ingrained slave mentality. They cannot manage the details of their lives and come to Moses for the petty grievances against each other. They can be an unruly mob... so unruly that they can trample the weak.
I don't know the accuracy of this account of the death of Zipporah and their sons. She and the sons do disappear from the texts. Halter gives a plausible story as to how it may have happened.
There is a lot of potential to this book. It is heavy in dialog, which I felt was stilted, but then, how else to frame the speech of such hallowed Biblical figures? The unrealistic dialog could be an artifact of what might be a second language for the author.
He speculates that as adoptees, Zipporah and Moses were attracted, or maybe fated. He also poses that Jethro, Zipporah's father belies the patrifocal stereotypes of desert patriarchs.
Halter illustrates Jethro's caring for his blood and adopted daughters by Jethro's allowing them to chose their husbands and a lack of any mention of paying another family to take them (i.e. dowery). If a suitor is a king, Jethro accepts a daughter's saying no.
It may be his love/respect for his daughters, and this lack of pressure on them to leave, that gives Zipporah the strength to resist marriage until Moses commits to returning to Egypt as she feels he must do. Once in Egypt, Zipporah maintains her dignity, perhaps because her adoptive father respected her in a way that Aron and Miriam (siblings to Moses)never could.
Once Moses leads the slaves to freedom, Halter gives practical examples of their ingrained slave mentality. They cannot manage the details of their lives and come to Moses for the petty grievances against each other. They can be an unruly mob... so unruly that they can trample the weak.
I don't know the accuracy of this account of the death of Zipporah and their sons. She and the sons do disappear from the texts. Halter gives a plausible story as to how it may have happened.
There is a lot of potential to this book. It is heavy in dialog, which I felt was stilted, but then, how else to frame the speech of such hallowed Biblical figures? The unrealistic dialog could be an artifact of what might be a second language for the author.
January 25, 2013
I liked: Zipporah's determination to see Moses fulfill his quest.
I did not like: How much Miriam and Aaron treated her like she was not one of them, yet she had brought Moses to them with the hope of saving the Israelites from Egypt.
I admired: Jethro's (Zipporah's Father) courage and wisdon. He had three daughters and Zipporah was adopted and dark skinned, but he loved her most and treated them equally and stood by her even when her most cruel sister-Orma did not want anything to do with her.
Story: Flows well. You cannot put it down.
Historical basis: Well researched if you ask me.
Award: 3 Stars
Reason: It left me hanging big time wondering why Zipporah would be doomed to roam the desert with Moses after her own sister, then the Queen of Sheba refused to help them
I did not like: How much Miriam and Aaron treated her like she was not one of them, yet she had brought Moses to them with the hope of saving the Israelites from Egypt.
I admired: Jethro's (Zipporah's Father) courage and wisdon. He had three daughters and Zipporah was adopted and dark skinned, but he loved her most and treated them equally and stood by her even when her most cruel sister-Orma did not want anything to do with her.
Story: Flows well. You cannot put it down.
Historical basis: Well researched if you ask me.
Award: 3 Stars
Reason: It left me hanging big time wondering why Zipporah would be doomed to roam the desert with Moses after her own sister, then the Queen of Sheba refused to help them
August 4, 2015
I listened to the audio edition of this book, narrated by Bernadette Dunne. This story held my attention better than "Sarah", the first book in "The Canaan Trilogy". I liked the characters better too, especially Jethro. One flaw that had me complaining out loud to myself - every two or three minutes I was reminded that Ziporrah had dark or black skin, and that this was a problem for her. It was so annoying for the author to constantly bring this up! Did Mr. Halter never notice the dark skin and African features on the paintings and statues of ancient Egyptians? I hardly think a Nubian or Cushite woman would've been so exotic that her skin color would need to be mentioned throughout the story. This went on until the very end.
December 12, 2019
$1.99
If you read the Bible, you will know that very little is known about Zipporah, the wife of Moses, but I have no doubt that she played a major role in his life. This is a wondering about what her life may have been like.
I have read other books like this and this is okay, but I don't think I'm going to read anymore by this author. Something is missing but I don't regret reading it.
If you read the Bible, you will know that very little is known about Zipporah, the wife of Moses, but I have no doubt that she played a major role in his life. This is a wondering about what her life may have been like.
I have read other books like this and this is okay, but I don't think I'm going to read anymore by this author. Something is missing but I don't regret reading it.
March 2, 2025
Très beau livre sur la femme de Moïse qui a porté la destinée de ce dernier, affrontant les difficultés avec poigne. L’écriture m’a fait voyager avec des belles descriptions (paysages, odeurs, ambiances). Point de vue d’une femme qui est assez intéressant, même s’il reste écrit par un homme.
July 28, 2023
Ce roman narre l’histoire de la femme de Moïse comme on ne l’a jamais entendue auparavant, en lisant entre les lignes afin de lui construire une biographie digne de son nom.
Le livre commence par un prologue où Tsippora fait un rêve : elle aperçoit un Egyptien qui l’attend dans la mer, comme pour la sauver ; c’est un rêve qui la marquera tout au long de sa vie. Les chapitres qui suivent sont divisés en quatre parties :
Dans la première partie "Les filles de Jethro", l’auteur nous présente Tsippora et sa famille. Recueillie par le grand prêtre de Madian, Jethro, elle grandit dans son royaume et apprend de sa sagesse. Malgré tout l’amour paternel inconditionnel qu’il lui donne, rien ne peut changer la façon dont les gens la perçoivent : une femme noire, et cette couleur de peau décidera de son sort. Elle a six soeurs dont Orma, belle jeune femme vaniteuse qui jalouse Tsippora et Sefoba qui, elle, adore sa petite soeur, ainsi qu’un frère, Hobab. Un jour, elles allaient chercher de l’eau au puit et se firent attaquer par un groupe de bergers malsains et haineux, c’est un bel Egyptien qui les sauva et abreuva leur troupeau. Moïse ne parle pas leur langue et ne prie pas leur dieu "Horeb" mais éveille la curiosité de Jethro qui souhaite le remercier. La jalousie d’Orma grandit lorsque Moïse choisit Tsippora et que leur père la défend quoi qu’elle fasse, mais elle finit par épouser un riche prince nommé Réba. Moïse avoue son crime et raconte sa vie au peuple de Canaan : Il grandit à la cour du Pharaon après avoir été recueilli par sa fille Hatchepsout, mais il décida de prendre la défense des esclaves maltraités par le roi impitoyable et après avoir tué un architecte égyptien pour se défendre, il fuit le pays pour le Nord. Après avoir passé des jours réfugié chez Jethro, il ne voulait rien de plus que d’épouser Tsippora et de refaire sa vie avec elle chez les Madianites. Tsippora refuse, elle pousse Moïse à retourner en Egypte pour se battre contre les injustices infligées aux Hébreux, pour elle, c’est ce que son rêve voulait prédire.
Dans la deuxième partie "L’appel de Yhwh", nous assistons à la transformation de Moïse de justicier en prophète : il parle à Dieu sur le mont Horeb et pense que personne ne le croirait. C’est Tsippora qui, encore une fois, lui posa l’ultimatum : tant qu’il ne part pas pour l’Egypte, il n’y aura pas de mariage. Elle devient fille-mère de deux garçons : Gershom et Eliezer. Tout le monde la blâme de la colère divine alors que Moïse décide enfin d’entamer son périple ; sur la route, la circoncision de leur cadet aura lieu, ce qui les maria par le sang, une alliance tant attendue. Par la suite, elle retourne à Madian où elle l’attendra des années avant qu’il ne revienne chercher sa famille.
Dans la troisième partie "L’épouse écartée", le déclin du couple est décrit avec finesse et précision. Moïse appartient désormais aux Hébreux et délaisse Tsippora qui est haïe par les anciens, mais aussi par le frère de Moïse, Aaron, et sa soeur, Miryam, qui déclenche, dès qu’elle le peut, une dispute où elle humilie son épouse. Seule sa mère biologique, Yokéved, chérit sa belle-fille et ses petits enfants. Tsippora ira aussi à la rencontre d’Hatchepsout, sur son lit de mort, qui l’acceptera aussi malgré le jugement des Egyptiens envers les Kouchites (peuple noir). Tout bascule quand Moïse part pour l’ascension du mont Sinaï dans le but de recevoir les Commandements, car les Hébreux demandèrent à Aaron un dieu visible à vénérer, il fit alors fondre de l’or pour confectionner le veau d’or, un idole. Le blasphème fit gronder la terre et les cieux, tout le monde pris de panique emporta tout sur son passage et les deux fils du prophète furent piétinés par la foule. Moïse, effondré et fou de rage veut laisser tomber sa mission mais Tsippora l’encouragea une dernière fois, malgré son chagrin, à guider le peuple sur le droit chemin.
Dans la quatrième et dernière partie "La parole de Tsippora", elle prend la décision de repartir car elle n’en peut plus et apprend le décès de Jethro. Cependant, ce qui l’attend n’est qu’une fin tragique : elle n’est plus la bienvenue à Madian, le royaume a été pris par Orma et son mari, qui n’hésitèrent pas à la faire tuer à son arrivée.
Le livre s’achève avec un épilogue : des années plus tard, Moïse meurt et demeure dans les souvenirs et les prières mais Tsippora, son épouse noire, personne ne s’en rappellera.
L’héroïne du roman est Tsippora. Une jeune femme d’origine éthiopienne, noire de peau, adoptée par une société qui ne l’est pas. Elle subit non seulement le sexisme mais aussi le racisme tout au long de sa vie mais n’essaie pas de changer pour mieux s’intégrer, bien au contraire, elle fait et dit ce que bon lui semble et a son propre idéal qu’elle souhaiterait réaliser. Elle est déterminée, forte, peut-être rebelle mais s’inspire de la sagesse et des enseignements de son père dans ses paroles. Elle est cultivée et cette culture lui donne la conviction que le monde peut changer s’il l’écoutait. Elle se bat pour ses principes et les gens qu’elle aime malgré les horreurs auxquelles elle fait face et ne se laisse pas abattre par son chagrin. Sa quête constante d’acceptance par son environnement et peut être aussi par elle même fait d’elle une héroïne problématique.
L’héroïne décrite précédemment est le centre de l’histoire, cela paraît peut être logique mais non seulement tous les évènements s’organisent autour d’elle, mais aussi en elle. Ce qui est important dans ce roman n’est ni le lieu, ni le temps, deux critères inévitables qui sont présents mais mis au second plan car l’environnement ou le monde de Tsippora, c’est les gens qui l’entourent, les autres personnages. La division de ce roman en parties n’est pas anodine, chaque groupe de chapitres possède un monde à part.
Dans la première partie, Tsippora fait partie du monde dans lequel elle a grandi. Madiaan se compose, à ses yeux, de son père aimant, Jethro, de sa soeur aimante, Sefoba, de sa soeur, Orma, qui la déteste et de personnages secondaires (ouvriers, domestiques, enfants, ...) qui l’aiment par défaut puisque le chef (Jethro) l’adore. Elle est unique au sein de cet univers pour plusieurs raisons : sa couleur de peau, son origine, et sa façon de pensée ; malgré le désaccord et sa quasi rébellion, elle est acceptée, si l’on ne considère pas la jalousie d’Orma qui la rend plus "intruse" qu’unique. Elle est par conséquent à la fois en accord et en désaccord avec ce premier monde. Arrive alors Moïse qui ressemble à Tsippora sur plusieurs plans : lui aussi est adopté par un peuple qui n’est pas le sien, lui aussi est un personnage problématique. Mais un point très important les séparent, Moïse est un peu perdu émotionnellement, car contrairement à Tsippora qui a grandi dans la stabilité malgré les différences, lui, a connu ses deux familles : il s’identifie aux Égyptiens, respecte et aime sa mère adoptive, il a vécu dans des palais royaux mais il s’identifie aussi aux Hébreux qui, eux, vivent dans la misère en Égypte à cause du Pharaon ; il est intrus dans les deux mondes auxquels il appartient, un Hébreu dans la famille royale, et un "bourgeois" qui souhaiterait revendiquer ses origines dont il n’a jamais gouté la souffrance. C’est alors qu’il commet un crime qui va bousculer sa vie puisqu’avec ce crime il choisit un camp, celui des Hébreux, et se fait exiler par le pouvoir. Lui et Tsippora se rapprochent, elle se voit en lui, c’est pour cette raison qu’elle souhaite réaliser un idéal à travers lui : elle le pousse à faire sa mission avec des ultimatums et des encouragements, il est un homme, il n’est pas Kouchite, il a été choisi par Dieu et même s’il est indécis (comme dans beaucoup de situations à travers le roman), il devrait saisir sa chance, une chance que Tsippora n’a pas mais aimerait avoir. La relation qui naît entre eux est presque acceptée par la totalité de Madiaan malgré leur jugement constant, il attise aussi la haine d’Orma qui développe une envie de vengeance envers sa soeur. Tsippora est jeune et amoureuse et elle voit en Moïse une échappatoire qui lui permettrait de s’accomplir, elle part alors avec lui.
Dans cette deuxième partie, son univers change de nouveau : elle est entourée par des personnes qui l’aiment sans exception : Moïse, ses enfants, son frère, sa servante, et des gens qui la respecteront tout au long du périple et ne remettront pas ses actions et ses paroles en cause. Elle se sent acceptée et devient une épouse heureuse et satisfaite puisqu’elle est comprise et en harmonie avec son monde. Elle réalise un idéal, elle commence à s’accepter elle-même et les pensées du type "je suis une femme noire et je ne vaux rien" qui pouvaient parcourir son esprit auparavant s’arrêtent ; maintenant, elle a un but, une famille et l’acceptance dont elle a toujours rêvé. Cette sensation la ramène vers une certaine sagesse qui la pousse à revenir dans son monde initial, son univers de confort, Madiaan, où elle attendra patiemment le retour de Moïse.
Dans la troisième partie, on perçoit le déclin du couple mais aussi celui de notre héroïne qui, à cause du rejet de son nouvel univers, recommence à se dénigrer. Elle rencontre les Hébreux, dont la mère biologique de Moïse qui l’accepte, tout comme l’accepte Hatchepsout, sa mère adoptive, ce qui comble un besoin d’amour maternel dont elle a toujours manqué ; cependant, elle rencontre aussi Aaron et Myriam qui lui rappellent constamment qu’elle est différente, et qu’elle est "une femme noire et qu’elle ne vaut rien", un avis partagé par les Anciens qui prennent généralement le dessus sur la population. Moïse, indécis, comme à son habitude, ne défend pas Tsippora autant qu’il n’essaye de faire médiation entre les deux parties du conflit, il aime sa femme et aime aussi son peuple. Tsippora reste alors rejetée et repoussée, mise de côté, il n’y a plus d’intimité entre eux, peu d’amour survit de cette situation, ce qui détruit, petit à petit, le moral de Tsippora. Elle a beau se rebeller dans ce troisième univers, il est l’opposé de son idéal, un enfer. Elle reste pour son époux et pour ses fils qui ont besoin de leur père même si elle se sent au plus mal émotionnellement. Ce conflit interne sera mis à l’épreuve lors du décès horrible de ses deux enfants qui met fin à l’envie de se battre dans le coeur de Tsippora, qui pousse quand même son époux une dernière fois, mais décide de s’en aller pour de bon.
Dans la dernière partie, elle n’est pas retenue par Moïse, qui au lieu de la convaincre de rester, l’ignore et la repousse encore plus. Elle croit repartir pour son monde de confort dans lequel elle peut se réfugier quand ça ne va pas, elle réalise que l’idéal qu’elle a toujours voulu réaliser existait déjà là-bas. C’est cette dernière quête de confort et de bonheur qui va la mener à son destin tragique, l’univers de son enfance n’est plus celui de son père mais celui d’Orma, qui peut maintenant faire ce que bon lui semble et régner sur la mentalité du peuple, elle se venge enfin en tuant Tsippora.
Ce roman a été structuré d’une manière qui fait transparaître les conflits internes de chaque personnage et la manière dont leurs décisions (qui sont le résultat de ces conflits) affectent le déroulement des évènements. C’est une manière de concevoir la vie, et le monde qui nous entoure. L’auteur semble aussi voir le monde comme un univers où être différent peut nous attirer des ennemis mais les vrais ennuis n’arrivent que quand ces ennemis sont au pouvoir. Marek Halter est un juif polonais qui est né au temps de la seconde guerre mondiale, il est facile de voir la similitude : sa famille est restée là-bas jusqu’à ce que les Nazis, au pouvoir, ont représenté une menace pour eux, ils ont échappé au Holocauste.
Il représente aussi ce monde où les discriminations, la haine et l’injustice sont des maux inévitables, quelque soit la période historique ; quoi qu’on dise, quoi qu’on fasse, un monde de paix et d’acceptance est une utopie et un "idéal" qu’on ne peut réaliser, puisqu’il n’est pas l’idéal de tous. Il faut aussi souligner que cette biographie de Tsippora est surtout l’appel au secours d’une personnage oubliée ressuscitée dans ce roman, une revendication contre cette réalité et cette fatalité qui ne devrait pas en être une. Cette façon de concevoir le monde et les gens qui le construisent montre le combat de l’auteur contre le racisme, le sexisme et la violence.
Son attachement à la religion transparait évidemment dans le choix du thème de ses livres mais aussi dans sa façon de concevoir la vie des prophètes et plus généralement le contenu des livres sacrés : pour lui, les religions comportent énormément de défauts, non pas à cause de leurs principes, mais à cause de certains pratiquants qui, à travers les générations, maintiennent de fausses doctrines qui ne font que séparer les fidèles et entretenir les guerres et les conflits, tout comme le sexisme ou encore le racisme et la xénophobie qui, parmi tant d’autres discriminations, semblent grandir au sein des communautés religieuses. À travers ses oeuvres, et surtout Tsippora, il vient casser les conventions et les images fixées que l’on a de nos prophètes pour nous confronter à la réalité : ce sont des personnes comme nous, des personnes qui ont eu raison et parfois tort mais qui, grâce à leur sagesse, ont réussi à devenir meilleurs ; nous sommes capables de devenir meilleurs, en acceptant de se remettre en question, en acceptant que des femmes comme Tsippora ne sont pas que des ombres mais des figures bien plus importantes et qu’elle valent la peine d’être étudiées et admirées, tout comme il faut respecter la valeur des femmes d’aujourd’hui.
Le livre commence par un prologue où Tsippora fait un rêve : elle aperçoit un Egyptien qui l’attend dans la mer, comme pour la sauver ; c’est un rêve qui la marquera tout au long de sa vie. Les chapitres qui suivent sont divisés en quatre parties :
Dans la première partie "Les filles de Jethro", l’auteur nous présente Tsippora et sa famille. Recueillie par le grand prêtre de Madian, Jethro, elle grandit dans son royaume et apprend de sa sagesse. Malgré tout l’amour paternel inconditionnel qu’il lui donne, rien ne peut changer la façon dont les gens la perçoivent : une femme noire, et cette couleur de peau décidera de son sort. Elle a six soeurs dont Orma, belle jeune femme vaniteuse qui jalouse Tsippora et Sefoba qui, elle, adore sa petite soeur, ainsi qu’un frère, Hobab. Un jour, elles allaient chercher de l’eau au puit et se firent attaquer par un groupe de bergers malsains et haineux, c’est un bel Egyptien qui les sauva et abreuva leur troupeau. Moïse ne parle pas leur langue et ne prie pas leur dieu "Horeb" mais éveille la curiosité de Jethro qui souhaite le remercier. La jalousie d’Orma grandit lorsque Moïse choisit Tsippora et que leur père la défend quoi qu’elle fasse, mais elle finit par épouser un riche prince nommé Réba. Moïse avoue son crime et raconte sa vie au peuple de Canaan : Il grandit à la cour du Pharaon après avoir été recueilli par sa fille Hatchepsout, mais il décida de prendre la défense des esclaves maltraités par le roi impitoyable et après avoir tué un architecte égyptien pour se défendre, il fuit le pays pour le Nord. Après avoir passé des jours réfugié chez Jethro, il ne voulait rien de plus que d’épouser Tsippora et de refaire sa vie avec elle chez les Madianites. Tsippora refuse, elle pousse Moïse à retourner en Egypte pour se battre contre les injustices infligées aux Hébreux, pour elle, c’est ce que son rêve voulait prédire.
Dans la deuxième partie "L’appel de Yhwh", nous assistons à la transformation de Moïse de justicier en prophète : il parle à Dieu sur le mont Horeb et pense que personne ne le croirait. C’est Tsippora qui, encore une fois, lui posa l’ultimatum : tant qu’il ne part pas pour l’Egypte, il n’y aura pas de mariage. Elle devient fille-mère de deux garçons : Gershom et Eliezer. Tout le monde la blâme de la colère divine alors que Moïse décide enfin d’entamer son périple ; sur la route, la circoncision de leur cadet aura lieu, ce qui les maria par le sang, une alliance tant attendue. Par la suite, elle retourne à Madian où elle l’attendra des années avant qu’il ne revienne chercher sa famille.
Dans la troisième partie "L’épouse écartée", le déclin du couple est décrit avec finesse et précision. Moïse appartient désormais aux Hébreux et délaisse Tsippora qui est haïe par les anciens, mais aussi par le frère de Moïse, Aaron, et sa soeur, Miryam, qui déclenche, dès qu’elle le peut, une dispute où elle humilie son épouse. Seule sa mère biologique, Yokéved, chérit sa belle-fille et ses petits enfants. Tsippora ira aussi à la rencontre d’Hatchepsout, sur son lit de mort, qui l’acceptera aussi malgré le jugement des Egyptiens envers les Kouchites (peuple noir). Tout bascule quand Moïse part pour l’ascension du mont Sinaï dans le but de recevoir les Commandements, car les Hébreux demandèrent à Aaron un dieu visible à vénérer, il fit alors fondre de l’or pour confectionner le veau d’or, un idole. Le blasphème fit gronder la terre et les cieux, tout le monde pris de panique emporta tout sur son passage et les deux fils du prophète furent piétinés par la foule. Moïse, effondré et fou de rage veut laisser tomber sa mission mais Tsippora l’encouragea une dernière fois, malgré son chagrin, à guider le peuple sur le droit chemin.
Dans la quatrième et dernière partie "La parole de Tsippora", elle prend la décision de repartir car elle n’en peut plus et apprend le décès de Jethro. Cependant, ce qui l’attend n’est qu’une fin tragique : elle n’est plus la bienvenue à Madian, le royaume a été pris par Orma et son mari, qui n’hésitèrent pas à la faire tuer à son arrivée.
Le livre s’achève avec un épilogue : des années plus tard, Moïse meurt et demeure dans les souvenirs et les prières mais Tsippora, son épouse noire, personne ne s’en rappellera.
L’héroïne du roman est Tsippora. Une jeune femme d’origine éthiopienne, noire de peau, adoptée par une société qui ne l’est pas. Elle subit non seulement le sexisme mais aussi le racisme tout au long de sa vie mais n’essaie pas de changer pour mieux s’intégrer, bien au contraire, elle fait et dit ce que bon lui semble et a son propre idéal qu’elle souhaiterait réaliser. Elle est déterminée, forte, peut-être rebelle mais s’inspire de la sagesse et des enseignements de son père dans ses paroles. Elle est cultivée et cette culture lui donne la conviction que le monde peut changer s’il l’écoutait. Elle se bat pour ses principes et les gens qu’elle aime malgré les horreurs auxquelles elle fait face et ne se laisse pas abattre par son chagrin. Sa quête constante d’acceptance par son environnement et peut être aussi par elle même fait d’elle une héroïne problématique.
L’héroïne décrite précédemment est le centre de l’histoire, cela paraît peut être logique mais non seulement tous les évènements s’organisent autour d’elle, mais aussi en elle. Ce qui est important dans ce roman n’est ni le lieu, ni le temps, deux critères inévitables qui sont présents mais mis au second plan car l’environnement ou le monde de Tsippora, c’est les gens qui l’entourent, les autres personnages. La division de ce roman en parties n’est pas anodine, chaque groupe de chapitres possède un monde à part.
Dans la première partie, Tsippora fait partie du monde dans lequel elle a grandi. Madiaan se compose, à ses yeux, de son père aimant, Jethro, de sa soeur aimante, Sefoba, de sa soeur, Orma, qui la déteste et de personnages secondaires (ouvriers, domestiques, enfants, ...) qui l’aiment par défaut puisque le chef (Jethro) l’adore. Elle est unique au sein de cet univers pour plusieurs raisons : sa couleur de peau, son origine, et sa façon de pensée ; malgré le désaccord et sa quasi rébellion, elle est acceptée, si l’on ne considère pas la jalousie d’Orma qui la rend plus "intruse" qu’unique. Elle est par conséquent à la fois en accord et en désaccord avec ce premier monde. Arrive alors Moïse qui ressemble à Tsippora sur plusieurs plans : lui aussi est adopté par un peuple qui n’est pas le sien, lui aussi est un personnage problématique. Mais un point très important les séparent, Moïse est un peu perdu émotionnellement, car contrairement à Tsippora qui a grandi dans la stabilité malgré les différences, lui, a connu ses deux familles : il s’identifie aux Égyptiens, respecte et aime sa mère adoptive, il a vécu dans des palais royaux mais il s’identifie aussi aux Hébreux qui, eux, vivent dans la misère en Égypte à cause du Pharaon ; il est intrus dans les deux mondes auxquels il appartient, un Hébreu dans la famille royale, et un "bourgeois" qui souhaiterait revendiquer ses origines dont il n’a jamais gouté la souffrance. C’est alors qu’il commet un crime qui va bousculer sa vie puisqu’avec ce crime il choisit un camp, celui des Hébreux, et se fait exiler par le pouvoir. Lui et Tsippora se rapprochent, elle se voit en lui, c’est pour cette raison qu’elle souhaite réaliser un idéal à travers lui : elle le pousse à faire sa mission avec des ultimatums et des encouragements, il est un homme, il n’est pas Kouchite, il a été choisi par Dieu et même s’il est indécis (comme dans beaucoup de situations à travers le roman), il devrait saisir sa chance, une chance que Tsippora n’a pas mais aimerait avoir. La relation qui naît entre eux est presque acceptée par la totalité de Madiaan malgré leur jugement constant, il attise aussi la haine d’Orma qui développe une envie de vengeance envers sa soeur. Tsippora est jeune et amoureuse et elle voit en Moïse une échappatoire qui lui permettrait de s’accomplir, elle part alors avec lui.
Dans cette deuxième partie, son univers change de nouveau : elle est entourée par des personnes qui l’aiment sans exception : Moïse, ses enfants, son frère, sa servante, et des gens qui la respecteront tout au long du périple et ne remettront pas ses actions et ses paroles en cause. Elle se sent acceptée et devient une épouse heureuse et satisfaite puisqu’elle est comprise et en harmonie avec son monde. Elle réalise un idéal, elle commence à s’accepter elle-même et les pensées du type "je suis une femme noire et je ne vaux rien" qui pouvaient parcourir son esprit auparavant s’arrêtent ; maintenant, elle a un but, une famille et l’acceptance dont elle a toujours rêvé. Cette sensation la ramène vers une certaine sagesse qui la pousse à revenir dans son monde initial, son univers de confort, Madiaan, où elle attendra patiemment le retour de Moïse.
Dans la troisième partie, on perçoit le déclin du couple mais aussi celui de notre héroïne qui, à cause du rejet de son nouvel univers, recommence à se dénigrer. Elle rencontre les Hébreux, dont la mère biologique de Moïse qui l’accepte, tout comme l’accepte Hatchepsout, sa mère adoptive, ce qui comble un besoin d’amour maternel dont elle a toujours manqué ; cependant, elle rencontre aussi Aaron et Myriam qui lui rappellent constamment qu’elle est différente, et qu’elle est "une femme noire et qu’elle ne vaut rien", un avis partagé par les Anciens qui prennent généralement le dessus sur la population. Moïse, indécis, comme à son habitude, ne défend pas Tsippora autant qu’il n’essaye de faire médiation entre les deux parties du conflit, il aime sa femme et aime aussi son peuple. Tsippora reste alors rejetée et repoussée, mise de côté, il n’y a plus d’intimité entre eux, peu d’amour survit de cette situation, ce qui détruit, petit à petit, le moral de Tsippora. Elle a beau se rebeller dans ce troisième univers, il est l’opposé de son idéal, un enfer. Elle reste pour son époux et pour ses fils qui ont besoin de leur père même si elle se sent au plus mal émotionnellement. Ce conflit interne sera mis à l’épreuve lors du décès horrible de ses deux enfants qui met fin à l’envie de se battre dans le coeur de Tsippora, qui pousse quand même son époux une dernière fois, mais décide de s’en aller pour de bon.
Dans la dernière partie, elle n’est pas retenue par Moïse, qui au lieu de la convaincre de rester, l’ignore et la repousse encore plus. Elle croit repartir pour son monde de confort dans lequel elle peut se réfugier quand ça ne va pas, elle réalise que l’idéal qu’elle a toujours voulu réaliser existait déjà là-bas. C’est cette dernière quête de confort et de bonheur qui va la mener à son destin tragique, l’univers de son enfance n’est plus celui de son père mais celui d’Orma, qui peut maintenant faire ce que bon lui semble et régner sur la mentalité du peuple, elle se venge enfin en tuant Tsippora.
Ce roman a été structuré d’une manière qui fait transparaître les conflits internes de chaque personnage et la manière dont leurs décisions (qui sont le résultat de ces conflits) affectent le déroulement des évènements. C’est une manière de concevoir la vie, et le monde qui nous entoure. L’auteur semble aussi voir le monde comme un univers où être différent peut nous attirer des ennemis mais les vrais ennuis n’arrivent que quand ces ennemis sont au pouvoir. Marek Halter est un juif polonais qui est né au temps de la seconde guerre mondiale, il est facile de voir la similitude : sa famille est restée là-bas jusqu’à ce que les Nazis, au pouvoir, ont représenté une menace pour eux, ils ont échappé au Holocauste.
Il représente aussi ce monde où les discriminations, la haine et l’injustice sont des maux inévitables, quelque soit la période historique ; quoi qu’on dise, quoi qu’on fasse, un monde de paix et d’acceptance est une utopie et un "idéal" qu’on ne peut réaliser, puisqu’il n’est pas l’idéal de tous. Il faut aussi souligner que cette biographie de Tsippora est surtout l’appel au secours d’une personnage oubliée ressuscitée dans ce roman, une revendication contre cette réalité et cette fatalité qui ne devrait pas en être une. Cette façon de concevoir le monde et les gens qui le construisent montre le combat de l’auteur contre le racisme, le sexisme et la violence.
Son attachement à la religion transparait évidemment dans le choix du thème de ses livres mais aussi dans sa façon de concevoir la vie des prophètes et plus généralement le contenu des livres sacrés : pour lui, les religions comportent énormément de défauts, non pas à cause de leurs principes, mais à cause de certains pratiquants qui, à travers les générations, maintiennent de fausses doctrines qui ne font que séparer les fidèles et entretenir les guerres et les conflits, tout comme le sexisme ou encore le racisme et la xénophobie qui, parmi tant d’autres discriminations, semblent grandir au sein des communautés religieuses. À travers ses oeuvres, et surtout Tsippora, il vient casser les conventions et les images fixées que l’on a de nos prophètes pour nous confronter à la réalité : ce sont des personnes comme nous, des personnes qui ont eu raison et parfois tort mais qui, grâce à leur sagesse, ont réussi à devenir meilleurs ; nous sommes capables de devenir meilleurs, en acceptant de se remettre en question, en acceptant que des femmes comme Tsippora ne sont pas que des ombres mais des figures bien plus importantes et qu’elle valent la peine d’être étudiées et admirées, tout comme il faut respecter la valeur des femmes d’aujourd’hui.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 3, 2020
Me gusto mucho. La valentia de Ziporah, la sencillez de Moises y la cruda realidad de un pueblo hebreo con corazon de esclavos. me gusta mucho la forma de narrar el libro.
July 18, 2018
What an interesting perspective - I would have given this book 4 stars, but I felt the author could have been a little more thorough, or perhaps included more of the biblical perspective in Zipporah's story. However, this book is strictly about Zipporah, so I understand why Halter did what he did...it just felt like there could have been more to her story...
So, basically we know very little about Zipporah from the Bible. Sadly, the Holy Bible does not tell us much about women, which is a tragedy in and of itself. However, she must have been worth mentioning, or else she would not have been put in the Bible at all. She was a "Cushite", which apparently means she had black skin. Not surprisingly, the Hebrews (at least Aaron and Miriam, as well as some of the elders) are portrayed as racist and xenophobic. If one really thinks about it, that description is probably accurate. The text of the Bible talks about the Hebrews being "chosen" by God, and only certain people were chosen...God's love (or more specifically, Yahweh) was not for ALL, but for the people of Israel, namely Abraham and Jacob's descendants. Even Jesus, when he first came to save the world, told a Gentile woman that he didn't come for her, he came for the Jews. She told Jesus she would be willing for "the scraps from the table" (using an interesting metaphor), and Jesus healed her on account of her faith. It wasn't until later (after the resurrection, perhaps?) that the message of Jesus was shared for all, not just the Israelites.
Okay, I digress. Zipporah was an outsider her whole life. How (and why?) did she and her mother end up in Midian? This is never really explained. However, we know that her father, Jethro, adopted her and accepted her, even though she was a foreigner and had black skin. However, some of her adopted sisters and other family members did not accept her, either. Such is her life...she was always an outsider and never thought she would find love.
Enter Moses - they were drawn together from the beginning. I loved watching how their love grew, and thoroughly enjoyed the implication that Zipporah pushed Moses to his destiny. Moses, by all accounts, did not seem worthy. It was also interesting how the author implied that Moses's siblings were weary of Zipporah...one can understand a little of where they were coming from, given the time. However, with our 21st century lens, it's hard to imagine such blatant racism and mistrust. After Moses and Zipporah, along with their children, travel to Egypt, her story is basically over. Upon entering Egypt, Zipporah's story is mostly about how the Israelites mistrust her. She leaves Egypt before Moses approaches Pharaoh...we hear about the wonders and plagues performed by Yahweh second hand (word of mouth by merchants).
How I wish Moses would have listened to the wise words of Jethro after escaping Egypt, but alas he didn't. The story ends a little anti-climatically after Moses travels to the top of Mount Horeb (which I believe is another name for Mount Sinai), and the people of Israel, losing faith, make a golden calf. The author's assertion that the people were delirious from hunger was interesting, and more than likely true. It was also interesting hearing Jethro explain why the former slaves were having such a hard time with freedom...it's easy for us to understand their behavior several millennia after the fact; however, I've never heard it quite so well and simply explained. (Well done, Jethro!)
Simply put, Zipporah was a very interesting and intriguing woman who, like too many people, was unfairly judged simply because she had black skin. Moses, Joshua, and Jethro are portrayed in a positive light, as is Moses's birth mother. Most of the other famous biblical characters are portrayed badly, but there is truth where they are concerned. If you enjoy historical fiction, or like reading stories from the Bible (and don't mind if they don't support what you've been taught), you will enjoy this book.
So, basically we know very little about Zipporah from the Bible. Sadly, the Holy Bible does not tell us much about women, which is a tragedy in and of itself. However, she must have been worth mentioning, or else she would not have been put in the Bible at all. She was a "Cushite", which apparently means she had black skin. Not surprisingly, the Hebrews (at least Aaron and Miriam, as well as some of the elders) are portrayed as racist and xenophobic. If one really thinks about it, that description is probably accurate. The text of the Bible talks about the Hebrews being "chosen" by God, and only certain people were chosen...God's love (or more specifically, Yahweh) was not for ALL, but for the people of Israel, namely Abraham and Jacob's descendants. Even Jesus, when he first came to save the world, told a Gentile woman that he didn't come for her, he came for the Jews. She told Jesus she would be willing for "the scraps from the table" (using an interesting metaphor), and Jesus healed her on account of her faith. It wasn't until later (after the resurrection, perhaps?) that the message of Jesus was shared for all, not just the Israelites.
Okay, I digress. Zipporah was an outsider her whole life. How (and why?) did she and her mother end up in Midian? This is never really explained. However, we know that her father, Jethro, adopted her and accepted her, even though she was a foreigner and had black skin. However, some of her adopted sisters and other family members did not accept her, either. Such is her life...she was always an outsider and never thought she would find love.
Enter Moses - they were drawn together from the beginning. I loved watching how their love grew, and thoroughly enjoyed the implication that Zipporah pushed Moses to his destiny. Moses, by all accounts, did not seem worthy. It was also interesting how the author implied that Moses's siblings were weary of Zipporah...one can understand a little of where they were coming from, given the time. However, with our 21st century lens, it's hard to imagine such blatant racism and mistrust. After Moses and Zipporah, along with their children, travel to Egypt, her story is basically over. Upon entering Egypt, Zipporah's story is mostly about how the Israelites mistrust her. She leaves Egypt before Moses approaches Pharaoh...we hear about the wonders and plagues performed by Yahweh second hand (word of mouth by merchants).
How I wish Moses would have listened to the wise words of Jethro after escaping Egypt, but alas he didn't. The story ends a little anti-climatically after Moses travels to the top of Mount Horeb (which I believe is another name for Mount Sinai), and the people of Israel, losing faith, make a golden calf. The author's assertion that the people were delirious from hunger was interesting, and more than likely true. It was also interesting hearing Jethro explain why the former slaves were having such a hard time with freedom...it's easy for us to understand their behavior several millennia after the fact; however, I've never heard it quite so well and simply explained. (Well done, Jethro!)
Simply put, Zipporah was a very interesting and intriguing woman who, like too many people, was unfairly judged simply because she had black skin. Moses, Joshua, and Jethro are portrayed in a positive light, as is Moses's birth mother. Most of the other famous biblical characters are portrayed badly, but there is truth where they are concerned. If you enjoy historical fiction, or like reading stories from the Bible (and don't mind if they don't support what you've been taught), you will enjoy this book.
July 21, 2012
This is a biblical, historical novel that brings to life the story of Zipporah, a black skinned Cushite woman who became the wife of Moses, the Israelite.
I realize that the author has taken liberties of filling in the gaps in the story of Moses from the Bible. I think that is O.K. in order to bring new meaning and understanding to some of the old stories of faith. Halter portrays Zipporah as a very strong and supportive wife to Moses and encourages and even pushes him to listen to Yahweh's directives for his life. We do know from the Bible that Moses felt himself "timid" or incapable of convincing the Pharoah to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt and the oppression they were under.
It made me realize anew just how difficult life was for this group of people. O.K., I can't really understand how difficult it was - I have never known such suffering and abuse. But, it struck me how even after Pharoah let them go, and they were free from the work of slaves and the beatings, they still complained about how awful life in the desert was. They "roamed" the desert for 40 years, were without a place they could call home. Why did Yahweh let them dispair for so long? And then, in the end, Moses wasn't even allowed to see the land "flowing of milk and honey" which they were promised.
It would be interesting to read a novel on this same story in the perspective of Moses. There was romance weaved into this book, which kept the story interesting too! Moses was shown as a very "hot" looking guy!
The ending was very sad and perhaps disappointing. I will have to read from the Bible to see if there is anything mentioned about the end of Zipporah's life.
I realize that the author has taken liberties of filling in the gaps in the story of Moses from the Bible. I think that is O.K. in order to bring new meaning and understanding to some of the old stories of faith. Halter portrays Zipporah as a very strong and supportive wife to Moses and encourages and even pushes him to listen to Yahweh's directives for his life. We do know from the Bible that Moses felt himself "timid" or incapable of convincing the Pharoah to allow the Israelites to leave Egypt and the oppression they were under.
It made me realize anew just how difficult life was for this group of people. O.K., I can't really understand how difficult it was - I have never known such suffering and abuse. But, it struck me how even after Pharoah let them go, and they were free from the work of slaves and the beatings, they still complained about how awful life in the desert was. They "roamed" the desert for 40 years, were without a place they could call home. Why did Yahweh let them dispair for so long? And then, in the end, Moses wasn't even allowed to see the land "flowing of milk and honey" which they were promised.
It would be interesting to read a novel on this same story in the perspective of Moses. There was romance weaved into this book, which kept the story interesting too! Moses was shown as a very "hot" looking guy!
The ending was very sad and perhaps disappointing. I will have to read from the Bible to see if there is anything mentioned about the end of Zipporah's life.
July 1, 2019
"Que ce livre soit pour elle un modeste tombeau"
Mr. Halter a pris une histoire sacrée de religion, ame, coeur et souffrance et l'a transformée d'une manière habile et informée, en une histoire d'amour digne d'être comparée avec celle de Romeo et Juliet. Mais son approche n'est pas loin de critiques surtout si on distingue la fin de cette histoire. Ne continuez pas cette revue au delà de ce point par peur que cette histoire vous soit gâtée.
Le style de conte est simple, fictif, pleine de descriptions et d'images, facile à imaginer et peindre en cerveau. Mais tout cela perd poids contre la fin plutôt pressée. J'aurais aimé plutôt que la fin soit sur les rives de la Mer Rouge après l'Exode, que Moïse soit entourée de sa famille (Tsippora et ses fils). Mais les avoir tous tués dans une demi douzaine de pages, sans aucun indice et support historiques, me semble paresseux. La représentation de Myriam et Aaron comme étant des xénophobes qui détestent Tsippora à cause de la couleur noire de la peau et puis mi-chemin dans l'histoire, on leur donne une excuse à la "Deux-Ex Machina", que c'est à cause que le Bon Seigneur a déjà exclu les étrangers de son Alliance, qu'ils sont digne de la détester, m'a pris par surprise et irritation. Même si les Lois de Yhwh n'étaient pas toujours présents dans cette partie du roman, le frère et soeur de Moïse n'auront jamais exprimé une telle haine envers Tsippora.
A la fin de cette revue, en moyenne, ce roman est un doit-lire malgré les lacunes de l'écrivain et plus important, l'histoire qui devait être sacrée et beaucoup plus historique que ca.
Mr. Halter a pris une histoire sacrée de religion, ame, coeur et souffrance et l'a transformée d'une manière habile et informée, en une histoire d'amour digne d'être comparée avec celle de Romeo et Juliet. Mais son approche n'est pas loin de critiques surtout si on distingue la fin de cette histoire. Ne continuez pas cette revue au delà de ce point par peur que cette histoire vous soit gâtée.
Le style de conte est simple, fictif, pleine de descriptions et d'images, facile à imaginer et peindre en cerveau. Mais tout cela perd poids contre la fin plutôt pressée. J'aurais aimé plutôt que la fin soit sur les rives de la Mer Rouge après l'Exode, que Moïse soit entourée de sa famille (Tsippora et ses fils). Mais les avoir tous tués dans une demi douzaine de pages, sans aucun indice et support historiques, me semble paresseux. La représentation de Myriam et Aaron comme étant des xénophobes qui détestent Tsippora à cause de la couleur noire de la peau et puis mi-chemin dans l'histoire, on leur donne une excuse à la "Deux-Ex Machina", que c'est à cause que le Bon Seigneur a déjà exclu les étrangers de son Alliance, qu'ils sont digne de la détester, m'a pris par surprise et irritation. Même si les Lois de Yhwh n'étaient pas toujours présents dans cette partie du roman, le frère et soeur de Moïse n'auront jamais exprimé une telle haine envers Tsippora.
A la fin de cette revue, en moyenne, ce roman est un doit-lire malgré les lacunes de l'écrivain et plus important, l'histoire qui devait être sacrée et beaucoup plus historique que ca.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2010
This book was much better than Sarah, the first book in the Canaan Trilogy. Zipporah was a much more sympathetic character than Sarah, and Moses more so than Abraham.
Zipporah was a proud woman who knew her destiny with a defiant certainty. She knew her role besides Moses, even before they had met. Their courtship is passionate (apparently Moses was a sexy thing) and Moses is accepted into Zipporah's family with great trust and love. Her father, Jethro, is a wise and influential figure throughout the novel. It is easy to see where Zipporah gets her wisdom and patience.
When Moses realizes his mission to free the Hebrews, Zipporah is his most trusted advisor, his strength and encouragement, though no one would accept her as anything other than a stranger because of her dark skin. She bears the weight of Moses' doubts, his troubled past, and his lack of confidence. Moses becomes the hero he is because of Zipporah's love and trust in Yahweh. However, the Hebrews will always be slaves in their hearts, and once they are free they cannot accept their lives or Zipporah's influence. It is a tragic conclusion to what should have been a glorious liberation.
This novel was much more emotional and well-written than Sarah, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series, in hopes that Halter's momentum continues.
To see my opinion of the entire trilogy, view my review of Lilah.
Zipporah was a proud woman who knew her destiny with a defiant certainty. She knew her role besides Moses, even before they had met. Their courtship is passionate (apparently Moses was a sexy thing) and Moses is accepted into Zipporah's family with great trust and love. Her father, Jethro, is a wise and influential figure throughout the novel. It is easy to see where Zipporah gets her wisdom and patience.
When Moses realizes his mission to free the Hebrews, Zipporah is his most trusted advisor, his strength and encouragement, though no one would accept her as anything other than a stranger because of her dark skin. She bears the weight of Moses' doubts, his troubled past, and his lack of confidence. Moses becomes the hero he is because of Zipporah's love and trust in Yahweh. However, the Hebrews will always be slaves in their hearts, and once they are free they cannot accept their lives or Zipporah's influence. It is a tragic conclusion to what should have been a glorious liberation.
This novel was much more emotional and well-written than Sarah, and I'm looking forward to the next in the series, in hopes that Halter's momentum continues.
To see my opinion of the entire trilogy, view my review of Lilah.
October 14, 2011
"This is the second novel in the Canaan Trilogy by Marek Halter and it delivers to the extent of what it is supposed to be but is not as magical per se compared to the first novel written by Halter when it comes to this trilogy. Despite the little bit of the loss on magic, this novel is still good and goes through the story of Zipporah, the wife of Moses who was an outcast in the world she lived in. She is a member of the Cush tribe which were darker women but she nevertheless delivered her purpose as a strong woman who also gave strength to Moses in her own way.
I however have to say I can relate more to this novel than on the first because of the topic behind it. Since Zipporah was an outcast I was able to relate because I too am an outcast in this world. I really don't fit anywhere but I do know people who are willing to understand me more than most and thus why they become my friends or even the loves of my life. This is why God states you be loving to the outcasts which are usually based around the ""Good Samaritan"" view.
All in all this novel was awesome for the read and got almost a perfect score if the story would have been told a bit more differently as in a better relational to the reader for me. I have to admit that the relational part of empathy is what went with this novel and I would suggest this novel to anyone who is misunderstood - especially all those in the negative end of society."
I however have to say I can relate more to this novel than on the first because of the topic behind it. Since Zipporah was an outcast I was able to relate because I too am an outcast in this world. I really don't fit anywhere but I do know people who are willing to understand me more than most and thus why they become my friends or even the loves of my life. This is why God states you be loving to the outcasts which are usually based around the ""Good Samaritan"" view.
All in all this novel was awesome for the read and got almost a perfect score if the story would have been told a bit more differently as in a better relational to the reader for me. I have to admit that the relational part of empathy is what went with this novel and I would suggest this novel to anyone who is misunderstood - especially all those in the negative end of society."
May 26, 2016
Vous connaissez Tsippora ?
L'épouse noire de Moïse, fille adoptive de Jehtro, le sage.
Tsippora en 3 mots : forte, intelligente et amoureuse.
Dans ce roman, Marek Halter nous fait découvrir l'histoire d'amour mais compliquée bien avant le grand saut soit la libération des esclaves hébreux en Égypte. On connait tous l'histoire donc pas besoin de revenir sur ça même si l'auteur l'intègre dans le roman. De toute façon, il est juste impossible de passer outre. Marek halter nous dévoile cette magnifique histoire bien romancée à la sauce Halter avec une pointe d'érotisme.
Du coup, on plonge dans cette intimité à la fois passionnante et en même temps presque surréaliste. Ben oui, Moïse et Tsippora font des bêtises et ils ont eu deux garçons en plus. Pis avant d'être prophète et femme de, ils sont avant tout des êtres humains.
Faut juste le prendre comme un roman historique avec des faits réels ou pas mais que l'on connait tous. Par contre, je précise que l'auteur a pris une petite liberté à modifier certains passages. Pour quoi ?! ça, je ne sais pas. Mais bon, si vous connaissez l'histoire, vous comprendrez.
A pars ça, ça reste un très bon roman historique assez bien détaillé, très addictif et instructif. J'ai vraiment bien aimé et je
vous le recommande sans hésitation. Celui-ci est le tome 2 de cette longue série. (Lilah, Sarah, Marie, Bethsabée, la reine de Saba...) Faut maintenant que je me lance dans le tome 1 avec Sarah.
L'épouse noire de Moïse, fille adoptive de Jehtro, le sage.
Tsippora en 3 mots : forte, intelligente et amoureuse.
Dans ce roman, Marek Halter nous fait découvrir l'histoire d'amour mais compliquée bien avant le grand saut soit la libération des esclaves hébreux en Égypte. On connait tous l'histoire donc pas besoin de revenir sur ça même si l'auteur l'intègre dans le roman. De toute façon, il est juste impossible de passer outre. Marek halter nous dévoile cette magnifique histoire bien romancée à la sauce Halter avec une pointe d'érotisme.
Du coup, on plonge dans cette intimité à la fois passionnante et en même temps presque surréaliste. Ben oui, Moïse et Tsippora font des bêtises et ils ont eu deux garçons en plus. Pis avant d'être prophète et femme de, ils sont avant tout des êtres humains.
Faut juste le prendre comme un roman historique avec des faits réels ou pas mais que l'on connait tous. Par contre, je précise que l'auteur a pris une petite liberté à modifier certains passages. Pour quoi ?! ça, je ne sais pas. Mais bon, si vous connaissez l'histoire, vous comprendrez.
A pars ça, ça reste un très bon roman historique assez bien détaillé, très addictif et instructif. J'ai vraiment bien aimé et je
vous le recommande sans hésitation. Celui-ci est le tome 2 de cette longue série. (Lilah, Sarah, Marie, Bethsabée, la reine de Saba...) Faut maintenant que je me lance dans le tome 1 avec Sarah.
March 29, 2017
A quick read. Not one of the best biblical bio-novels I've read. It felt a little on the simplistic/shallow side as far as the writing & structure goes. I did learn aspects of the Moses story that were new to me. Can't recall actually knowing about Moses having a black (Cushite) wife. Interesting. And guess I wasn't up on current thinking re the pharaoh of the exodus and the idea that Moses' foster mother might, in fact, have been Hatshepsut. Must now read the newish biography of same The Woman Who Would Be King: Hatshepsut's Rise to Power in Ancient Egypt.
Things I did not like about the book: Why, when the story describes Zipporah as very dark-skinned would the publishers opt for cover art showing a fairly light-skinned woman?? Seems somehow disrespectful of the subject. Second gripe- if you include a map in a book let it at least show SOME of the place names mentioned in the book! The included map was useless in following any of the movements in the book and served no purpose. How hard can it be to draw a simple, USEFUL, map.
At least this book made me want to explore its topic more and it fulfilled the Z in an a-z challenge.
Things I did not like about the book: Why, when the story describes Zipporah as very dark-skinned would the publishers opt for cover art showing a fairly light-skinned woman?? Seems somehow disrespectful of the subject. Second gripe- if you include a map in a book let it at least show SOME of the place names mentioned in the book! The included map was useless in following any of the movements in the book and served no purpose. How hard can it be to draw a simple, USEFUL, map.
At least this book made me want to explore its topic more and it fulfilled the Z in an a-z challenge.
June 17, 2009
Good book.....disappointing ending.
I enjoyed this book, though at times it 'dragged' a little. Obviously it is only very loosely based on the Bible. It is an imaginative work. I'd read the other reviews before I read the book and went in expecting to be disappointed. It is true that I did not find it as good as Sarah, but it was still an enjoyable book for me. Though there was some 'racism' in the book, I didn't find this to be as large a factor in the book as I'd been led to believe by the reviews. Zipporah was treated as an outsider by her inlaws, with much jealously displayed, and this was attributed to race, but the bottom line was her sister-in-law and her sister didn't like her; were jealous of her; and racism was as good an excuse as any. They would have found another reason if this one weren't so convenient. The one thing I didn't like in this was how Moses' sibs came off as so petty.
Having said that, I DID enjoy the book right up until the end. It ended much too abrubtly. Not wanting to give away the end,I will only say I found it disappointing. In general, if I don't like the way a book ends, I won't like the book, but I still found this one to be worth reading.
I enjoyed this book, though at times it 'dragged' a little. Obviously it is only very loosely based on the Bible. It is an imaginative work. I'd read the other reviews before I read the book and went in expecting to be disappointed. It is true that I did not find it as good as Sarah, but it was still an enjoyable book for me. Though there was some 'racism' in the book, I didn't find this to be as large a factor in the book as I'd been led to believe by the reviews. Zipporah was treated as an outsider by her inlaws, with much jealously displayed, and this was attributed to race, but the bottom line was her sister-in-law and her sister didn't like her; were jealous of her; and racism was as good an excuse as any. They would have found another reason if this one weren't so convenient. The one thing I didn't like in this was how Moses' sibs came off as so petty.
Having said that, I DID enjoy the book right up until the end. It ended much too abrubtly. Not wanting to give away the end,I will only say I found it disappointing. In general, if I don't like the way a book ends, I won't like the book, but I still found this one to be worth reading.
July 28, 2008
This is the story of Moses' wife as extrapolated from the gaps in the biblical/Torah story. as is the case in all stories about women in the bible - and most cases of the men - real personal details are sparse, giving a great eal of room for imagination. he weaves a believable tale of a strong woman, he has thinned out Moses in order to do that. I am not a staunch defender of biblical heroes, but I find it thin when authors need to make men paler and weaker in order to make the women they are involved with stronger. Aaron becomes an egotistical power hungry man; Miriam is seen as bigted, and harsh. I am not attached to their stories, but , they also are lesser humans than the heroine.
Stronger stories are built with many strong characters woven together to create a fabric. This book weaves too many thin threads in amongst the strong. It is still a good read and helped me place some of the biblical stories I tend to get all confused together. The Red Tent was brillian in a way that this is not though.
Stronger stories are built with many strong characters woven together to create a fabric. This book weaves too many thin threads in amongst the strong. It is still a good read and helped me place some of the biblical stories I tend to get all confused together. The Red Tent was brillian in a way that this is not though.
December 9, 2009
OK, I am a big fan of historical fiction but not a big fan of the bible (or religion for that matter) and I don't mean to offend anyone but I am agnostic by choice and I gotta admit, I did really enjoy this story. It is what the title is. It is about the wife of Moses and her journey in being his wife along with her journey with him to Egypt. It was very intriguing and I read it only because I needed a Z book to finish off my ABC title challenge. I never would have read this book but I am glad I did. I don't know how much of it actually ties in to the Bible but it creates a good read none the less.
I was always a big reader and when I was younger my uncle always that if I ever wanted to read the "best book ever" I was to read the Bible and I did make that attempt when I was a teenager but never went back. Now I am too engulfed in my challenges and life in general that it may be some time before I try it out again. But don't think I will change how I feel about religion. I am still going to stay agnostic.
I was always a big reader and when I was younger my uncle always that if I ever wanted to read the "best book ever" I was to read the Bible and I did make that attempt when I was a teenager but never went back. Now I am too engulfed in my challenges and life in general that it may be some time before I try it out again. But don't think I will change how I feel about religion. I am still going to stay agnostic.
January 12, 2010
I may not believe all his biblical/historical accounts with this story, however, the writing is brilliant and keeps me reading in one to two sittings.
I love this line, "She is the seed of my future life." I take the sentences and phrases seriously (maybe because I am a writer). I enjoy reading historical/romance fiction when it gives the reader modern terms and speeches that was a time before Christ. I would love to tackle on such a style of writing that also requires research and flow of characters, incidents, and events.
I will read his other books! I love the women of the Bible. Another book that was even better read is the "The Shadow Women" by a female author, Angela Elwell Hunt.
Notes: p. 201, Yokeved greets Moses as her "firstborn" when I believe it was Aaron and then his sister, Miriam are older than Moses. This is an error in the storyline. The cover also does not represent the skin-tone of Zipporah as mentioned in the book numerous times. Why does the author have to state this so many times, we got it the first one or two times?
I love this line, "She is the seed of my future life." I take the sentences and phrases seriously (maybe because I am a writer). I enjoy reading historical/romance fiction when it gives the reader modern terms and speeches that was a time before Christ. I would love to tackle on such a style of writing that also requires research and flow of characters, incidents, and events.
I will read his other books! I love the women of the Bible. Another book that was even better read is the "The Shadow Women" by a female author, Angela Elwell Hunt.
Notes: p. 201, Yokeved greets Moses as her "firstborn" when I believe it was Aaron and then his sister, Miriam are older than Moses. This is an error in the storyline. The cover also does not represent the skin-tone of Zipporah as mentioned in the book numerous times. Why does the author have to state this so many times, we got it the first one or two times?
November 17, 2013
I like Marek Halter's Canaan series precisely because he doesn't go down the most expected path. For some people this might be a disappointment, but I enjoyed how these figures were humanised.
Zipporah is no exception; the majority of the book explores the relationship betweeen Moses and Zipporah, not Moses' mission to Egypt.
I enjoy Halter's writing style, I find it calm but not dull. The detail is enough to envisage the scene but not dull the imagination. I enjoyed the character of Zipporah, strong and calm, she sticks to her convictions.
I disliked how her sister Orma was depicted, she was too one dimensional, vain and concerned with power, it didn't seem like she had any positives, other than being Zipporah's sister. I felt like the book could have been longer and more in depth and could have explored the minor characters more. The way the book ended was unexpected and not in a good way.
It was a nice read but nothing exceptional 3.5 stars.
Zipporah is no exception; the majority of the book explores the relationship betweeen Moses and Zipporah, not Moses' mission to Egypt.
I enjoy Halter's writing style, I find it calm but not dull. The detail is enough to envisage the scene but not dull the imagination. I enjoyed the character of Zipporah, strong and calm, she sticks to her convictions.
I disliked how her sister Orma was depicted, she was too one dimensional, vain and concerned with power, it didn't seem like she had any positives, other than being Zipporah's sister. I felt like the book could have been longer and more in depth and could have explored the minor characters more. The way the book ended was unexpected and not in a good way.
It was a nice read but nothing exceptional 3.5 stars.
May 19, 2014
I read this book for a second time, which I rarely do (how can you--there is always so much new to read!). I enjoyed it both times. It is essentially a modern Midrash, a Biblical commentary, told from the point of view of Moses's Cushite wife Zipporah. It is in the style of The Red Tent. This book is imaginative and well researched, although I think I would enjoy a novel with footnotes! I reread this book because I am fascinated with the character of Zipporah. She is this black adopted daughter of Jethro, a Midinite priest and she winds up marrying Moses. Moses's sister complains that he married outside the faith. However, it is Zipporah who circumcised Moses's son--preserving the covenant. What role does she play when we look at Jews by choice. What role does the non-Israelite play today in terms of raising Jewish children: driving to Hebrew School, keeping a Jewish house, helping with Bar/Bat Mitzvah preparation. How can we or should we reclaim Zipporah as a model for our times?
January 26, 2008
Interesting story about Cush wife of Moses, Zipporah. I like stories like this one because they give me a gleam into what life was like thousands of years ago, and how humanity dealt with pain, tradition, love and family. This particular story emphasizes the power of one woman, Zipporah. She was a critical force in Moses' life, encouraging him to travel to his people in Egypt, to begin the exodus of the Jewish slaves. Zipporah is a black gentile who uses what she knows about challenge and oppresion to connect with Moses, who is also made to feel like an outsider, not really fitting in with any one group of people. The two of them are followed through their journey of love, exclusion, pain and forgiveness.
March 18, 2020
Overall, I rather enjoyed this book. The writing style was appropriate and the characters were real and believable. On the down side, the racial representations seemed too modern. Also, some of the details didn't line up. This is a story based on very few pieces of information and while the filling-in-the-gaps is imaginative and feels authentic, the known details are misrepresented from the biblical account. While some aspects of the Bible are of course open to interpretation, some things, such as sibling order, seem like they should be taken at face value. Changing these details undermines the authenticity of the story.
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