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Victory on the Walls: A Story of Nehemiah
Thirteen-year-old Bani, though born in Jerusalem, has lived from infancy with his uncle in beautiful Susa, the city of the Persian King Artaxerxes. Now, his Uncle Nehemiah wants to leave his position of high honor as Cupbearer to the King to return to Jerusalem, a city in ruins and beset by every kind of trouble! Nehemiah's request of the king, permission to return to help his own people, could so easily—in an empire riddled with political intrigue—be misconstrued as treasonous scheming. Bani himself is given an unexpected part to play, the outcome of which is to forever change his life. Seen through the eyes of Bani, this novel dramatizes a turning-point of history, in 445 BC, when—through confrontation and daring risks—Judaism was re-established in the Promised Land, and purified for her unfolding mission.
182 pages, Paperback
First published February 28, 2005
34 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
October 24, 2020
Read as a read-aloud with my son. Was a great learning about the times and history with Nehemiah. We both enjoyed it!
March 28, 2023
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May 7, 2021
Very good book, gave me a better understanding about Nehemiah.🙂
October 27, 2020
This book made me appreciate the book of Nehemiah so much more. I love the way the author weaves Scripture into her writing as part of the story. It's soul-stirring to read from the perspective of a coming-of-age boy, to see the struggle and the devotion to God that beats in the hearts of His people. And the ending...
I had my doubts about this book, but it far exceeded my expectations - powerful read, one I'd recommend to anyone.
I had my doubts about this book, but it far exceeded my expectations - powerful read, one I'd recommend to anyone.
August 13, 2019
We had a failure to communicate with this book. I got tired reading it out loud and neither one of us were intrigued by the story. Therefore, my kiddo and I practiced the fine art of not finishing a book that we didn't love.
March 7, 2025
2-3 stars.
Meh.
It was an okay read, but I really felt let down. Maybe these novels set in Old Testament times are harder to write well. Idk.
Anyways, like I said, it was okay, really wouldn’t recommend it.
The plot was rough and the main character’s character development was choppy.
In conclusion, not going to be reading it again, but for what it was, it was fine.
Meh.
It was an okay read, but I really felt let down. Maybe these novels set in Old Testament times are harder to write well. Idk.
Anyways, like I said, it was okay, really wouldn’t recommend it.
The plot was rough and the main character’s character development was choppy.
In conclusion, not going to be reading it again, but for what it was, it was fine.
December 27, 2021
Read-aloud with Micah to go with cycle 1 and our sermon series at church on Nehemiah. Not a very exciting or beautifully written book, but it was interesting enough. Won’t go through cycle 1 again, so probably won’t read it again.
March 5, 2019
Never heard of this story before and interesting Jewish history. Good read aloud with son.
April 16, 2019
We read this for school. It was slow at the beginning and my kids didn't care for it, but it did picked up toward the end and my kids started to enjoy it.
November 6, 2020
Good book of info and encouragement
Read
October 4, 2022History read aloud ✨
January 27, 2023
It was a good historical fiction. The little guy and I really enjoyed it.
Read
January 9, 2026Yuh
Supa good broski and I especially liked Nathaniel B's part in this low-key rlly chill I'll read it to my unc
Supa good broski and I especially liked Nathaniel B's part in this low-key rlly chill I'll read it to my unc
September 29, 2014
Victory on the Walls: A Story of Nehemiah, to my surprise, is actually not a "Christian" book. In reality it is part of a series called Covenant Books, which were designed as an "expedition into the realms of Jewish experience," and to "stimulate the young reader's interest in his cultural heritage and prove a rewarding spiritual experience." That's not to say that a Christian audience won't benefit from reading this book, it's just they weren't the original audience. The two main characters in this book are Nehemiah and an author-created fictional nephew named Bani. True to the Bible, Nehemiah is cupbearer to the Persian King Artaxerxes. Bani is Jewish as well, but has lived in Susa (a Persian city) his whole life, so he identifies himself as Persian, not Jewish, which dismays his uncle.
The first 2+ chapters give us background for the main characters; introduce us to other minor fictional characters, such as Jadon and Oebazus; educate us on the city and culture of Susa; and give us a minor tease of the problems afflicting Jerusalem. In Chapter 3, we see passages in this book which are straight out of the Bible itself, including Nehemiah in ashes and beseeching the Lord. We also see Artaxerxes realizing Nehemiah was distraught in his presence and giving him permission to go rebuild Jerusalem. We then see the journey from Susa to Jerusalem, and are treated to an ancient history and geography lesson. Young boys will like some of these chapters because there are military tactics and battles as well. When they finally arrive in Jerusalem, we see politics abound and several people questioning and doubting Nehemiah or trying to persuade him to do things against God's will, as well as more battles. I won't divulge anymore of the book, so I don't completely give away the plot.
I found this book surprisingly enjoyable. I say surprisingly, because I am generally not a fan of Biblical stories that take such creative license. However, this book made the story of Nehemiah come alive. I found myself reading this book and reading the book of Nehemiah simultaneously, just to see what was actually in the Bible and what was not. This was great for building my interest in an important time in Jewish and Biblical history. I wish the Ms. Hyman's other work was in print as well. Be sure to check out Bethlehem Books for other great historical fiction works in their Living History Library series. Also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter to keep track of their monthly free eStacks book. This month's selection is ending tomorrow and is entitled Wild Cat Ridge!
The first 2+ chapters give us background for the main characters; introduce us to other minor fictional characters, such as Jadon and Oebazus; educate us on the city and culture of Susa; and give us a minor tease of the problems afflicting Jerusalem. In Chapter 3, we see passages in this book which are straight out of the Bible itself, including Nehemiah in ashes and beseeching the Lord. We also see Artaxerxes realizing Nehemiah was distraught in his presence and giving him permission to go rebuild Jerusalem. We then see the journey from Susa to Jerusalem, and are treated to an ancient history and geography lesson. Young boys will like some of these chapters because there are military tactics and battles as well. When they finally arrive in Jerusalem, we see politics abound and several people questioning and doubting Nehemiah or trying to persuade him to do things against God's will, as well as more battles. I won't divulge anymore of the book, so I don't completely give away the plot.
I found this book surprisingly enjoyable. I say surprisingly, because I am generally not a fan of Biblical stories that take such creative license. However, this book made the story of Nehemiah come alive. I found myself reading this book and reading the book of Nehemiah simultaneously, just to see what was actually in the Bible and what was not. This was great for building my interest in an important time in Jewish and Biblical history. I wish the Ms. Hyman's other work was in print as well. Be sure to check out Bethlehem Books for other great historical fiction works in their Living History Library series. Also like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter to keep track of their monthly free eStacks book. This month's selection is ending tomorrow and is entitled Wild Cat Ridge!
January 17, 2012
There is a running joke between me and one of our pastor friends about how we used to play copies of his sermon series on Nehemiah to put our babies to sleep. I was joking, of course, but that still doesn't mean that I was excited about reading this book on Nehemiah and his return to Jerusalem to rebuild the city. Once again (as with much historical fiction), I was pleasantly surprised.
The main character of the story is Bani, Nehemiah's nephew who was orphaned and left in his care. This is a fictional nephew, of course; there is no mention of him in the Bible. Bani wonders, "What is the big deal about being a Jew?" He hates studying Torah and history, he can't get over everyone's obsession with Jerusalem and he feels that Uncle Nehemiah must love the land of his forefathers more than he loves him. Besides, Bani thinks Susa is a perfectly wonderful city to live in. "Who needs Jerusalem?" That it...until he journeys with Nehemiah back to the city to help rebuild the walls and return Israel to the God-honoring place it once was.
It's amazing how much easier history is to understand when explained through the voice of a fictional character!
The main character of the story is Bani, Nehemiah's nephew who was orphaned and left in his care. This is a fictional nephew, of course; there is no mention of him in the Bible. Bani wonders, "What is the big deal about being a Jew?" He hates studying Torah and history, he can't get over everyone's obsession with Jerusalem and he feels that Uncle Nehemiah must love the land of his forefathers more than he loves him. Besides, Bani thinks Susa is a perfectly wonderful city to live in. "Who needs Jerusalem?" That it...until he journeys with Nehemiah back to the city to help rebuild the walls and return Israel to the God-honoring place it once was.
It's amazing how much easier history is to understand when explained through the voice of a fictional character!
January 27, 2016
An exciting story during the time of Nehemiah. It reflects the Bible quite well, gives a fascinating picture of everyday life, and is also a coming of age story.
We use this in our homeschool, reading Nehemiah alongside it. For young teens, but because of the subject matter it is interesting for older teens and adults as well.
First read Dec 2012, reread Jan 2016.
We use this in our homeschool, reading Nehemiah alongside it. For young teens, but because of the subject matter it is interesting for older teens and adults as well.
First read Dec 2012, reread Jan 2016.
January 18, 2017
A nice historical fiction story set in Ancient Times. It helps readers gain a better appreciation for ancient cultures and the power Nehemiah held as the king's cupbearer.
Recommended for family read-aloud or supplement material for World History studies.
Recommended for family read-aloud or supplement material for World History studies.
September 3, 2012
Awkward writing (it was hard to read aloud)and it portrayed Nehemiah in a negative fashion. Pick up "Within the Palace Gates" instead.
June 17, 2015
I found the writing style choppy and simplistic, and the story never drew me in.
March 11, 2016
We read this book during home school. My children and I really enjoy historical fiction, but this missed the mark for us. It was a difficult read and just didn't hold our interest.
October 10, 2017
This is very good historical fiction, geared toward the mid to older teen, but the writing is of such quality that it will be of interest to adults. The title is self explanatory.
March 26, 2017
Read this as a History book for school. One of the best history books!
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews