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Esther
Esther never dreamed that one day she would sit beside the monarch of Persia as his queen. But, when the beauty and simple charm of this Hebrew girl sweep her to sudden greatness, she is destined to fill a role far greater than that of empress. God has chosen her to deliver her people, the Jews, from annihilation, and to become one of the bravest heroines of all time. (Book is also titled "Esther - Woman who Captured the Heart of a King")
206 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1988
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About the author
Ellen Gunderson Traylor
40 books65 followersEllen Gunderson Traylor, "America's Foremost Biblical Novelist," is a gifted storyteller who brings characters of the Bible to life. Her many bestselling novels have sold about a million copies in English, with numerous foreign translations.
In addition to writing bestselling novels, Traylor has been a magazine/newspaper columnist and correspondent. An award-winning feature writer, Traylor has written screenplays and political speeches, and was a contributing writer and researcher for the Tyndale Family Bible Encyclopedia project.
In addition to writing bestselling novels, Traylor has been a magazine/newspaper columnist and correspondent. An award-winning feature writer, Traylor has written screenplays and political speeches, and was a contributing writer and researcher for the Tyndale Family Bible Encyclopedia project.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 6, 2022
This is the second book I've read by this author. I liked the first one from the late '80s, about Joseph the dreamer.
As for this novel from the '90s, it's at least the tenth adaptation of Hadassah/Esther's story I've either read or watched over the years. So it was interesting to see this author present a take on the story I hadn't seen before.
This different take includes the nature of Xerxes and Esther's marriage: altogether loveless right from the start, based on a delusion Xerxes has. In fact, given the book's pretty cursory sketch of their poor relationship, which doesn't start until Esther becomes queen around the last third of the novel, we don't hear her even speak at all to Xerxes until only a quarter of the novel is left.
Moreover, while the book's descriptions of the overall plot and context are certainly important, Hadassah/Esther herself doesn't really seem like the lead character, maybe not until that last quarter. During the first three, her fairly limited time in the forefront is like that of a supporting character, while the story is more occupied with Mordecai, Xerxes, Vashti, and imperial war and intrigue, including where the notorious Haman comes into play.
Now, aside from some issues I have with the narrative style and a few technical aspects of this adaptation that don't quite make sense to me, Esther's celebration of death at the end of the book rubbed me the wrong way. See, the backstory regarding Haman, a descendant of Agag the Amalekite—a backstory involving a mass killing of Haman's people: men, women, and children—I'm sorry to say it's only in recent years that it finally struck me as genocide. I don't take that biblical account of killing for granted anymore.
As I recall from other fictional adaptations of this story, the endings tend to focus on the saving of Esther and her people. But at the ending of this book, much of the focus is like, "Let's kill off the rest of the Amalekites at long last, then we'll rejoice over their obliteration!"
At this point, I've seen too much demonizing and "othering" of people in real life, seeing how the dehumanizing of humans desensitizes people, making it easier for them to celebrate, or justify, or excuse, or feel indifferent about the harsh treatment—even the killing—of "other" people. I've seen too much of it to take it for granted, even in fiction.
That includes biblical fiction.
One of several positive things this lifelong book lover can say is that reading novels oftentimes shows me or reiterates how I'm changing or have changed as a person. It's a bittersweet experience sometimes, but I'm grateful for it.
As for this novel from the '90s, it's at least the tenth adaptation of Hadassah/Esther's story I've either read or watched over the years. So it was interesting to see this author present a take on the story I hadn't seen before.
This different take includes the nature of Xerxes and Esther's marriage: altogether loveless right from the start, based on a delusion Xerxes has. In fact, given the book's pretty cursory sketch of their poor relationship, which doesn't start until Esther becomes queen around the last third of the novel, we don't hear her even speak at all to Xerxes until only a quarter of the novel is left.
Moreover, while the book's descriptions of the overall plot and context are certainly important, Hadassah/Esther herself doesn't really seem like the lead character, maybe not until that last quarter. During the first three, her fairly limited time in the forefront is like that of a supporting character, while the story is more occupied with Mordecai, Xerxes, Vashti, and imperial war and intrigue, including where the notorious Haman comes into play.
Now, aside from some issues I have with the narrative style and a few technical aspects of this adaptation that don't quite make sense to me, Esther's celebration of death at the end of the book rubbed me the wrong way. See, the backstory regarding Haman, a descendant of Agag the Amalekite—a backstory involving a mass killing of Haman's people: men, women, and children—I'm sorry to say it's only in recent years that it finally struck me as genocide. I don't take that biblical account of killing for granted anymore.
As I recall from other fictional adaptations of this story, the endings tend to focus on the saving of Esther and her people. But at the ending of this book, much of the focus is like, "Let's kill off the rest of the Amalekites at long last, then we'll rejoice over their obliteration!"
At this point, I've seen too much demonizing and "othering" of people in real life, seeing how the dehumanizing of humans desensitizes people, making it easier for them to celebrate, or justify, or excuse, or feel indifferent about the harsh treatment—even the killing—of "other" people. I've seen too much of it to take it for granted, even in fiction.
That includes biblical fiction.
One of several positive things this lifelong book lover can say is that reading novels oftentimes shows me or reiterates how I'm changing or have changed as a person. It's a bittersweet experience sometimes, but I'm grateful for it.
June 10, 2020
Esther is one of my favorite stories in the Bible and the book brings the story alive and gives it a more personal story. These stories make me recall what I have already read in the Bible or look up something I might not have known before. The story of Esther's time in the new harem with other girls from her own village, brings us inside the story. Her training and grooming are extensive, her fear ever present. Her purpose in this place and time unclear until a deadly conspiracy needs a Queen to save a Nation.
June 18, 2010
This was a good book, but now as great as what One night with the king was. So I got bored a bit. But still a good read.
January 27, 2019
This book was alright. Just alright though for me. It was hard to keep working through this book as the authors word imagery is not as vivid as what I usually read. The story, though, kept close to Biblical accounts and where the author took liberty, she did with integrity.
I would recommend this book to anyone for those who desire a fast read through the story of Esther with the intent of learning just a little more of what her life was like during that time.
I would recommend this book to anyone for those who desire a fast read through the story of Esther with the intent of learning just a little more of what her life was like during that time.
September 22, 2022
I highly recommend this author's Biblical fiction. Esther was the first book of hers that I read, and it had me hooked. What she adds to fill in the Biblical narrative is both entertaining for the readers and realistic. I feel enriched by her perspective on these amazing Bible passages, and the lives of those God chose.
June 13, 2024
A super fast retelling of Esther from the Bible. In only 200 pages, it tells the story of her life from birth to Purim. At times it seemed too accelerated, but if you are looking for a fast read that will have you thinking more deeply about the Book of Esther, this is a good place to start.
April 23, 2023
Another enjoyable read from this author.
December 30, 2016
This was one of my favorites! I love the story of Esther!
July 11, 2011
I finished this book while I was on tour with the 2011 Integrity Beauty Tour for Integrity Beauty Women of Excellence Christian Women Network in Warren, Ohio. I'm the National Spokesperson and Ambassador for this wonderful organization and while I was in Ohio I found this book as a duo with Joseph-Dreamer of Dreams also written by Ellen Gunderson Trayler. I was amazed because I identify with both characters from the Holy Bible and to find these two books in one was AWESOME! I loved this book because it is a NOVEL and the author not only used non-fiction from her detailed studies that took her to Chicago to a museum that housed a statue that was believed to be in the palace of King Xerxes in Persia, but she also created a wonderful story full of details of how Hadassah became Queen Esther. If you loved reading the Book of Esther in the Holy Bible you will love this book! As a Servant and a Queen myself I highly recommend this book to all women! Happy Reading!
April 28, 2015
3.5 stars
This book wasn't bad by any means; it was an interesting and enjoyable read for me. I liked it, and appreciated the research the author must've put into it.
The book is well-written and captiviating - I was glad I started it!
The ending wasn't my favourite part, but it wasn't terrible.
But yeah, it was good. =)
This book wasn't bad by any means; it was an interesting and enjoyable read for me. I liked it, and appreciated the research the author must've put into it.
The book is well-written and captiviating - I was glad I started it!
The ending wasn't my favourite part, but it wasn't terrible.
But yeah, it was good. =)
October 8, 2012
Overall, I enjoyed it. It was interesting and seemed Biblically accurate the best of my knowledge. However, the ending was different than I think historically accurate...other than that, I highly recommend it for lovers of the Esther story.
April 27, 2013
Good book, very well written. I enjoyed seeing Esther in a new way.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews