Ruth: A Refugee Story

by Matt Mikalatos

One of the most famous stories of all time, this fresh retelling of the story of Ruth emphasizes the amazing storytelling and vibrancy of the original Hebrew text. Full of tragedy, amazing family loyalty, and a beautiful depiction of God, this is the book of Ruth as you've never read it before.

23 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 16, 2017

About the author

Matt Mikalatos writes in a variety of genres, and also writes for film and TV. He lives in the Portland, Oregon area with his wife, three daughters, and a gigantic rabbit named Bruce.

Reviews

[Nadine Keels · Rating 4 out of 5]

"I know how you left behind your mother and father, your relatives and your homeland, and came here to live among strangers… You have come to Yahweh, the God of Israel, seeking refuge." (GSV)

I often hear people (especially women) refer to the biblical book of Ruth as a love story. That makes sense, not only in regard to Ruth's relationship and marriage to Boaz but also in light of Ruth's devotion to her mother-in-law, Naomi.

However, Ruth the Moabite wasn't only a daughter-in-law and a widow seeking a new husband. The thought of her as a foreigner in Bethlehem, in need of refuge, was what drew me to read Ruth: A Refugee Story, the book of Ruth as retold by Matt Mikalatos.

I've lost track of how many times I've read this book in different versions of the Bible. While reading the Good Story Version this time around, I did a little extra pondering on Ruth as an immigrant. And as it was when I read Jonah: A Comedy, another GSV retelling, I found the storyteller's notes at the end to be of particular interest.

Worth checking out for readers and studiers of biblical themes—the story and its corresponding notes in the back.

No one wants to be a refugee.
Leaving your home because of famine, or violence, or war, is a painful decision.

[Felicity · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent retelling of the story, but I wanted more detail

This is a fantastic story and it's well told here except that there's so much cultural stuff I don't understand. What is a kinsman redeemer? How crowded is a threshing floor? Etc. But the little bit of commentary afterwards was very welcome.

[Barrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

I would read as many of these translations as would be published. Not to replace the other more traditional translations, but certainly to add color and perspective that I might have otherwise missed entirely trying to read the Bible through my personal 21st century perspective.

[Jeff Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love both Good Story Version bible books he has out so far

Looking forward to more! I I'm particular appreciate and get a lot out of his translation notes at the end of the books. I feel i know the story much better afterward.

[DAC · Rating 3 out of 5]

not really a book - but a review of the story with some comments

This very short “book” reviews the book of Ruth and adds some commentary at the end. I was hoping for some more in depth information.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but sweet

Great short read. I appreciate the commentary. Worth the time and effort to ponder awhile. The list of organizations at the end was an added bonus.

[Sabrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second of Matt's books like this that I have read (also read his book on Jonah) and I enjoyed this one too. Especially the Notes on Translation at the end. Hope he writes more.

[Reggie Andre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Informative

Nice short read, reliving the story of Ruth if you’re looking for more insight story telling and understanding. Thank you.

[Mrklingon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoughtful translation of a timely story.

With a really nice afterword reflection /commentary concerning refugees - with lots of practical suggestions for how to help.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Would recommend

This is a charming and poignant telling of Ruth and Naomi’s story. It lends richness through deeper understanding of the Hebrew text and Hebrew narrative which are too often missed by modern readers. 10/10