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Jonah
Readers will discover a powerful work of fiction and the challenging story of God's work in one man's soul to bring truth to the world.
264 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published March 1, 1987
96 people want to read
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
July 13, 2024
3.5 stars rounded up. I liked how Traylor pulled in Amos as a contemporary of Jonah, though I think she depicted Jeroboam too sympathetically. The Bible says he did evil in the sight of the Lord and doesn't record repentance. Whenever any other king who started bad repents, that's recorded, so I really doubt Jeroboam repented like this book suggests. Also, the people of the Northern Kingdom seemed to be too good. They were pretty much always in rebellion against God, according to the Scripture. Otherwise, though, this was an enjoyable version of the story of Jonah!
Oh, there was also one unnecessary scene between Jeroboam and one of his wives that was a little far, but nothing too bad.
Oh, there was also one unnecessary scene between Jeroboam and one of his wives that was a little far, but nothing too bad.
June 19, 2011
Traylor uses her imagination, research, and creativity to weave together a believable story of Jonah's life. Three primary characters (Jeroboam, Asher-Dan, and Jonah) are presented with possible motives and reactions to the political and spiritual wranglings of the time.
I would have appreciated a concluding chapter that summarized what of the story was factual (based on biblical and extra-biblical historical literature) and what was the imaginings of the author.
I would have appreciated a concluding chapter that summarized what of the story was factual (based on biblical and extra-biblical historical literature) and what was the imaginings of the author.
December 15, 2016
I mostly enjoyed this book. There was a chapter I had to skip though, because it just wasn't entirely necessary. As there is a lot of creative writing in 'Jonah' one must be careful to avoid becoming confused with it and the true story of Jonah in the Bible. Although the author has used creative writing, this story has a happier ending than that of the Bible.
This book is not particularly new (note that many modern novels contain poor vocabulary) so I was glad to find that the 'Jonah' book has good, reasonably complex wording. At times, when there were other distractions I did find it difficult to follow.
This book is not particularly new (note that many modern novels contain poor vocabulary) so I was glad to find that the 'Jonah' book has good, reasonably complex wording. At times, when there were other distractions I did find it difficult to follow.
September 30, 2025
I've noticed a trend with some Biblical adaptations: they try to expand on the source material, giving more historical context and devising theories to make the stories make more sense...but then get so obsessed with these additions that the actual main plot become rushed and perfunctory. I don't think this book was as bad at this as another one that I read this year, but they were similar enough for me to notice.
For example: I like that Traylor acknowledges that, based on 2 Kings 14:25, Jonah advised King Jeroboam II about his military conquests. The problem is that that one line basically takes up half this book. Honestly, Jeroboam feels more like our protagonist early on than Jonah, who's barely in the early chapters. There's also all this stuff about Jeroboam's evil Phoenician wife who wants to kill the prophet Amos, and if this sounds a lot like the story of Ahab/Jezebel/Elijah, yeah, the book even lampshades that, while I scratched my head and wonder why Traylor didn't write about that if it's what she was actually interested in. That part is especially weird because not-Jezebel, as well as Amaziah the high priest, both get lots of focus and POV chapters, only be abruptly dropped from the story when Jonah finally shows up.
The first half is a mess, is what I'm saying, and the writing isn't even very good or subtle. I'd also argue that it goes against what the Bible says, since Traylor has Jeroboam repent while 2 Kings 14:24 says that he "did not turn away from any of the sins" of his predecessors. That could have even made a good setup for when Jonah is sent to Nineveh—"what, God, You want me to help another undeserving nation?"
Things do improve in the second half. Jonah, and the story of his eponymous book, become more focal, while previously we were all over the place. The whole setup with Nineveh already being plagued and the brewing war between Jeroboam and Ashur-dan was an interesting way of setting up the characters' motives. But one major problem is, Traylor doesn't do enough to establish why Jonah wouldn't want to help Ninevites, on a personal level. It doesn't have to anything deep, but it doesn't really come up until it's already a conflict. I do like that she portrays Jonah as a generally nice guy, while it seems a lot of others just write him off as "the jerk prophet;" but balancing niceness and occasionally jerkiness takes nuance, while Jonah just kinda switches back and forth as the story requires.
For example: I like that Traylor acknowledges that, based on 2 Kings 14:25, Jonah advised King Jeroboam II about his military conquests. The problem is that that one line basically takes up half this book. Honestly, Jeroboam feels more like our protagonist early on than Jonah, who's barely in the early chapters. There's also all this stuff about Jeroboam's evil Phoenician wife who wants to kill the prophet Amos, and if this sounds a lot like the story of Ahab/Jezebel/Elijah, yeah, the book even lampshades that, while I scratched my head and wonder why Traylor didn't write about that if it's what she was actually interested in. That part is especially weird because not-Jezebel, as well as Amaziah the high priest, both get lots of focus and POV chapters, only be abruptly dropped from the story when Jonah finally shows up.
The first half is a mess, is what I'm saying, and the writing isn't even very good or subtle. I'd also argue that it goes against what the Bible says, since Traylor has Jeroboam repent while 2 Kings 14:24 says that he "did not turn away from any of the sins" of his predecessors. That could have even made a good setup for when Jonah is sent to Nineveh—"what, God, You want me to help another undeserving nation?"
Things do improve in the second half. Jonah, and the story of his eponymous book, become more focal, while previously we were all over the place. The whole setup with Nineveh already being plagued and the brewing war between Jeroboam and Ashur-dan was an interesting way of setting up the characters' motives. But one major problem is, Traylor doesn't do enough to establish why Jonah wouldn't want to help Ninevites, on a personal level. It doesn't have to anything deep, but it doesn't really come up until it's already a conflict. I do like that she portrays Jonah as a generally nice guy, while it seems a lot of others just write him off as "the jerk prophet;" but balancing niceness and occasionally jerkiness takes nuance, while Jonah just kinda switches back and forth as the story requires.
December 28, 2020
An insightful book, full of adventure. I love the vocabulary in Traylor's book. It helps my own vocabulary to expand.
I think it's good that the author stuck to what happened in the book of Jonah in the Bible, but added some of her own ideas within it all. I recommend this book. It helped lead me to repentance.
I think it's good that the author stuck to what happened in the book of Jonah in the Bible, but added some of her own ideas within it all. I recommend this book. It helped lead me to repentance.
April 21, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. Currently doing a 6 week Bible study on the book of Jonah. Gives great historical details that help fill in the Biblical account. I look forward to reading more of this author's work.
January 9, 2023
Very well written. It was a little slow at first, but it was necessary to set such a big, detailed stage. Sadly, the book comes to an abrupt end, but then again, so does the book of Jonah in the Bible.
July 9, 2021
It's a good story. A little drawn out and i had to look up a few words lol
But it's when he gets to Nineveh that makes an impact.
But it's when he gets to Nineveh that makes an impact.
May 6, 2022
Each of EGT's books are wonderful reads.
I'd recommend each and every one.
I'd recommend each and every one.
December 13, 2020
Extremely captivating. A great writer. Excellent story telling!
December 31, 2013
Jonah
By Ellen Gunderson Traylor
Publisher: Living Books - Tyndale House Publishing
Published In: Wheaton, Illinois, USA
Date: 1989
Pgs: 257
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
The first missionary, in a time of war, Jonah, the man swallowed by a whale, has his story told. A story of God’s work in a man’s soul. The bringing of truth through the crucible of rebellion and obedience. A tale of empire, war, nations, and kings.
Genre:
history, historical fiction, biblical fiction, fiction
Why this book:
I love a good Bible story. I’m not as familiar with Jonah’s story beyond the whale, more familiar with the stories of Moses, Job, and Noah.
This Story is About:
courage, working hard, doing the right thing, greed, friends, jealousy, love, caring, happiness, sadness, family
Favorite Character:
relatable, hateable
Least Favorite Character:
N/A
Character I Most Identified With:
How can you not identify with Jonah being swept along and having the word put upon him. He has a destiny pushed into him. He rebels. He runs. He relents. He prevails. He sees wisdom as the scales are dropped from his eyes.
The Feel:
Jonah’s story sweeps him along.
Favorite Scene:
When the Prophet Amos from Judah challenges the Cows, as he called the painted up, see and be seen people who were visiting the temples of Gilgal more to be seen and show that they were giving than for the giving.
As Jonah stands on the walls of just conquered Damascus watching Ashur-Dan king of Assyria flee from the desert gate of the city.
The whole sequence from the casting off the ship to being devoured by Leviathan to his time in the whale’s stomach to being cast upon a Libyan shore is awesomely done.
Settings:
Beth-El, Nineveh, Gilgal, Samaria, Damascus, Leviathan’s stomach, a Phoenician bark
Pacing:
The pace is good, a good page turn rate. Short chapters without being punchy.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A
Last Page Sound:
Good for you Jonah.
Author Assessment:
If this is any indicator, I need to look at more by this author.
Editorial Assessment:
Well done.
Did the Book Cover Reflect the Story:
The cover shows Jonah on the deck of the Phoenician bark just prior to the crew casting lots and throwing him overboard. That’s the best scene to have illustrated for the story.
Hmm Moments:
The nightmare visions of Ninevah’s king shouting out to him for aid prior to his taking on his second ministry.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
glad I read it
Disposition of Book:
Irving Public Library, Irving, TX
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
A Jonah movie would be great.
Casting call:
Every biblical character should be portrayed by Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner.
Would recommend to:
Bibliophiles, the circuitously religious
By Ellen Gunderson Traylor
Publisher: Living Books - Tyndale House Publishing
Published In: Wheaton, Illinois, USA
Date: 1989
Pgs: 257
REVIEW MAY CONTAIN SPOILERS
Summary:
The first missionary, in a time of war, Jonah, the man swallowed by a whale, has his story told. A story of God’s work in a man’s soul. The bringing of truth through the crucible of rebellion and obedience. A tale of empire, war, nations, and kings.
Genre:
history, historical fiction, biblical fiction, fiction
Why this book:
I love a good Bible story. I’m not as familiar with Jonah’s story beyond the whale, more familiar with the stories of Moses, Job, and Noah.
This Story is About:
courage, working hard, doing the right thing, greed, friends, jealousy, love, caring, happiness, sadness, family
Favorite Character:
relatable, hateable
Least Favorite Character:
N/A
Character I Most Identified With:
How can you not identify with Jonah being swept along and having the word put upon him. He has a destiny pushed into him. He rebels. He runs. He relents. He prevails. He sees wisdom as the scales are dropped from his eyes.
The Feel:
Jonah’s story sweeps him along.
Favorite Scene:
When the Prophet Amos from Judah challenges the Cows, as he called the painted up, see and be seen people who were visiting the temples of Gilgal more to be seen and show that they were giving than for the giving.
As Jonah stands on the walls of just conquered Damascus watching Ashur-Dan king of Assyria flee from the desert gate of the city.
The whole sequence from the casting off the ship to being devoured by Leviathan to his time in the whale’s stomach to being cast upon a Libyan shore is awesomely done.
Settings:
Beth-El, Nineveh, Gilgal, Samaria, Damascus, Leviathan’s stomach, a Phoenician bark
Pacing:
The pace is good, a good page turn rate. Short chapters without being punchy.
Plot Holes/Out of Character:
N/A
Last Page Sound:
Good for you Jonah.
Author Assessment:
If this is any indicator, I need to look at more by this author.
Editorial Assessment:
Well done.
Did the Book Cover Reflect the Story:
The cover shows Jonah on the deck of the Phoenician bark just prior to the crew casting lots and throwing him overboard. That’s the best scene to have illustrated for the story.
Hmm Moments:
The nightmare visions of Ninevah’s king shouting out to him for aid prior to his taking on his second ministry.
Knee Jerk Reaction:
glad I read it
Disposition of Book:
Irving Public Library, Irving, TX
Why isn’t there a screenplay?
A Jonah movie would be great.
Casting call:
Every biblical character should be portrayed by Charlton Heston and Yul Brynner.
Would recommend to:
Bibliophiles, the circuitously religious
December 11, 2015
Ellen's books are always educational and enlightening. They make me think of 'The Rest of the Story.'
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews