Hadassah: A novel of Ancient Persia

by Jill Francis Hudson

Persia has a ruthless new overlord and subject nations seethe beneath his sway. In the maelstrom of racial and religious tensions, a schemer who has won the emperor's favour plots the extermination of his ancestral enemies. But the emperor's wife hides a dangerous she herself is one of them. With her own survival and that of her people under threat, Queen Hadassah must choose between her exalted position and the ties of religion and blood.

Genres: Historical Fiction

545 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 26, 2019

About the author

I've been writing novels ever since I could hold a pencil. I wrote my first at the age of five; it was called 'My Doll: Book 4' - because I didn't want readers to think I was inexperienced! By the time I got to secondary school I was writing exclusively historical fiction, because that was what I loved reading. My idols were Rosemary Sutcliff and Mary Renault, and their books are still among my favourites. I also love ancient and medieval fantasy, and am a big fan of the novels of George RR Martin ('A Game of Thrones' etc.).

I gave up writing to study Classics and Theology at Cambridge University, where I obtained a starred first class honours degree. Since then I've been writing again, and teaching: mostly Classics and Religious Studies. My husband is also a teacher, and we both ski, cycle, canoe, hike and climb whenever we get the chance.

My five published novels, 'Rabshakeh', 'Zoheleth', 'Hadassah', 'A Fortress Among My People' and 'The Last Queen of Sheba' are all set against the background of Ancient Israel, and are woven around the stories of Saul, Absalom, Esther, Jeremiah, and the Queen of Sheba respectively. They have been translated into several languages by foreign publishers, among them German, Danish, Spanish and Czech. I have also written a non-fiction study of Esther entitled: 'Esther: For Such a Time as This'.

My passion is bringing Old Testament characters to life, as complex, flawed human beings just like the rest of us.

Reviews

[Rhonda Jayne Robertson]

Excellent, gripping read didn't want to put it down as wanted to see what came next. Interesting insight into Persian culture, royalty and religion. Hard to know how true to the biblical account of Esther it is but the added extras and writers licence to fill out the characters only added to the intrigue and better understanding of those times. Esther's character was certainly believable and knowing she like us is flawed and doubt and fail in our faith is in a sense reassuring. Felt satisfied Esther eventually came to know, love & serve her true God in the end.

[varena manion]

Ester

This is the first book I have read by this author and will likely be the last. First, the grammatical errors were off putting and distracting. Second, it was impossible to reconcile the narcissistic, spoiled, cruel Ester of this book to the benevolent Biblical Ester of our Sunday School days. Third, the mind numbing, irrelevant detail which did nothing to advance the plot made it a struggle to continue reading. I find nothing to commend this book to other readers.

[Sara Sullivan]

Well written

This story was well written and interesting. If you enjoy learning about history its worth a read. A fictional account of the story of Esther in the Bible and her bid to be queen and save her people from extermination.

[M]

Dreadful. Monotone, narcissistic zealotry as deep as a puddle. Boring, completely lacking both in beauty and insight, generic.