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A Garden Locked
"Recall yourself, Abigail," the king said. "And be thankful you're a woman and do not suffer the consequences a man would, for speaking as you just have."
"I've never been less thankful to be a woman!"
Abigail flings these words at her brilliant but remote father King Solomon. He's just casually informed her she's to marry the sinister Prophet Nathan, a lizard-eyed palace schemer four times her age. Determined to prevent this by any means, Abigail proposes a wager. If she meets a challenge of Solomon's choosing, he'll make her a judge in his own court. If she fails, she must marry Nathan.
To Abigail's dismay, Solomon charges her with investigating Amisi, one of his wives he suspects of betrayal. If Abigail fails to prove her innocence, Amisi will be put to death.
Abigail relies on the help of her best friend Moth, but to confuse matters, she's developing more-than-friendly feelings for him. In a world where women are legion yet powerless, Abigail embarks on a mission to save Amisi, revealing truths that grow stranger—and more dangerous—as they unravel.
“In this illuminating novel, the protagonists from the Biblical period think and act according to the social norms of their day, [but] their personas are filled with universal human qualities. Polished prose and a balanced narrative to dialogue ratio also lend this unconventional novel a standout allure. Aimed at young adults, this thought-provoking book enlightens as well as educates, shining a spotlight on women’s issues in a society far removed from the present.” -- The BookLife Prize.
"I've never been less thankful to be a woman!"
Abigail flings these words at her brilliant but remote father King Solomon. He's just casually informed her she's to marry the sinister Prophet Nathan, a lizard-eyed palace schemer four times her age. Determined to prevent this by any means, Abigail proposes a wager. If she meets a challenge of Solomon's choosing, he'll make her a judge in his own court. If she fails, she must marry Nathan.
To Abigail's dismay, Solomon charges her with investigating Amisi, one of his wives he suspects of betrayal. If Abigail fails to prove her innocence, Amisi will be put to death.
Abigail relies on the help of her best friend Moth, but to confuse matters, she's developing more-than-friendly feelings for him. In a world where women are legion yet powerless, Abigail embarks on a mission to save Amisi, revealing truths that grow stranger—and more dangerous—as they unravel.
“In this illuminating novel, the protagonists from the Biblical period think and act according to the social norms of their day, [but] their personas are filled with universal human qualities. Polished prose and a balanced narrative to dialogue ratio also lend this unconventional novel a standout allure. Aimed at young adults, this thought-provoking book enlightens as well as educates, shining a spotlight on women’s issues in a society far removed from the present.” -- The BookLife Prize.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
April 17, 2020
"A Garden Locked" is simply and beautifully written, painting a colorful and textural picture of the biblical world.
Naomi Ruppin is a natural storyteller who writes to young adults, but this retired educator was thoroughly delighted by the story. I would have used it in my classroom, and I’m encouraging teachers to do so.
Set in ancient Jerusalem, the book is essentially a mystery in a setting our young people can only imagine, but is made familiar in a timeless way. "A Garden Locked" raises important questions that will spark discussions on equal rights, women’s rights, love, respect for authority, the value of education, and more.
The plot unfolds at a steady, exciting pace with well-formed characters who come alive and about whom we care - this reader wanted to meet them. Some of the subject matter is mature so know your reader and be prepared for discussion.
Ms. Ruppin’s attention to detail is impressive and in no way tiresome, and her research on the Temple, the palace, customs, food and clothing heightened the authenticity.
I bought the book for my 13-year old niece and I look forward to discussing it with her. I also bought copies for a friend who is a librarian at a middle school and for another friend who runs a book group for teens.
The title of the book comes from the Song of Solomon (a.k.a. Song of Songs) 4:12 and makes for a perfect closing discussion.
Naomi Ruppin is a natural storyteller who writes to young adults, but this retired educator was thoroughly delighted by the story. I would have used it in my classroom, and I’m encouraging teachers to do so.
Set in ancient Jerusalem, the book is essentially a mystery in a setting our young people can only imagine, but is made familiar in a timeless way. "A Garden Locked" raises important questions that will spark discussions on equal rights, women’s rights, love, respect for authority, the value of education, and more.
The plot unfolds at a steady, exciting pace with well-formed characters who come alive and about whom we care - this reader wanted to meet them. Some of the subject matter is mature so know your reader and be prepared for discussion.
Ms. Ruppin’s attention to detail is impressive and in no way tiresome, and her research on the Temple, the palace, customs, food and clothing heightened the authenticity.
I bought the book for my 13-year old niece and I look forward to discussing it with her. I also bought copies for a friend who is a librarian at a middle school and for another friend who runs a book group for teens.
The title of the book comes from the Song of Solomon (a.k.a. Song of Songs) 4:12 and makes for a perfect closing discussion.
August 24, 2020
An interesting take on what it would have been like if one of King Solomon's many daughters was an outspoken feminist. A unique view of biblical characters from the Book of Kings.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews