Judging Noa

by Michal Strutin

freedom and the Promised Land that her father says will be theirs. When religious fanatics kill her father, Noa and her four sisters are in danger of being sold into bondage. Noa vows to win women’s rights of inheritance to protect her sisters and herself. Pleading her case before ever-higher courts, Noa encounters a malicious judge and the dark side of power.

Gaining strength and complexity as she approaches the highest judge, Noa and her pursuit causes turmoil among the she is a notorious troublemaker, accused of witchery. And she is heroic. Based on a few biblical verses, the turbulence of Noa’s life is set against the sweeping turbulence of the Exodus. In Judging Noa, her quest for justice is a journey that has as much meaning today as it did then.

321 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2022

About the author

In Michal Strutin’s novel, Judging Noa: a Fight for Women's Rights in the Turmoil of the Exodus, Noa pursues inheritance rights to save her sisters and herself from bondage. Her quest puts her on a collision course with an unbending patriarchy amid the turbulence of the Exodus. Nature is key to her award-winning nonfiction, whether travel, natural history, or cultural history. She is now working on a Renaissance mystery trilogy.

Michal's articles have appeared in The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Tablet, and more. She worked as an editor at National Parks, Outside, and other publications. She is also an academic librarian. An SF Bay Area returnee, Michal loves outdoors adventure. Add reading, family time, and urban farming. The key to double-shucking fava beans? White wine and a friend.

Reviews

[C.L.R. · Rating 5 out of 5]

A rich historical tapestry set in the time of the Hebrew exodus, Judging Noa engages readers at once, immersing them in the cultural, religious, and physical landscape of the Hebrew nation as it follows Moses out of Egypt.

Even more captivating is the author’s focus on the fatherless family whose daughter, Noa, fights for her family’s legacy and inheritance. Admirably, each of the many characters of this poignant drama is portrayed as an individual with a unique perspective appropriate to the era.

Strutin brings to life this historically-distant period, telling a riveting story while giving modern readers an understanding and appreciation of the challenges faced especially by women. Highly recommended!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

I first experienced the Exodus story watching The Ten Commandments, with Charleton Heston. The Hebrew slaves under Pharoah escape and head off to the promised land, wandering for decades before they reach their destination. The story involves tablets, Mt. Sinai, a burning bush, mutiny, golden calves, battles. In Judging Noa, I enjoyed a richly imagined telling of these events from the women’s perspective. Five sisters lose their father. The law doesn’t allow women to inherit, so they face the awful fate of becoming bondswomen unless they can persuade the judges to change the law. With this as the backdrop, the women love, marry, hold down jobs (weaver, midwife), and experience deep friendships--and treachery. Strutin brings to bear a lively imagination, a nuanced understanding of relationships, humor, and meticulous research to make Judging Noa an immersive and enjoyable read. It keeps getting better and better, and I wanted the sisters’ story to continue after the book ended!

[Anne M. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an excellent novel, exploring the lives of women during the long years of the Exodus. And the extraordinary fight for women’s rights to inherit; one still being fought by so many today.
I had never heard of these women, the daughters of Zelophehad: Malah, Noa, Hoglah, Milcah and Tirzah. Michal Strutin not only introduces them to many of us but enriched their lives and families bringing us into their struggles just to survive.
Well researched, with vivid descriptions of the desert with its harshness and beauty.
I found the book’s structure reads rather like the bible - in short verses. The point of view changes in scene, but it reads smoothly and quickly, and that is what felt like verses.
And, of course, the premise that God promised these people this land, yet there was already a thriving civilization living there. Much to be contemplated.
I look forward to more writing from this author.

[Rebecca D’Harlingue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Strutin does am amazing job of imagining what it was like to be part of the Exodus. All I had really remembered was "they wandered for forty years," but Strutin brings to life what that journey might really have been like, with totally credible details about daily life, interpersonal relationships, struggles, doubts, joys, and sorrows.

Noa is determined to win rights for herself, her sisters, and other women in the situation of being outside the inheritance system. Her determination, amid all of the work required just to survive, is an inspiration. I highly recommend this book, which places you inside the minds and hearts of people of that ancient society.

[Leah Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so glad this book exists! The story of the daughters of Zelophechad fighting for their inheritance needs to be told to a wider audience. The author’s language and imagery paint a beautiful picture of the Israelites’ journey through the desert and the challenges of being a woman in this era. She creates a number of characters to move the story forward and infuse the women’s lives and marriages with intrigue and heartbreak.

[Linda Ulleseit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful women!

This is a novel of five incredible sisters who are each strong in different ways. The story follows them from youth to maturity, weaving their personal struggles into those of family and tribe. This novel is well crafted. All the sisters will captivate you, but which will be your favorite?

[Fred · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I know Michal. We worked together at Santa Clara University. And I like her. So I was predisposed to like the book, and I did. It is a lovely story, nicely told, and thoroughly engaging; and Noa is a compelling and completely sympathetic character.

3.5 is closer to the mark; maybe even 3.75.

[Helen Hollick · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book has received a Discovering Diamonds Review:
Helen Hollick
founder #DDRevs
4 stars for the story, alas 3 stars for the typos etc in the edition read for review. #DDRevs suggests the author considers a re-edit ... 'The investment would be well worth it as there were some lovely passages which were a delight to read: “the wind stroked back the waves” (of the Red Sea) as an example.'

[Ana Brazil · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book; it swept me along on a journey where, as a reader, I've never gone before. I was surprised and delighted at the author's depth of research, passionate portrayal of not only Noa but her family, and how fascinating the tribe's journey was. I would have appreciated an afterword of more information.