Customer Reviews

Avishag

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The author writes from a knowledgable standpoint in the eyes of a handmaiden often forgotten until you re-read the Bible itself. While it is not as sensous as the Red Tent By Anita Diamant, the story sheds light on the period of instability when David's sons vied for position. Add this to your library of biblical fiction.

ItÕs a wonderful escapist book. Just lie back and enjoy the sounds, smells, and feel of ancient Jerusalem. Growing up reading the bible, this book brought all the biblical characters of this period to life in vivid colors and made them human and real.
Avishag is a beautiful character, the exact opposite the stereotype of the biblical concubine. SheÕs smart, independent, resourceful and powerful. If I were a teenager she would be a role model.

In short - I loved it!

The author is a well educated Israeli woman who has researched the story in the original Hebrew and doesn't appear to be pushing any agenda of her own. She gives historical background for her novel and includes some opposing viewpoints. There are only a few obscure lines about Avishag in the Bible but in Lotan's novel she comes alive as an intelligent resourceful young woman. Batsheva, on the other hand, comes across as rather evil.

There is just something strange and mysterious about the story of Avishag. This author's interpretation makes an excellent read. Although we don't know very many details, it's helpful just getting a picture of the scene and being reminded of the others who were (or might have been) present. We wonder what kinds of interactions they really did have. I felt myself going back to another time and place. Sometimes it's hard to visualize stories from the Bible without a kick-start. It's difficult for most of us to put a 'face' to those names in the Bible. The names are difficult for us to even pronounce.

A book like this reminds us that they really existed. They lived lives, had dreams and fears. I'll not read quickly past this name in the future.