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Stone Tables

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Orson Scott Card first presented his interpretation of Moses in the 1973 musical drama "Stone Tables" (the title comes from Exodus 24:12). This 1997 novel expands that story and reflects not only the book of Exodus, but the Mormon Book of Moses, and works of both history and speculation. As Card points out in his Preface, the account in Exodus says nothing of the life and achievements of Moses as a prince of Egypt and barely touches on his private life. Indeed, most scripture tends to be long on narrative and short on characterization. Card uses his formidable writing talents to make not only Moses, but his brother Aaron, sister Miriam, wife Zeforah, father-in-law Jethro, and the Pharaoh Tuthmose come alive as characters.

"Stone Tables" is speculation. The genesis for this speculation is Card's questions about the convoluted relationship between Moses and Aaron. In thinking over the life of Aaron, who watched his younger brother lead his people out of bondage, witnesses first hand the miracles of the plagues upon Egypt, and made a golden calf for the Israelites while Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the 10 Commandments from God, Card believed he saw a pattern of envy. However, "Stone Tables" goes well beyond providing a rationale for Aaron's actions.

For non-Mormon readers, such as myself, there are two major differences between the stories of Moses told in "Stone Tables" and that related by the book of Exodus (and the movies "The Ten Commandments" and "Prince of Egypt"). The first is that characters in the novel refer to their foreknowledge of Christ, which Card clearly states is part of the worldview of the Latter-day Saints. I have no problems with the idea that God let Moses and other member of the faithful know that a greater savior was going to redeem the people down the road. If God would let Moses stand in his presence and watch the passing of his glory, then sharing a glimpse of the greater design seems a small leap of faith to take.

The second and more interesting difference is that the fact Moses is the adopted son of the daughter of Pharaoh is never hidden. When Hatshepsut takes the baby from the Nile, she knows the child is the son of a Hebrew slave and that the little girl who knows of someone who can nurse the infant is the sister of Moses taking the boy to his mother. The river brought her a son and with the support of Pharaoh that story is taken as gospel by the people of Egypt. Consequently, Moses knows his "real" family from early in life and rejects his Hebrew heritage by conscious choice rather than out of ignorance. Aaron and Miriam assail him at every opportunity to free his people, but Moses will have none of it. Clearly in this novel the second element is the most significant and it provides the context for reexamining how Moses came to know God and why Pharaoh hardened his heart. In the case of the latter the emphasis is on making the power known to not only Pharaoh but the Israelites as well. Card also works out the cold logic of the escalating plagues visited upon the land of Egypt.

Ultimately, the most fascinating parts of Card's novel are the dialogues between the characters, which only makes sense. Such dialogues are at a minimum in scripture and they comprise the part of the story that will be seen as "new" by many readers. Many of the characters are capable of great humor, not to mention biting wit and caustic insights, and not only the dialogues but also the internal reflections of the characters are well thought out by Card. I was particularly fond of Jethro and Zeforah, who exhibit such great joy in expressing their faith, and appreciated the flaws that were both the strengths and weaknesses of Aaron and Miriam. The sibling rivalries, both in Egypt and in the land of Midian, are particularly fun as well, although reflecting clearly modern sensibilities.

Card's speculations hold together pretty well, although it is his characterization of Moses that makes or breaks the book. The transformation from a questioning creature of doubt into a true servant of God is captivating and well motivated. However, when Card includes the conversation between Moses and God in the presence of the burning bush the scene does not ring true. Card has presented Moses as fully willing to embrace God's plan for him, which makes him trying to get out of his destiny and arguing for a place for his brother seem a step backwards. That is the part of Moses that always confused me: if God makes a personal appearance and tells you he is going to be right by your side, arguing with him seems somewhat inappropriate. In Card's story the Moses who confronts Pharaoh is so supremely confident that it is hard to believe he showed such doubts in God's presence. Consequently, I of course find myself agreeing more with Card's speculations.

I would think that you would know before you pick up "Stone Tables" if religious fiction in general or this story of Moses in particular is going to offend your sensibilities. Card has amply demonstrated over the years that he is not only an excellent writer but a person of faith. The latter is the primary requirement for any author of religious fiction; the former is simply a big plus.

Even if you loved "Ender's Game" or some of Card's other science fiction or fantasy, you might have no interest whatsoever in this book. But if you love the subtle and overt religious themes in Card's writing, I highly recommend this book. (His "Saints" is good too.)

"Stone Tables" is a novelization of the life of Moses, using what we "know" about Moses from the Bible and other sources and creatively filling in the details. (I especially liked Card's explanation of Moses's speech impediment.) I found this a spiritually nourishing book, particularly Jethro's discussions with Moses about prayer and Moses's advice to Aaron on being a servant of God. Thank you, Orson Scott Card!

OSC's book "Stone Tables" is an incredible book in the way that it presents a human face to such characters as Moses, Aaron, and the Pharaoh of the Exodus--characters that over 80% of the people in the world, if they don't believe actually existed, know of. Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike understand the incredible importance of Moses to each of their religions. Card has, as is stated many times with many of his other books, influenced these well-known characters with his incredible talent of realistic characterization. The result is a story of people we can, as normal people in a normal time in normal circumstances, understand and empathize with. Card derives influence from the Old Testament, and popular belief and tradition (Josephus in one instance).

However, his largest influence by far is his use of LDS theology, which differs in many ways from most Christian theology when it comes to Moses. Probably most readers not familiar with such theology will be a little confused or puzzled because such events and ideas are not explained, but are simply presented along with the rest of the story that the everybody knows.

The reader is forewarned. OSC's introduction describes this book as unashamedly religious and Mormon. It is an adaptation of a play he wrote while on a mission for the LDS Church in Brazil. Thus, I cannot understand why some of the reviews on this page are accusing Card of being 'insulting' or '[farcical]'. His book, in my opinion, clearly states at the beginning that his book will be deeply religious in nature. If you don't like that, don't read it.

Also, it needs to be noted that *I am also biased in my own opinion.* I admire the writer of the review who stated in his review that he was atheist, and therefore didn't like the book. I am not atheist, and am also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, so I am probably extremely biased. I say this to warn people who are not LDS to take my review with a grain of salt. I do not know how deep my bias ends at having an incredible piece of Mormon fiction and where my love of this book as a great story begins.

Finally, when it comes to this book as a piece of literature, it is very good. It has all of the 'requirements' for good literature: character development, stress, rising action, universal morals and lessons, and inner climax (like all of Card's works, the most exciting parts aren't necessarily exciting because of something actually happening, but is when a character must make an incredible moral/inner decision). It presents the story of Moses as history with flesh-and-blood characters. It presents a God that is more involved than in other works (like "Saints") because Moses is God's prophet and receives direct revelation. It presents a story full of Mormon theology, but also fully warns the reader of such in the introduction. And it is emotionally powerful if read as the story of a family, separated by powers beyond themselves, trying to reach some common ground, some higher level above themselves. If it turns you off by its blatant religiosity, then simply read it as a character story: I am certain it will surprise you.

It may not be the best book you have ever read by Card (it is to me, but I am biased), but I am sure it will be one of your favorites.

I'm sure most of the non-LDS readers of this book are drawn to it because they're Card fans. I know that's what happened with me. I am not particularly Christian, but I do have a firm belief in morality and humanity's duty to separate right from wrong. Card has an astounding ability to demonstrate through his characters how a person can be fundamentally good (even Great) yet still be flawed and very very human. This book does not disappoint on that score. Stone Tables is populated by men and women who struggle to do good in the world while fighting their own wrong-headed impulses. What a joy it is to watch them triumph! Also, by the time Card wrote this book, he was beyond the point of being a master storyteller. This epic is paced just right and held my interest tightly throughout.

Nevertheless, I have to turn back to the characters. Some are not as fully rounded as I might have liked. For example, Miriam comes to realize she needs to phrase her declarations of Truth more diplomatically, but we never get to explore the repurcussions of that (basically, to me it seemed she needed a little more humility). Also, Joshua stayed a little too flatly Pure. But, of course, they're not the main characters. Moses is the important one here, and Card gives him remarkable vitality. Aaron and Tuthmose are also amazingly drawn. Card made me believe that these people once lived and breathed just as he has described them, even though this is a fictional account.

The only people I imagine might have trouble with this book are those who cling to their own versions of Christianity enough to be offended by the LDS touches (foreknowledge of Christ, multiple worlds, etc.), or those who are turned off by Christian righteousness (too bad for them to be so closed-minded). Everyone else, I think, can only gain from reading this.

It is only lately that I have started to find truly insightful fiction on the stories of the Bible, and so far 'Stone Tables' tops my list, which includes OSC's own 'Sarah' and Anita Diamant's 'The Red Tent.' Being LDS myself the theological and religious views were not new to me (and being such, I take much of the biblical story as written at face value--unlike others), but the way OSC presented it was a look at the timeless concepts of doubt, faith, prayer, and sin for a people whose problems and stories, at one time, seemed so distant and unreal. I especially enjoyed the love story between Moses and Zeporah. It was particularly satisfying to see Moses (a prophet of God, no less) motivated to make himself worth to marry such a spiritual, strong, and intelligent woman.

But Card writes more than a spiritually uplifting novel. He works with the Bible's gaps and inconsistencies in the story, shaping solutions that make sense: Aaron's explanation of how the calf just 'came out'; why Pharaoh's daughter would adopt an Israelite child; why Moses fell from grace despite his position; why the Israelites, despite the obvious miracles that caused their freedom, would rebel against God. Even though the solutions Card give may not be the real reasons, it encourages further thought and turns these people into real human beings who lived and breathed and suffered. I was a little frustrated with Card's 'Sarah' because it didn't expand on the setting (environment, day-to-day life) like the incredible way Diamant does in 'The Red Tent,' but 'Stone Tables' doesn't have that problem. His storytelling flows and ebbs like poetry.

No, this is not Card's classic Sci-Fi, which some readers will resent it for not being so. But in many ways it is as good and better than his science fiction because it takes an old story and makes it new--bringing, as much Sci-Fi does, hope for the future.

It would be unfortunate that somebody would avoid reading this book simply because of Card's mormon perspective. First, he is completely honest and upfront that it is written in the context of LDS beliefs and that he has taken great creative liberties. That said, the book still gives what a reader expects from Card- meaningful characters. Although I come from the Friends Church (which is about as different from LDS as one can get) I still found it a very interesting and thoughtful look at the story of Moses. Plus it provides (especially the last 40 pages) a little insight into mormon beliefs (the other Earths with other people on them).

For a fan of Card, this is a fine choice.

Stone Tables, a play turned novel, is written by Orson Scott Card, a Mormon and esteemed, mostly science fiction author. He gets religious on us in this novel, and in his preface, says his goal was to explore the relationships between the characters of the book of Exodus. The result is a thrilling portrayal of Moses, Aaron, Miriam, and the Israelites in their quest for freedom, equality, and righteousness in the eyes of God.

The story begins with the birth of Moses to Jochabed and Amram. As everyone knows, Egyptian law at the time stated that all newborn Jewish boys were to be thrown into the Nile. Fortunately for Moses, his mother ingeniously devises a scheme that results in Hatshepsut, the Pharaoh's daughter, adopting him. Through a series of phony declarations, Hatshepsut becomes her father's wife, son, and the Pharaoh.

Moses is raised in the palace and considers his Israelite family a burden. After all, he is Egyptian royalty. Why should those slaves bother him? Life goes on this way until Moses takes Aaron's advice to shed his imperial robes and venture out among the people. He sees others being tortured and belittled; he himself is tortured and belittled. To save an old man, he kills an innkeeper and subsequently leaves Egypt to venture into the desert.

From here, to make a long story short, with the help of Jethro and Zeforah, whom he marries, he is enlightened and sets out back to Egypt to free the Israelites from bondage. He does the bush thing and is on his way.

Over in Egypt, Hatshepsut is murdered and Thutmose II takes the reins. He's a stubborn lad, taught be none other than Moses. Thus, Moses knows his enemy, and with the help of Aaron and God, the plagues are brought about Thutmose is trounced. Thutmose finally lets the Israelites go out into the desert to make their sacrifice, which essentially means he lets them leave. They're chased, but then Moses does the sea splitting act, and the Israelites are ready to go to the Holy Land! Except that they have to make a quick stop for a few Commandments.

There's a golden calf and a massive slaughter of its worshipers. Thereafter, Moses, Aaron, Miriam, and the rest of them live happily ever after-not that they lived to see the land God promised them or anything.

This great novel is a fictional account of the story surrounding Moses, and it can be enjoyed by anyone. I am atheist and I loved the moral dilemmas that the characters faced. Furthermore, it was enlightening to learn the Mormon interpretation of these events.

In this book, as well as the women of genesis series, I was touched in two different ways. First, the story and the characters are involving and touching. The story is well told, and the writing is clear and concise. But on another level there is a sense of greatness. How the characters communicate and interact with one another, and the actions they undertake is spiritual and gives a sense that we can all be better people.

I would consider this book to be equal to if not better than Ender's Game. It's certainly different. Orson Scott Card deserves credit for taking risks in his writing. Not many writers would have dared to release something of this nature, and I think he presented the material with integrity.

Card does a superb job making an exciting an provacative telling of probably the greatest Bible tale ever told! With interesting ideas about the "Egyptian" Moses and his "Egyptian" mother who literally became both his mother and father (this is explained in the story) and her struggle to keep the Pharoahship from the evil Tuthmose and his equally evil family.

Card provides a vivid narration of what happened to Moses during the time he was in exile in the desert and when he obtained his real education. We are presented with an "unsure" and self-doubting Moses that relies on the Lord to allow him to do the right thing and say the right things. We have a compassionate Moses who wants to see Pharoah punished but grieves for the innocent Egyptians that he causes ruin and death to.

This is a much deeper and more realistic telling of the tale than what Cecil B. DeMille portrayed in his Ten Commandments film. There is no glitz and glitter here, just the magnificient tale is presented with a lot of lessons to be learned and good advice for anyone to lead a better life.

A must read!

I'm very familiar with Card's SF, and his Alvin Maker series, so I expected this to be good. But I was wrong --- it was outstanding! By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and even Pharoah --- or at least Card's "take" on these ancients. He also provided very plausible reasons why little or no archaeological evidence exists for Israel in Egypt, and for the absence of the name of Moses in Egyptian monuments.

Some might be put off or puzzled about the foreknowledge of the Messiah displayed by Moses in the novel. In fact, the Bible itself displays such foreknowledge and even says "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) The fact is, the Israelites expected the Messiah, and knew at least something of his mission, and the Jews still do. So why wouldn't Moses know?

My only problem with the book was that it ended before it should have. But that doesn't detract from the 5 stars I'm giving it.