Avishag (Hardcover)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

The biblical story of King David's famous concubine is reimagined in Avishag, by novelist and translator Yael Lotan (The Other I). Lotan's plot sticks close to the Bible's account: Avishag the Shunammite is a beautiful young girl brought to the palace to revive the listless, dying king. Though their relationship is never consummated, she becomes his loyal attendant, and then, after his death, a pawn in the succession battle between David's sons Solomon and Adoniyah. Full of palace intrigue, Lotan's story goes far in bringing out the inner life of this pivotal character over whom much blood was shed.
Copyright 2002 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

Lotan's writing is "delicate and poetic" -- New York Post

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 236 pages
• Publisher: Toby Press (June 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1902881559
• ISBN-13: 978-1902881553
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #914,265 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Reading !!!!, April 13, 2003

By A Customer

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.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Pure fun, December 31, 2002

By A Customer

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!

3 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lotan brings Avishag to life., January 7, 2006

By	D. Goodpasture "www.betzalelstudio.com" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

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.