Knowing I was going to be laid up recently I had been on the lookout for a new fiction book. I don’t remember how I came to find out about this new series but I’m glad that I did. I have been wondering if I’d find a series to enjoy as much as I loved Gods and Kings… and this is looking promising.
The series is The Wives of King David by Jill Eileen Smith. The first book is Michal and whilst it is fiction I did gain a deeper insight into the life, times and culture of this era. I still don’t understand how David had many wives but this book gave me some thoughts to ponder.
The author’s research for The Wives of King David series was broad and in-depth, spanning Bible commentaries, Bible encyclopedias, Bible dictionaries, archaeological magazines, books on manners, customs, and life and times of the Old Testament eras. She searched websites for Bible places, Hebrew words, and interesting tidbits, studied maps and photos of Israel, made idea boards where she “cast” models and actors into the novel’s starring roles to help her “see” her characters, read books on women of the Bible, Bible cookbooks, and tried some of the recipes. As a final research tool, she traveled with her husband to Israel, giving her a final hands-on feel for the place.
I don’t know about you but that sounds like a *living book* to me!
I’d not read much about Michal before (unlike my studies of Abigail) but this book has gotten me into the word again. Funny, isn’t it… how facts when placed in a novel can really make a story come alive.
Interested in reading the first chapter? Head to the books website: Michal and download Chapter 1.
Suffice to say that I’m reading through the books of Samuel whilst I wait for the next book, (Abigail) to arrive.
Susan, no don’t go doing that to me! You know how much I LOVE the books you recommend 😉
And all this after I have just paid my Koorong account 😮 You timing is impeccable Mrs Susan, just impeccable… :party:
Thought I’d stop in and say hi – the book looks great! Maybe it will be my vacation book this year.
sounds good……….i am constantly amazed at the research that these authors go to to make it accurate……i appreciate their study and passion…..i can glean without doing the hard yards and have a good read…….still in The Shack though….wow is that a mind bender!!
I can’t wait for the next book, Abigail, which I hope to pick up on Friday.
Cathy, ah girl you know I will want to hear your thoughts, especially after your comment 😉
I got about 3/4 the way through The Shack. I didn’t mind it, just didn’t really grab me…. for no other reason than I didn’t find it a compelling read :S
ps. Susan just because you did most of the work on my new blog, doesn’t mean you are exempt from visiting it, and adding your riviting comments ok Darling?? 😛
This is currently available for free via Amazon Kindle Department. Don’t despair if you don’t have a Kindle. You can download apps for your computer, laptop, Iphone, Samsung or other mobile phone.
http://susanpriolo.com/web-wanderings-5-3-211-3871.htm