You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.83 AVERAGE
3.83 AVERAGE
A very different retelling of the Biblical Esther (Hadassah). The narration is shared between Hadassah and a high-ranking palace eunuch, giving insight into the palace from the view of a naive newcomer and an experienced political worker.
My thoughts from the first quarter (below) still stand, but now I can also see Hadassah in a different light. Before, I saw her as a relatively meek Jewish girl caught up in something without her full understanding. Now I can see the potential for conflicting loyalties: a girl raised in Persia who has never seen Jerusalem, a girl with Persian friends and surrounded by Persian customs. It would indeed be hard for her to stand apart, to not desire pretty gowns and the luxurious life of the palace. I have more respect for the woman who spent three days fasting and praying, examining herself and confessing her sins to God, before going to almost-certain death to speak for her people.
[a:Angela Elwell Hunt|62999|Angela Elwell Hunt|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1212001112p2/62999.jpg] has also given insight into the cultural conflicts of the time, those unstated facts which everyone knew but which are now easily missed by non-historians. Even just understanding the full ramifications of the search for Vashti's successor changes how I read the Book of Esther.
Well worth a read.
...
[Original partial review]
Still in the first quarter of the book, but it's really bringing to life the practicalities of the royal household. I'd never before thought about how the banquets were arranged, the problems they might cause, or how such a large army would be fed and watered.
My thoughts from the first quarter (below) still stand, but now I can also see Hadassah in a different light. Before, I saw her as a relatively meek Jewish girl caught up in something without her full understanding. Now I can see the potential for conflicting loyalties: a girl raised in Persia who has never seen Jerusalem, a girl with Persian friends and surrounded by Persian customs. It would indeed be hard for her to stand apart, to not desire pretty gowns and the luxurious life of the palace. I have more respect for the woman who spent three days fasting and praying, examining herself and confessing her sins to God, before going to almost-certain death to speak for her people.
[a:Angela Elwell Hunt|62999|Angela Elwell Hunt|https://d.gr-assets.com/authors/1212001112p2/62999.jpg] has also given insight into the cultural conflicts of the time, those unstated facts which everyone knew but which are now easily missed by non-historians. Even just understanding the full ramifications of the search for Vashti's successor changes how I read the Book of Esther.
Well worth a read.
...
[Original partial review]
Still in the first quarter of the book, but it's really bringing to life the practicalities of the royal household. I'd never before thought about how the banquets were arranged, the problems they might cause, or how such a large army would be fed and watered.
My Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This was a very unique retelling of Esther. In the beginning, I really didn't like Esther. She was spoiled and not overly concerned with her family or anything. She just dreamed of being pretty.
But as the story progressed, I actually really enjoyed it. The writing was intriguing and I loved hearing the story from the servant's point of view too. The novel ended differently than I thought it would but it was beautifully written.
For fans who love retellings of bible stories, they will find a real treasure with the latest from Angela Hunt.
The novel was rich in detail, and as far as historical fiction goes, it was rich in detail. This one was a delight to read.
So why 3.5 stars? I really liked it. The story was great. I just thought the beginning was slow.
Warnings/Side-notes: Suitable for all readers.
The Wrap-up: This novel is great. I enjoyed it. Definitely recommended for fans of historical genre.
Love,
Danica Page
Disclaimers: I received an e-galley of this novel from the publisher in exchange for my honest opinion. I was not obligated to write a good review nor did I receive any compensation for writing this review.
My Overall Thoughts/Impressions: This was a very unique retelling of Esther. In the beginning, I really didn't like Esther. She was spoiled and not overly concerned with her family or anything. She just dreamed of being pretty.
But as the story progressed, I actually really enjoyed it. The writing was intriguing and I loved hearing the story from the servant's point of view too. The novel ended differently than I thought it would but it was beautifully written.
For fans who love retellings of bible stories, they will find a real treasure with the latest from Angela Hunt.
The novel was rich in detail, and as far as historical fiction goes, it was rich in detail. This one was a delight to read.
So why 3.5 stars? I really liked it. The story was great. I just thought the beginning was slow.
Warnings/Side-notes: Suitable for all readers.
The Wrap-up: This novel is great. I enjoyed it. Definitely recommended for fans of historical genre.
Love,
Danica Page
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
I love fiction based on the Old Testament and found this an enjoyable read. It moved a bit slowly in some spots, but overall the story kept me riveted and flipping pages.
King Xerxes of Persia orders all young women who are comely in appearance to be brought to his court to serve as concubines. One will be chosen as his new queen. Esther, a Jewish girl is abducted and taken to the palace. Although she eventually wins the pagan king’s heart and becomes his queen, she must hide her faith for fear of reprisal. But when a man who gains the King’s ear wants to exterminate all Jews, Esther must boldly take a stand—for herself, her people, and her God.
Esther doesn't get much coverage in the Bible, but the author did an excellent job of staying true to her story. Anything that was fictionalized fell logically into place and the historical and religious elements were brought vividly to life. I fully intent to look for more books by this author.
King Xerxes of Persia orders all young women who are comely in appearance to be brought to his court to serve as concubines. One will be chosen as his new queen. Esther, a Jewish girl is abducted and taken to the palace. Although she eventually wins the pagan king’s heart and becomes his queen, she must hide her faith for fear of reprisal. But when a man who gains the King’s ear wants to exterminate all Jews, Esther must boldly take a stand—for herself, her people, and her God.
Esther doesn't get much coverage in the Bible, but the author did an excellent job of staying true to her story. Anything that was fictionalized fell logically into place and the historical and religious elements were brought vividly to life. I fully intent to look for more books by this author.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This was a good book to start off the series. It follows two different characters through queen Esther's childhood to her life in the palace. The book was a bit slow to start and lulled at points, I only really enjoyed Hadassah/Esther's POV and was annoyed when it wasn't her turn. That being said, the characters were well developed and you grew to enjoy them.
I originally read Delilah, not realizing it was a series. Esther was not as good in my opinion, and I would only recommend it if you're particularly interested in the book of Esther. It is researched and has many references, so it would be accurate for research purposes.
Otherwise this one is a pass for me. I am excited to read Bathsheba though!
I originally read Delilah, not realizing it was a series. Esther was not as good in my opinion, and I would only recommend it if you're particularly interested in the book of Esther. It is researched and has many references, so it would be accurate for research purposes.
Otherwise this one is a pass for me. I am excited to read Bathsheba though!
This book is amazing! It is historical in the sense that what is in the book actually happened and is a well known bible story, but shows a fictional side of the story that I didn’t even think about before.
I liked this book, you could really see Esther's growth of character. It was sweet and charming.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated