Rebekah by Jill Eileen Smith

I am a fan of Jill Eileen Smith and have been since reading Michal, one of the first books that I reviewed on this blog.  You can read my review here.  She writes Biblical fiction that ignites a fire to turn to the source and read the actual Biblical portrayals of these characters.  Her characters come alive on the page and while they are works of fiction, she works to align them with the truths found in Scripture.  When I finish her books, I always go back to the Bible to read and contemplate their lives.

Jill's latest book released last week, and I know you'll want to pick it up right away.  Rebekah is the second book in the Wives of the Patriarchs series.  We know a little about the lives of Isaac and Rebekah and their sons Jacob and Esau.  This book focuses on the people and their relationships.

Often the focus of reviews in on the plotline, the characters, and the theme or impact; however, I want to focus on the writing.  She has a lyrical quality to her writing.  I searched through the book debating about which part to share to demonstrate this and finally settled on the first page.  It draws you into the story with detail and emotion:

Light flickered from clay oil lamps in every corner of Bethuel's bedchamber, the effort valiant but feeble, useless to dispel the gloom.  Attendants hurried in and out, the hum of their whispers mixing with the sounds of their movements as they refilled a water jar here, wrung a cool cloth there, and adjusted blankets, fussing, fearing...
Rebekah stood to the side, unable to take her eyes from the form of her father lying prone on the raised wooden bed, his head engulfed in soft cushions and layered with cloths meant to bring his fever down.  But his clear moments had been few, his words strained as though he were speaking through stretched and cracking parchment.
Tears filled her eyes, and she pulled the cloak tigher about her, desperate to subdue the shaking.  
Not now, Abba.  Please do not leave me.

There you have it!  I know you want to go out and buy a copy right now, and you won't want to stop with Rebekah!  You'll have to buy all her other books, too.  Be prepared to pull out your Bible and delve into the truth.  Smith's portrayals will add a new depth to your reading.

I did receive a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.  

Comments

I've always loved Rebekah. I'll bet this is really good.

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