When I chose this book, it was a surprise even to myself. I typically don't read novels set in the Old Testament, and in the past I had read a few that were not very good. When this book arrived, I put off reading it for a week, wondering again why I had picked it. Finally, I started it, and I was quickly enthralled. The book is set during the return of the Jews from Babylon to Jerusalem, where they are to rebuild the temple. I did recall the Biblical account, but this book brings the episode to life in a way I'd never experienced. The main characters are Iddo, a man faithful to the law but fearful of God, his wife Dinah, who doesn't really want to leave the only home she's ever known, their grandson Zechariah, and Yael, a friend's daughter who has been heavily influenced by a Babylonian seer. The trials of faith of these characters is multi-facteted. The author took great care in creating characters with depth, and the setting and way the people lived is also very well done. Although the book is more than 400 pages, it never dragged or seemed to be taking too long. This book would be a great choice for a book club or Sunday school discussion. I highly recommend it.
I received this book from Bethany House for a review, but my opinions are my own.
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