A Reluctant Queen...Review

About the book:
An inspired re-imagining of the tale of Esther, a young Jewish woman thrust from a life of obscurity into a life of power, wealth, intrigue...and tender love.

See the story of Esther in an entirely new way-with all the political intrigue and tension you remember, but told as a passionate and tender love story between a young man and woman. Misunderstood by many, King Ahasuerus was a powerful but lonely man. Esther's beauty caught the eye of the young king, but it was her spirit that captured his heart.

Imagine anew the story of Esther, one of our faith's great heroines, destined to play a key role in the history of Christianity.

Like many, I have always loved the story of Esther and her faith and trust in God.  I've tried to imagine what her life might have been like.  Joan Wolf also imagined what Esther's life might have been like as she took Esther's account and created a beautiful love story.  Esther comes alive in these pages as she struggles to find her place in the King's household. The love story that develops between Esther and King Asasuerus is tender and sweet.  And Esther's struggle to reconcile her Jewish faith with her new life as a Persian queen is compelling. 

It's important to remember that this is a fictionalized account of Esther.  In the author's note, Joan Wolf readily admits that she found it necessary to "re-arrange some of the original material".  I realize that biblically the story is rather scarce on details, but "re-arrange" is a loose interpretation of what she has done here.  She has not only re-arranged the story, she has left out significant events in Esther's biblical account.  Some of her characterizations didn't fit with my own interpretations such as her portrayal of Mordecai, yet others exceeded them such as her portrayal of King Ahasuerus.

However, if you can look beyond any issues you might find, A Reluctant Queen is a fascinating, moving interpretation about one of Christianity's most beloved heroines.  I look forward to more biblical stories from Joan Wolf.

Thanks to Amy at Litfuse Publicity for the opportunity to review this book.  You can learn more about Joan Wolf here.  You can purchase your own copy here.  You can see other reviews and tour stops here.

Read 5/11

* * * *
4/5 Stars

Comments

  1. This does sound good Holly. I like though when the story includes an accurate biblical story along with the fictional.

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  2. I also reviewed this book and enjoyed it. Have a super week! :O)

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