Book Review: Sarai

 

Sarai: A Novel
By Jill Eileen Smith
Sarai, the last child of her aged father, is beautiful, spoiled, and used to getting her own way. Even as a young girl, she is aware of the way men look at her, including her half-brother Abram. When Abram finally requests Sarai's hand, she asks one thing--that he promises never to take another wife as long as she lives. Even her father thinks the demand is restrictive and agrees to the union only if Sarai makes a promise in return--to give Abram a son and heir. Certain she can easily do that, Sarai agrees.

But as the years stretch on and Sarai's womb remains empty, she becomes desperate to fulfill her end of the bargain--lest Abram decide that he will not fulfill his. To what lengths will Sarai go in her quest to bear a son?

And how long will Abram's patience last?

Jill Eileen Smith is the author of the bestselling Michal, Abigail and Bathsheba, all part of The Wives of King David series. She has more than twenty years of writing experience, and her writing has garnered acclaim in several contests. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.

Endorsements for Sarai
"What a marvelous retelling of an old and sacred story! Though I knew it well, I could not put Sarai down. Smith takes us into the minds of the characters as they struggle with their flaws, fears, and disappointments, armed only with an often fragile faith. Sarai is an inspiring offer of hope for all."--Linda Windsor, author of the Brides of Alba series
"Jill Eileen Smith's research shines in this gem of a novel detailing the lives of Abram and Sarai. Fans of biblical fiction will be delighted by Smith's retelling of two of the most beloved personalities from the book of Genesis."--Kacy Barnett-Gramckow, author of the Genesis Trilogy
"In Sarai, Jill Eileen Smith takes the reader back to ancient times and the nomadic life of Sarai and Abram. This is an absorbing visit to the past, filled with wonderful details and fascinating characters, including Abram's nephew Lot and his wife. Smith reveals timeless doubts and struggles, along with the triumphs of some and the ill-fated but fascinating paths of others. Remarkable research is folded into a story that builds to an unforgettable ending. Smith truly brought the era to life!"--Maureen Lang, author of Springtime of the Spirit and Whisper on the Wind

MY THOUGHTS

I have read several of Jill Eileen Smith's books and each book has been excellently written so I was thrilled to receive Sarai for review.  I love reading Biblical fiction, it brings the people from the Bible into a new light, and while it is written in the author's point of view, there really is much that can be taken from the story of Sarai.  Sarai is a very strong woman, and she has to live up to her wedding vows, but will she ever do so?  Her struggles are similar to many modern day women but in her time, the means to overcome her struggles are quite different.

This was an exceedingly wonderful read and if you have interest in the people of the Bible, I'm quite certain that you will enjoy the story of Sarai and Abram.

“Available March 2012  at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.”

*I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for review from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing.