 
|
|
 |
|
The Triumph of Deborah
by Eva Etzioni-Halevy
| List Price: |
$14.00 |
| Price: |
$4.77 & eligible for FREE Super Saver Shipping on orders over $25. |
| You Save: |
$9.23 (65%) |
|
|
Paperback
Publisher: Plume
Format: Bargain Price
The richly imagined tale of Deborah, the courageous Biblical warrior who saved her people from certain destruction
In ancient Israel, war is looming. Deborah, a highly respected leader, has coerced the warrior Barak into launching a strike against the neighboring Canaanites. Against all odds he succeeds, returning triumphantly with Asherah and Nogah, daughters of the Canaanite King, as his prisoners. But military victory is only the beginning of the turmoil, as a complex love triangle develops between Barak and the two princesses.
Deborah, recently cast off by her husband, develops a surprising affinity for Barak. Yet she struggles to rebuild her existence on her own terms, while also groping her way toward the greatest triumph of her life.
Filled with brilliantly vivid historical detail, The Triumph of Deborah is the absorbing and riveting tale of one of the most beloved figures in the Old Testament, and a tribute to feminine strength and independence.
| Customer Reviews: |
|
| |
| Compelling Historical Fiction |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
 |
|
I've been enjoying a lot of Biblical historical fiction these days, and this book is no exception. Written in the style of The Red Tent or Sarah, The Triumph of Deborah uses everyday interactions, love stories, domestic and epic conflict to expand and animate Bible stories. We know so much of the men of the bible, and so little of the women, and these novels serve to show the cultural and familial importance of the women.
To me, the book is primarily about two women: Deborah, a revered Israelite judge, and Nogah, a woman born of a Canaanite king and an Israeli slave. Deborah is divorced by her husband when she shows preference for a young, Israelite warrior named Barak. Barak leads the Israelites to victory, and returns with both the acknowledged daughter and slave daughter of the slain Canaanite king. A complicated love triangle follows between Barak and the women. It concludes with a deeply satisfying ending in which all of the characters experience growth and redemption.
Ms. Etzioni-Halevy is a skilled writer. The book has a formality of language that gives it an air of myth-which I thought worked well for the text. Every page in the book sizzles with conflict and suspense, and it's hard to put down.
Overall, I found this book a unique and fascinating look at the power and influence of women guiding men in history. It is a testament to their independence and courage. I look forward to reading more books by Ms. Etzioni-Halevy.
|
| Mixed Feelings |
| Customer Rating: 4 out of 5 |
 |
|
The Triumph of Deborah was really well-written. The historical detail is excellent--the reader gets a good sense of what life was probably like during that time period. The characters are interesting. The story is intriguing and kept me turning the pages, wanting to know what would happen next. It is also important to note that this is historical fiction. It is based on a story in the Bible that gives relatively few details about the lives of Deborah and Barak outside of their fight against the Canaanites, so what the author has done is really quite inventive.
That said, I had a hard time with the characterization of Deborah in this book. Knowing her role as a prophetess and judge of Israel, I could accept the idea that her husband could have become dissatisfied with her less-traditional role and headstrong personality and divorced her. But then she had an affair with Barak, which she justifies as not being adultery because she was a divorced woman (admittedly, I'm having a hard time with this concept because I'm not wholly familiar with the way adultery was understood at that time). I don't think it necessarily bothers me that she is portrayed as a passionate woman with human weaknesses, I think it is the justification given for her actions with Barak that leaves me unsettled.
I had a much easier time with the other characters. Barak was a warrior and it was conceivable that he could have been a womanizer. The two fictional daughters of the Canaanite king were fascinating characters, and I found myself sympathizing with Asherah, who was deeply in love with her husband Sisra, but was treated like the spoils of war by Barak. I also really felt for Nogah, the sister who was not as beautiful on the outside, but who loved Barak with all of her heart and was heartbroken by his actions towards her. I liked how even though they had their ups and downs, the sisters' relationship eventually played a part in helping to forge peace between the nations in the end. I was also happy to see how Barak's realization of his love for Nogah changed him for the better.
The Triumph of Deborah is an intriguing historical romance. Even though it has biblical themes, it is not what some readers would call "inspirational" romance (you know, "clean" romance with Christian themes)--there is sexual content in this novel, so if that isn't for you then you should probably pass this one by. And even though this book has aspects of spirituality in it, it is not a book about theology. I would recommend this book to those who are looking for a well-written historical romance (which isn't too explicit) and who might have some interest in what life was like for people living during the time period. I ultimately had mixed feelings about the book, but I still think it deserves 4 of 5 stars. It was an easy read, but I also felt like I had a lot to digest when I was finished.
|
| Great look at womens lives in biblical era |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
|
|
This is the 3rd book I have read in this series. I truly enjoyed this one. It gives the reader a picture of how womens lives were during the biblical time period. Features are 3 women and how one man impacts their lives.
Deborah is one of the 3. She was at the time a very respected woman. She was a judge and looked up to by women and men alike. Despite her higher level of respect she was still easily set aside by her husband.
The other 2 woman in the story are half sisters. Their father was King in Canaan. Both women along with Deborah are influenced in some way by the warrior/ general Barak. During a time of great conflict over who had control and rule over the land, he was a main player. His character grows and changes as do the 3 ladies during the course of this book.
I liked the realistic look into what womens lives were most likely like at the time. No matter what their station they could easily be divorced or even a spoil of war. It also showed that despite the challenges, they could still be bright, intelligent and strong.
It was a great read and I am looking forward to the next installement to this series.
|
| Does Everyone Have to Have Sex Outside Marriage? |
| Customer Rating: 1 out of 5 |
 |
|
I was hoping to get another perspective on this story, as a writer who is working on my own version, I love the character of Deborah and what she can mean for today's modern woman of the 21st Century.
I don't know if it's the publisher's fault, the author's fault, or a bit of both - but as a Bible-believing modern woman, who incidentally has a master's degree in communication, I absolutely hated this story being prostituted. This is a story of triumph and God's intervention into man's affairs. Instead, this up-played sex, and downplayed God.
I could not BELIEVE that EVERY CHARACTER in this book HAD TO HAVE sex outside of marriage. That's unrealistic!! I have studied the book of Judges extensively, and I know that it was a very immoral time. I don't think that explicitivity made this story better, though.
I'm thankful I only paid $3.00 for the book at a discount book store. It could have been a compelling tale. The two half Canaanite sisters could have injected a great subplot. Instead, they nearly take over the story. Maybe the title should have been Two Canaanite Sisters Who Marry Barak.
|
| A Compassionate Woman Made of Steel by Eva Etzioni-Halevy |
| Customer Rating: 5 out of 5 |
|
|
"The Triumph of Deborah" by Eva Etzioni-Halevy is a Biblical novel about Deborah, the Judge and Prophetess of Israel. With great precision and creativity Eva Etizioni-Halevy draws a historical picture of the history of conflict between Israel and Canaan. It is a time of turmoil. Those in power one day are not in control the next day. Those in slavery became free according to who conquered and who became conquerors. It is a time when women had a huge role to play in history. For instance, Deborah, the Israelite, who prophecies and commands the strategies of the Israelites war against the Canaanites. There is Jael, another woman, who will murder a Caananite leader, King Sisra, for the sake of her people.
There is also a slave girl named Nogah. Nogah crossed the boundaries of both the Israelite world and the Caananite world because she was born biracial. Through her eyes Eva Etzioni-Halevy gives a view of Nogah's life. Her father is King Jabin, a Caananite. Her sister, Asherah, is Caananite, and her mother, Reumah, is an Israelite. Because of a complex racial and religious heritage her life, in these Biblical times, is fragile and fascinating.
Then, there is Barak who carried out the commands for the soldiers that were spoken by Deborah. Barak is another complex character. He wears the blue fringe around his garments which testify to the fact that he is a keeper of Torah law. Sadly, his flesh is weak. Too often, like Samson, a pretty woman can dismember his values like a Levite priest might disjoint an animal for sacrifice. It's not surprising how many lives are disrupted by his boundless appetite.
I loved Uriel, the scribe. Uriel becomes Nogah's tutor and protector. He is old and wise beyond his years. There are many characters to despise and love in "The Triumph of Deborah." Along with the well rounded characters, there is interesting history. The gods and goddesses worshipped by the Caananites, the thirty day mourning period of the Israelites and the healing arts used during this era. For birth control, "insert a rolled-up strip of linen, coated with an ointment of beeswax mixed with olive oil..."
It is impossible to read this book without feeling transported to another world. Eva Etzioni-Halevy has written a wondrous novel. I am left trying to hum The Song of Deborah in order to remember the journey I have taken in the past few days. I look forward to reading more books by this talented author, Eva Etzioni-Halevy. This is truly a magnificent novel.
|
|
