From the Bookshelf of Topeka & Shawnee Co. Public Library…

[close] One of TSCPL staff member Deb's all time favorites!
Intriguing characters and rich historical detail made this novel set in ancient Rome one that I savored--and that I would love to read over and over again. Hadassah is a young Christian of Jewish background who is taken to Rome after the conquest on Jerusalem in 70 AD. There she is bought by a Roman family and, though she is just a slave, her life becomes intertwined with theirs. She becomes Julia's maid--and Julia is a young woman bent on experiencing all the pleasures that Rome has to offer to her, although her father, Demetrius, would rather see her settled down into the life of a dutiful Roman wife. Hadassah does her best to bring a godly influence into their household, but despite their love for her songs and stories about the Old Testament heroes she witnesses several atrocities that have her heartbroken over the state of her mistresses soul. For abortion, wife abuse, murder, homosexuality, and even the blood baths offered up by gladiators all play a part in this story full of family drama.
As I read this story I felt like I was actually there, experiencing the sights and sounds of the times, and the emotional ups and downs of the characters. The fact that Rivers does not shy away from the seamier side of Roman life made it all the more real, and although some readers may squirm a bit she never goes to an extreme in her descriptions of the violent or sexual escapades her characters indulge in. However, she does realistically portray some of the heart wrenching consequences of those escapades, which adds to the emotional punch of this novel. I have also had the chance to discuss it with a book discussion group and it lead to a very engaging and meaningful discussion as we talked about the characters and their choices, Hadassah's faith, and how much ancient Rome seemed a lot like our modern day U.S. society. Fans of historical fiction, faith based fiction, or just plain good writing should give this book a read!