2770 ratings (3.98 avg)
1020 reviews
more photos (12)

Gary

Gary’s Bookshelves

to-read‎ (1409)
currently-reading‎ (1)

read‎ (2630)
all-my-books‎ (17)

could-not-finish‎ (1)

Stats | More…

Gary is Currently Reading

Gary is currently reading

Rizpah

by Charles E. Israel

bookshelves: currently-reading

Reading for the 3rd time

read in January 2017

Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Gary said: " A finely written novel which is absorbing and at the same time philosophical about the beautiful Israelite woman Rizpah mentioned in the Bible as the concubine of King Saul, and later as the women who mourned at the site of her sons who were hung by A finely written novel which is absorbing and at the same time philosophical about the beautiful Israelite woman Rizpah mentioned in the Bible as the concubine of King Saul, and later as the women who mourned at the site of her sons who were hung by David, at the sanctuary of Gibeah, for several months refusing to leave their side until David agreed to give them a solemn burial.
This book gives us a fascinating portrait of Ancient Israel at the time of Saul.
The author takes the few passages that mention Rizpah in the Bible and fleshes out a beautifully written and engaging novel.
Rizpah is taken captive by marauding Philistines at the age of 16, who have murdered her family and betrothed. she is sold as a concubine to the Seren of Ashkelon, the ruthless Philistine chief, Torash. Later after Torash is defeated by the Israelites, she is brought before Saul who is entranced by her beauty and she becomes his beloved paramour.
Interesting portrayals of the characters such as the narrator, Rizpah's old Philistine hand maid Egrep, the Prophet Samuel, Saul's daughters , Meirav and Michal, and his sons the valiant Jonathan and the worthless Ishbaal, and the General Avner.
all characters are given interesting dimensions and depth of character in this novel.
A novel of love and valour of cruelty and cynicism and a whole range of themes.
A fine read.

Merged review:

A finely written novel which is absorbing and at the same time philosophical about the beautiful Israelite woman Rizpah mentioned in the Bible as the concubine of King Saul, and later as the women who mourned at the site of her sons who were hung by David, at the sanctuary of Gibeah, for several months refusing to leave their side until David agreed to give them a solemn burial.
This book gives us a fascinating portrait of Ancient Israel at the time of Saul.
The author takes the few passages that mention Rizpah in the Bible and fleshes out a beautifully written and engaging novel.
Rizpah is taken captive by marauding Philistines at the age of 16, who have murdered her family and betrothed. she is sold as a concubine to the Seren of Ashkelon, the ruthless Philistine chief, Torash. Later after Torash is defeated by the Israelites, she is brought before Saul who is entranced by her beauty and she becomes his beloved paramour.
Interesting portrayals of the characters such as the narrator, Rizpah's old Philistine hand maid Egrep, the Prophet Samuel, Saul's daughters , Meirav and Michal, and his sons the valiant Jonathan and the worthless Ishbaal, and the General Avner.
all characters are given interesting dimensions and depth of character in this novel.
A novel of love and valour of cruelty and cynicism and a whole range of themes.
A fine read ...more "

progress:

(page 4 of 535)
— 40 minutes ago

Dec 22, 2019 10:43PM · see review