Judah's Wife: A Novel of the Maccabees

February 1, 2018

When Leah marries Judah, she believes that her life is finally on the right path and that she is free from the hardship of her childhood. Unfortunately, Antiochus IV, a descendant of one of Alexander the Great's generals, now rules Judea and issues an edict that the Jews must adhere to the laws of Syria or face death. Leah's father-in-law chooses to resist in battle, and when he is fatally wounded, his dying wish is for Judah to continue to fight for the Jewish right to follow the law of Moses. Leah is unhappy with her husband's decision and struggles to understand a God who would foster death and destruction in his wake. VERDICT Hunt's (Egypt's Sister) latest series puts a human face on an a momentous event in ancient history--the Maccabean Revolt of 167-160 BCE--by presenting it from the perspective of Judah's wife. Fans of biblical fiction will be captivated.

Copyright 2018 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2017
In the second title in her Silent Years series, following Egypt's Sister (2017), Hunt continues to breathe new life into our understanding of the 400 years between the Old and New Testaments by telling the story of Leah, the wife of Judah Maccabaeus. They first meet when he comes to her aid while she and a friend are accosted by a group of young men while walking to the market. Leah's father has abused her mother throughout her childhood, so she sees marriage to Judah, who exudes both strength and gentleness, as a chance to finally experience peace. But Judah's father, Mattathias, is determined that his family will not conform to the laws of Antiochus IV, and his actions cause war to break out. Mattathias' last words are to Judah, commanding him to continue the fight for their beliefs. Hunt, who has clearly done her research, narrates from both Judah's and Leah's perspectives, and this tale is sure to please Hunt's legion of fans. Additional resources and discussion questions are provided.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2017, American Library Association.)