The Triumph of Deborah

March 3, 2008
A courageous heroine takes center stage in the third biblical novel from Etzioni-Halevy (The Garden of Ruth). In this captivating account of a prophetess, leader and judge, the author interweaves a scriptural narrative with a riveting plot. From her post amidst the mountains of Efraim, in the ancient Israelite realm, Deborah doles out justice to those seeking arbitration even as she struggles to channel her prophesies and come to terms with her love life. At the same time, in the hostile kingdom of Canaan, Princess Asherah's husband leads the Canaanite army into battle against the Israelites. Etzioni-Halevy clearly portrays the brutal violence and harsh realities of war and slavery. When the Israelite army gains the upper hand, Deborah realizes her destiny is linked to the lives of two other women. Some readers may take umbrage at Etzioni-Halevy's depiction of Deborah as a promiscuous woman but after a sluggish beginning, the author delves more fully into the historical context and social mores of an ancient but vibrant culture. Despite millennia of separation, this book illustrates that the archetypal themes of love and war never age.

February 1, 2008
In her third novel depicting women of the Old Testament (after "The Song of Hannah" and "The Garden of Ruth"), Etzioni-Halevy, professor emeritus at Bar-Han University in Israel, turns to Deborah for inspiration, portraying her as the wise Jewish prophetess that she was in history. In ancient Israel, Deborah convinces the warrior Barak to proclaim war against the Canaanites. Against all odds, he succeeds in overpowering the much larger army, and Deborah is hailed as a true visionary. At the same time, a romantic triangle develops between Barak and his two female captives, one the recognized daughter of the King of the Canaanites and the other, the illegitimate daughter. Etzioni-Halevy breathes fresh life into a time period when women ruled both by spiritual force and by feminine wiles. Deborah, recently cast off by her husband, must struggle to not only provide for herself but also to carry the mantle of legal mediator for the tribes of Israel. This novel will be devoured by lovers of historical fiction and romance alike.Marika Zemke, Commerce Twp. Community Lib., MI

Copyright 2008 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 1, 2008
Those looking for another Red Tent (Diamant, 1997) will be disappointed, but those who like their Bible with a little spice will find plenty to admire in this frothy romance. In ancient Israel, three women deal with problems both modern and ancient. Deborah, a revered judge, must find a way to balance her powerful work life with her traditional marriage. Nogah must find a way to retain her self-respect while being in love with the philandering husband of her half sister, Asherah, who in turn must deal with the death of her beloved husband and recent marriage to Barak, commander of the Israeli army and former enemy. Barak must struggle against his baser instincts to continue to lead the Israeli people. The sex scenes are plentiful, if euphemistically written. This expansion of a biblical story is enjoyable, if not enlightening.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2008, American Library Association.)