Woman of Means

April 1, 2000
In this fictional account of the life of Paul's first convert in Philippi, Lemmons (Daughter of Jerusalem; Daniel) uses narrative flashbacks to allow the dying Lydia to relive the best and worst moments of her long life. She remembers growing up Roman with many gods; racing, and beating, the boys in front of the entire city of Thyratia; marrying, and mourning, her beloved husband Menander; bearing, and losing, both of her children; and struggling for years in Philippi as she learned the cloth and dye business from her uncle. Most importantly, she recalls the day a group of travelers, including Paul, stopped at her garden gate and asked if they could join her as she listened to Hebrew Scripture. Lydia's memories are occasionally difficult to follow, but this is, on the whole, an entertaining book. Recommended for most collections.

Copyright 2000 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.