Game of Queens

June 1, 2015

Well known for her popular novels on women of biblical times (Queenmaker; Wisdom's Daughter; Delilah), Edghill this time celebrates two very different heroines: Vashti, the first wife of King Ahasuerus of Persia, and Esther, who succeeded her as queen. In Western culture, Esther is famous for her role in saving the Jews of Persia from the evil machinations of the king's trusted adviser Haman. Raised together as children, Vashti and Ahasuerus never get past their initial sibling-like relationship, which results in an unfulfilling marriage. When Vashti refuses to appear before the king and his drunken friends at a royal banquet, Ahasuerus divorces her on the advice of his avaricious and conniving mother. Overcoming her humiliation, Vashti is instrumental in selecting a new wife for the king. She and the bride-to-be, Esther, become fast friends and coconspirators in bringing about the downfall of Haman. VERDICT With familiar biblical figures--Daniel, who still interprets dreams, and Mordecai, Esther's uncle--playing supporting roles, Edghill offers another winning tale of strong Old Testament women whose faith, intelligence, and courage changed the course of history.--Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage P.L., AK

Copyright 2015 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2015
In her latest retelling of a biblical story featuring a woman, Edghill (Delilah, 2009) portrays the courageous queen Esther, reaching much further back than most reimaginings. She includes the story of Daniel, his ties to the royal court, and his ordeal in the lion's den. Edghill also traces Haman's sadism back to his drowning puppies in front of their tethered mother and escalating to his killing his own wife in front of her son. As Haman becomes genocidal in his determination to annihilate the entire Jewish population of King Xerxes' Persian Empire, Edghill captures the timeless drama of how Esther and Mordecai, an older cousin who raised her as a father would, foil Haman's nefarious plans. Told in turn by the major playersDaniel, Hegai, Queen Vashti, and Queen Esther herselfEdghill's novel is a fresh, multivoiced approach to the celebrated tale of Purim. Richly textured, thrilling, and totally fascinating, this sweeping saga is sure to captivate readers across the board.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2015, American Library Association.)