Delilah

October 12, 2009
In Edghill's (Queenmaker
) tedious retelling of the story of Samson and Delilah, the beautiful, dark-haired Delilah is given away by her mother to be raised to become a priestess to the Five Cities that rule Canaan. The novel alternates between Delilah's point of view and third-person narratives featuring Derceto, high priestess of the temple of Atargatis, who keeps a watchful eye over Delilah; Aylah, Delilah's best friend and confidante; Sandarin, prince of the city; and finally, the tall, strong warrior, Samson, who catches sight of the beautiful Delilah and is determined to have her. For Samson, who is chosen by the Israelites to lead the rebellion against the restrictive Five Cities, Delilah comes with risk. Yet Samson cannot resist her, despite falling directly into Derceto's trap. Edghill's attempt to give a voice to Delilah is commendable, and the novel is strongest when it focuses on her. Unfortunately, the rest of the characters lack Delilah's depth, and the third-person narration tries too hard to achieve historical accuracy and, as a result, loses the reader.

Starred review from October 15, 2009
Most people have at least a passing acquaintance with the biblical story of Samson and Delilahthe warrior bent on slaying as many Philistines as possible and the temptress willing to betray her lover for money. Edghill ("Queenmaker") takes this ancient tale from the book of Judges and turns it on its end. Her Samson is a generous man of goodwill and kindness who longs for nothing more than to live in peace with his neighbors, Hebrews and Canaanites alike. Delilah is a young and devout temple priestess whose beautiful dancing attracts Samson's attention. The lovers are caught between the machinations of the rulers of the Five Cities and the Israelites who fight to claim Canaan, the land promised to them by God. VERDICT Edghill has crafted a powerful, lyrical novel and created two unforgettable characters. Recommended highly, particularly for readers who have enjoyed Orson Scott Card's "Women of Genesis" series, Marek Halter's "Canaan Trilogy", and Anita Diamant's "The Red Tent". [Library marketing campaign.]Jane Henriksen Baird, Anchorage P.L., AK

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2009
Everyone knows the story of Samson and Delilah, or do they? In Edghills dramatic retelling, Delilah, given away at birth to the Temple of Atargatis, is a true innocent who lives only to dance for the goddess. She starts to question her cloistered life, however, once she spots Samson as she leads a procession through the city. The golden man stirs her, and he falls in love with her at first sight. The gentle giant asks the high priestess for Delilah, the dark beauty. Even though he completes impossible tasks to earn her, he is deceived into marrying Delilahs best friend, whom he accepts with graciousness and wisdom. This Samson is a man of simple needs, not the hero of legend. Although he has great strength, he is a lover, not a fighter, and only uses his powers when his wife is murdered. In Edghills beautifully written tale, Delilah and Samson unite to bring down their enemies. This is one biblically inspired historical novel not to miss.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)