Sharon Dow : Huldah: Prophetess
Huldah: Prophetess
by Sharon Dow
Word Alive Press
This book was the winner of the 2013 Word Alive Press Free Publishing Contest.
The story takes us back to dark days in Judah’s history, the days of wicked King Manasseh and his son Amon who was even worse. The story begins during the reign of Mannaseh but the bulk of the story occurs during the two year reign of Amon and leads up to the proclamation of Josiah becoming king.
Although the prophetess Huldah, is mentioned in scripture only fleetingly when the boy king, Josiah, and the high priest, Hilkiah, send for her to ask about the newly found scrolls during the clean-up of the temple, Sharon Dow has taken that fleeting mention and built a believable story. The incident of Scripture is not mentioned in the novel, but it is clear that both the king and high priest know her and respect her prophesies.
Ms. Dow has taken an obscure time in history and brought it alive. Her descriptions of the city of Jerusalem, the characters, and the historical incidents reflect a great deal of research. We can see, hear and smell the city and palace through her eyes, ears and nose.
There were times when I found the story a little confusing. The naming of too many of the servants and minor characters who really did not play a part in the remainder of the story, threw me off. I had a difficult time keeping them all straight but that may be my problem. Other readers may enjoy that type of detail.
I also found the jumping back and forth between characters and situations distracting. I know that this may be necessary to develop a multi-faceted story, but I question the frequency.
All in all, I enjoyed the book. It opens up one’s eyes to the depravity existing during that time in Judah’s history. Now when I read scripture about these kings, I have a clearer picture of how life may have been.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
by Sharon Dow
Word Alive Press
This book was the winner of the 2013 Word Alive Press Free Publishing Contest.
The story takes us back to dark days in Judah’s history, the days of wicked King Manasseh and his son Amon who was even worse. The story begins during the reign of Mannaseh but the bulk of the story occurs during the two year reign of Amon and leads up to the proclamation of Josiah becoming king.
Although the prophetess Huldah, is mentioned in scripture only fleetingly when the boy king, Josiah, and the high priest, Hilkiah, send for her to ask about the newly found scrolls during the clean-up of the temple, Sharon Dow has taken that fleeting mention and built a believable story. The incident of Scripture is not mentioned in the novel, but it is clear that both the king and high priest know her and respect her prophesies.
Ms. Dow has taken an obscure time in history and brought it alive. Her descriptions of the city of Jerusalem, the characters, and the historical incidents reflect a great deal of research. We can see, hear and smell the city and palace through her eyes, ears and nose.
There were times when I found the story a little confusing. The naming of too many of the servants and minor characters who really did not play a part in the remainder of the story, threw me off. I had a difficult time keeping them all straight but that may be my problem. Other readers may enjoy that type of detail.
I also found the jumping back and forth between characters and situations distracting. I know that this may be necessary to develop a multi-faceted story, but I question the frequency.
All in all, I enjoyed the book. It opens up one’s eyes to the depravity existing during that time in Judah’s history. Now when I read scripture about these kings, I have a clearer picture of how life may have been.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.