Esther - A Great Take on a Classic Story

I love the story of Esther. I've read so many adaptations of the tale (and, of course, the original) that I thought it might be getting old. Thankfully, Angela Hunt's take on the story was another fresh, thought-provoking rendition. 

You likely already know the story of Esther that this book follows--Xerxes, King of Persia, issues a decree looking for a new queen. Against all odds, beautiful Esther (known to her Jewish kinsmen as Hadassah) is chosen to be queen. A snake of a man, Haman, weasels his way into royal court and ends up manipulating the king into issuing a decree that will result in genocide for the Jewish people. Esther is the only one in a position to stop it--and (my favorite part) perhaps she was put there for just such a time.

Angela Hunt did a great job on making this book memorable and stand out from the others. I really liked a few aspects of it:

1. Hadassah was an incredibly human character. Sometimes it's difficult to envision Biblical characters as people with flaws and feelings (it's easier to see them as legends). This novel follows the growth of Hadassah, from a naive child to a confident, God-following woman. It's a beautiful transition.

2. Readers hear the story from two perspectives--either Hadassah or a palace eunuch, Harbonah. Both points of view have their merits. Harbonah has insight into royal living while Hadassah gives us vision into life in Susa. This gives readers a good view of the story and also gives the story an interesting take.

I really enjoyed this book and I will definitely be reading it again. I will also be checking out Hunt's other books--especially other books in the "Dangerous Beauty" series--it looks like Bathsheba is up next!

If you love the story of Esther as much as I do, check out "The Gilded Chamber" by Rebecca Kohn and "Hadassah: One Night With the King" by Mark Olsen and Tommy Tenney. 

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.