Surprising Biblical Fiction on Bathsheba

Bathsheba by Angela Hunt

This novel is part of Hunt’s Dangerous Beauty Novels, which include Esther, Bathsheba and the upcoming one on Delilah.  Hunt is careful to handle one of the most delicate challenges in writing about Bible characters:  keeping her story true to the scriptural account, but filling in details with logical feelings, conversations and settings.  To my way of thinking, a Bible story novelization can be dangerous to read because it can put ideas or motives into the reader’s heart that are  not in line with scripture.  It seems that Hunt has avoided that pitfall with a plethora of research, which she includes in the references.

I found this book to be very engaging.  Even though I knew the story, it was the details that the author added that kept me reading.  I was fascinated by the motivation she gave the characters, especially Michal, David and Nathan.  And for the most part they were logical.

The book changed my opinion of Bathsheba as a woman of the Bible.  I credit Hunt with doing the research that allowed me to see Bathsheba in a new light.  The way that Bathsheba dealt with her lot in life was very encouraging.  She is a good example of growing in trust in God and allowing Him to be sovereign, even in life’s most difficult moments. 

This book is definitely worth the read.  I think that readers will be encouraged by the story of how God used a woman in a way she would not have expected. Be prepared to think about Bathsheba in a totally new light. This review is my honest opinion.  I received a free copy from Bethany House publishers.