Miriam's Song

 Title: Miriam's Song

Author: Jill Eileen Smith

Publisher: Revell

Genre: Biblical Fiction/Historical Fiction

Synopsis:

In her eventful lifetime, Miriam was many things to many people: protective older sister, song leader, prophetess, leper. But between the highs and the lows, she was a girl who dreamed of freedom, a woman who longed for love, a leader who made mistakes, and a friend who valued connection.

With her impeccable research and keen eye for detail, bestselling author Jill Eileen Smith offers this epic story to fill in the gaps and imagine how Miriam navigated the challenges of holding on to hope, building a family in the midst of incredible hardship, and serving as a leader of a difficult people, all while living in her brother's shadow. Follow Miriam's journey from childhood to motherhood, obscurity to notoriety, and yearning to fulfillment as she learns that what God promises he provides--in his own perfect timing. 

 

My thoughts:

 

I have read quite a bit of Biblical fiction and always enjoy seeing how the Bible story is portrayed in fiction. I love seeing how it "could have been." I understand that the author is adding a lot of thoughts and feelings that we are not privy to because we were not there. I was eagerly anticipating this story because there is not a lot known about Miriam and I wanted to see how the story shaped up.

I was fascinated from the beginning to observe the glimpse of history from Hatshepsut's perspective. She overhears her father's conversation to have all the Hebrew babies that are male killed. She is shocked to see her father in this light and to wonder if her mother was right, that her father was weak.

 

It was also interesting to see Miriam's perspective as her best friend's baby brother is killed. When Moses is born, Miriam follows her mother's lead in hiding him.  It was fascinating the ways that they hid him and seeing Miriam as placed him in the Nile River. Miriam is just a young child and assumes so much responsibility that she comes across as an adult.

 

One of the themes of the book is repenting for a hardened heart. It is seen over and over again, as people get impatient for God to deliver on His promises. Even Miriam struggles at times to be patient and wait on the Lord. 

 

I felt that the book had a strong start, but somewhere toward the middle I started to lose interest, it just seemed to be so long. While it was a compelling read, I think it is safe to say that there was not a lot that the author could work with, and she did a good job with what we know about Miriam. I am glad I took the time to read the book.

 

I would recommend Miriam's Song to fans of Biblical history. 

Thank you to Revell and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book. I was not required to provide a positive review.