“The Faithful Harlot” by Elizabeth Clifford Murphy, is a 355-page fiction book released this year. It was published by Koehler Books in Virginia, its cover design produced by Caroline Teagle Johnson, and its cover image by Peter Dazeley. The hardcover has ISBN 979-8-88824-980-2 and costs $28.95. Elizabeth Clifford Murphy, a tutor, senior editor, counselor, and writer of biblical, fantasy-themed books, lives in Brooklyn. Her author website is www.elizabethcliffordmurphy.com.

This fantastical story entails events during the collapse of the Bronze Age era in the Mediterranean and celebrates the untold stories of Biblical heroines. It centers on the entanglement of fate between Rachab of Jericho, and Achsah of Israel. Both are from different rival tribes and live different lives and have almost different beliefs, until at age 18, a series of miraculous events occur that make Rachab’s life a testimony in Biblical history.

What is Rachab’s story? What led Rachab to be acquainted with the Israelites? In a world dominated by heroes, what was her position? Find out in this amazing book!

The author subtly uses the characters’ traits to convey moral lessons in this book, an aspect I truly admire. Rachab’s belief in the djinn Isha, and Aschah’s belief in the angel Zagzagel both match their childlike innocence and approach in matters of the spirit, making them the proverbial birds of the same feather that would eventually flock together. Rachab is herself full of great faith. Even when the older adults Ima and Aba fail to believe in the existence of Isha over time, Rachab is unshaken. It teaches us that God can use different ways to unite different people to Him, no matter what names they refer to Him.

There are also lessons of kindness and honor, irrespective of gender or background. An example is Rachab’s kindness to orphans and fugitives, which eventually saves her life and her family. I admire how the interpretation of Rachab as a harlot is corrected to her living in an inn, which the manager, Hasatan, uses as a brothel, further honoring Rachab’s character. She also witnessed the prophet Balaam’s talking donkey and Achsah playing the role of a spy, proving that females, too, can be miracles and heroines in a world dominated by heroes such as Salmon, Caleb, and Joshua. The sense of belonging among the characters in this book is amazing. As Savta Ziga once said, “Women. We are the great mystery.”

I do not have any negative views in the book. The usage of jargon throughout the book makes the narrative more realistic, and the readers can always refer to the glossary and discussion at the beginning and ending of the novel for clarification. It also has fun illustrations at the beginning of certain paragraphs in some chapters, adding liveliness to the narration.

I did not find any typographical mistakes or grammatical errors because this book is excellently and thoroughly edited. I, Michael Lartey, the reviewer, find this book to be filled with power, emotional suspense, and credibility, and it is one of the best books I have read this year. It possesses good storytelling, amazing characters, and memorable events. Because of this, I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars. 

I recommend this book to Christian readers who love fiction and history. It offers an insightful and well-detailed view into the untold stories of Biblical characters, the humanity they possess, and how some decisions can alter the course of history. A must-read for the entire family.

The novel is based on the biblical character Rachab and her relationship with the angel, Isha, who only reveals herself to a select few. The era of the novel is 1200’s BCE located in Canaanite lands. I found the novel too dry and flat with undeveloped characterization and lack of conflict.