David and The Philistine Woman
A novella
by Paul Boorstin
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Pub Date Jul 28 2017 | Archive Date Aug 28 2017
John Hunt Publishing Ltd | Top Hat Books
Description
Nara is a young Philistine woman who has given up hope of ever finding a husband. No man will take a wife who towers head and shoulders above him. She lives in isolation with her father, until she is discovered by the Philistine priests. They betroth her to Goliath, to give him warrior sons. What happens when Nara’s fate collides with that of David, who is destined to face Goliath in combat, will forever transform how you experience this pivotal moment in the Bible. Boorstin re-imagines David’s dangerous path from shepherd to charismatic leader, interweaving his life not only with Nara’s, but with key Biblical characters including King Saul, and Saul’s daughter Michal, who will later become David’s wife. While faithful to the spirit of the Bible, Boorstin reads between the lines of the ancient narrative to bring immediacy, relevance and even greater meaning to the life of the young Israelite who would become the most beloved character in the Old Testament. David and the Philistine Woman combines exciting storytelling and rich characters to fashion an unforgettable epic.
Advance Praise
"Both a wise reading and a wild reimagining of the Bible’s most fascinating personalities and most memorable single clash. Philistines and Israelites, their gods and loves and struggles, spring to dramatic life."
Rabbi David Wolpe, named "the most influential rabbi in America" by Newsweek and author of David: The Divided Heart
"King David is revered by more than half the population of the planet, yet he has never been more real and
knowable than he is in Boorstin’s breathtaking novel. Here the man God called 'Beloved' is utterly, unforgettably
human. I couldn't put this book down."
Reza Aslan, producer/host of the CNN series "Believer with Reza Aslan" and author of #1 New York Times
bestseller Zealot: The Life and Times of Jesus of Nazareth
"Leave it to this documentary filmmaker to conceive this richly imagined story. Boorstin has created the
page-turner that book clubs have been waiting for since The Red Tent."
Judy Kancigor, Orange County Register columnist and author of Cooking Jewish
"With vibrant color, Paul Boorstin paints a wholly new portrait of one of the Bible’s most enigmatic figures. David and the Philistine Woman is a welcome addition to the rich tradition of Jewish historical fiction." Emily K. Alhadeff, editor of Jewish in Seattle Magazine
Marketing Plan
Paul Boorstin is an award-winning filmmaker whose numerious documentaries include A&E programs exploring the Biblical stories of Esther and Abraham, with on-camera commentary by Rabbi David Wolpe. Boorstin wrote the A&E Biography special on Israeli general Moshe Dayan and The Lost Kennedy Home Movies for the History Channel. The two-hour Kennedy special is reshown each year on the anniversary of JFK's death. In addition, he has traveled around the world producing and directing TV documentaries for National Geographic. A resident of Los Angeles, Boorstin graduated magna cum laude from Princeton. He is a blogger for the Huffington Post and a contributor to the Los Angeles Times. DAVID AND THE PHILISTINE WOMAN is Boorstin’s first historical novel.
Available Editions
| EDITION | Paperback |
| ISBN | 9781785355370 |
| PRICE | £13.99 (GBP) |
Links
Featured Reviews
Annette B, Reviewer
This beautifully imagined story of David and Goliath, based on the Bible story, brings historical and social realities of two clashing tribes Israelites and Philistines.
David is the youngest son of Jesse of Bethlehem. He doesn’t follow his brothers to war. Instead he becomes the shepherd of his father’s flock. A task which some may find shame in, but he feels pride instead, tenderly caring for the sheep. Until a prophet Samuel shows upon their door and announces the next Israelite king, after King Saul.
David's story is intertwined with Nara’s, who is a daughter of master blacksmith of the Philistine city of Gath. At the age of 16, she is chosen for an honor by the high priest. She doesn’t understand the meaning of his words at the time. Soon after, she gets married to Goliath, a giant warrior.
David’s and Nara’s search, of what is meaningful to each of them, puts them on the same path. At the end, two people from opposite tribes join in the same mission.
The story ends with the famous fight of David and Goliath.
The story is engrossing, bringing David’s caring nature, his search for meaning in life. When he feels lost, he goes back to what is most meaningful in his life – simplicity.
Carol F, Reviewer
I read this novel in 2 days. I thank Paul Boorstin for giving us strong women, Israelite and Philistine. This definitely fleshed out the David and Goliath story. Totally enjoyed this book.
Cynthia T, Educator
This is a fascinating twist of the story of David and Goliath, giving the Philistine point of view. Although it's fictional, it's based on archeological and cultural data. It's a great story and if you know the Biblical account of David's life, it will give you some food for thought. The characters are well developed and I connected with them. I got an insight into the ancient Philistine culture.
Macy R, Reviewer
I enjoyed reading thing book very much. It is a retale of the Bible story - David & Goliath. I appreciate this fresh take on an old tired tale, which highlighted strong women. The descriptions were great & the writing was superb!
Memona A, Reviewer
David and The Philistine Woman tells the story of David from the Bible, who's destiny is to slay the Goliath and lead the Israelites. The Philistine woman is an enemy to David and his people but one that has courage and strength of body and mind to do what is necessary.
The story of David and Goliath that I know if brief and to the point. Paul Boorstin tells this story in a much more fleshed out way, bringing to life the rich characters and landscapes of the time. I really enjoyed this book and it kept my attention, pulling me into David's world. I would definitely recommend this book as a interesting read and I look forward to seeing what else the author has to offer.
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