Scan barcode
katiegilley's review
2.0
Probably more like 2.5 stars. I had a really hard time with this one and wouldn't have finished if it hadn't been recommended by a dear friend. This is the story of King David, the King of Israel around 1000BC. This was difficult to read because I had no idea who anyone was. Brooks used Hebrew names for the characters and their location, which was difficult for me. Her writing was, predictably, beautiful; I just had a really hard time sticking with the story and paying attention.
I AM glad that I understand the history of David a bit better because I was a total neophyte to his life before reading this book. The ancient rifts in the Middle East are deep -- I sort of wish that Brooks explored that a bit more, but I recognize how difficult that would be given the lack of additional sources for David's life - much less the entire region!
I AM glad that I understand the history of David a bit better because I was a total neophyte to his life before reading this book. The ancient rifts in the Middle East are deep -- I sort of wish that Brooks explored that a bit more, but I recognize how difficult that would be given the lack of additional sources for David's life - much less the entire region!
kfrickle's review
I couldn't get pasted the descriptions of war in the first few pages. I decided it was not a book for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Gore, and War
toniak's review
challenging
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
yaydonna's review
1.0
To be honest, I didn't finish. The concept of the book drew me in, but it fell flat for me. There are too many good books in the world to spend time on a book you don't love.
stephaniealysse's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Violence, Murder, Misogyny, Incest, Gore, Grief, War, Body horror, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Child death
tmathews0330's review
4.0
A fascinating perspective on David's life. A Biblical character made more real.
roseleaf24's review against another edition
4.0
This book was dense, so not quick, and it took me awhile to get started; because of my biblical literacy, I had to figure out how everything fit with the stories I knew, and who everyone was. While I disagree with some of the directions the story took, I really appreciated the respect for Scripture the writing showed. It was fascinating to see the well known historical figures fleshed out and given passion and motivation. Nathan's perspective and the inside view of the life of a prophet was well worth reading.
angelamichelle's review
3.0
I would be less disappointed if my expectations hadn't been so high. March and Year of Wonders are masterpieces. This is...fine.
[Rise and fall of David told from perspective of Nathan.]
[Rise and fall of David told from perspective of Nathan.]