Uvi Poznansky's Blog, page 182
November 25, 2014
I live here on paint and on toxoid
Written by my father, translated by meI live here on paint and on toxoidMy step faltering, against walls, against barriersAround me I see nature destroyedReplaced by some structures for settlers.I live here with no joy, no regret And scribble little rhymes just for meI live... No longer preach at the gate,Nor squash any ants carelessly.In their hiding place they seem to await And observe me, in all probability.I live with no account and no friendNo longer try to right wrongs in the world,I cannot tell my future, my endSimply listen to the waves, to my heart.At set, prescribed times I just swallowPills encoded by various pigmentsAnd let my mind labor to followThe secret paths of this universe.
It is clear to me now: There is no amityThere has never been any beginning,And all that is here, that is growingWas here and it always will be.In space there is no upper or lower No right and no left all around, The moment is here—no past, no foreverThere is no first, no last or well-found. Only an unending, unstoppable flowAnd shapes that are shifting at will There is no heaven, only hell and oweThere is time, there is space, there is still.There is no happiness, no sorrow, no feelingOnly waves dancing without and withinIn a struggle with no hatred, no foamingWithout saints, without angels or sin.
So call this entirety: Yin.
Take a listen to the beautiful narration:
★ Love giving gifts? Give this book ★Home★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★"The book overflows with some of the most eloquent poetic moments in print"
Skilled Masterpiece!
Wow--I am thrilled to find this review, written by Dolores Ayotte, author of A Woman's Voice (and other self-help books) who is a great inspirational writer and one of the best reviewers on Amazon. This is what she said about the audiobook edition of A Favorite Son:
FollowDolores AyotteWinnipeg, Manitoba11-14-14OverallPerformanceStory
What was one of the most memorable moments of A Favorite Son?One of the most memorable moments is the obvious favoritism of Rebecca for one son over another and the lengths she would go to deceive her husband, Isaac, demonstrates the duplicity of her role in all of their lives.
Which character – as performed by David Kudler – was your favorite?I think David Kudler did a great job of portraying all the characters he played in this audio book. His voice is clear, precise, and effectively draws the listener into the story line.
Any additional comments?Most of us are familiar with the well-known Bible story of Jacob and Esau. Twin sons born to Rebecca and Isaac in their later years, are at odds and in competition to inherit the much coveted blessing from their father on his deathbed. The collaboration that takes place between mother and her favorite son, Yankle, in order to dupe Isaac effectively demonstrates the length some parents will go to in their unfairness, or what I refer to as, the "division" of their love.
According to the main thread skillfully woven into this novel, the phenomenon of favoring one child over another may be a curse not only for the favored child but for the rejected one as well. I purposely use the word "division" of love to describe the favoritism both Rebecca and Isaac displayed for opposite sons in this story in order to stress what I consider to be a poignant point.In my opinion, neither parent expresses true love. True love does not divide families nor does it create ugly competitiveness, sibling rivalry, jealously, hatred, anger and all the other undesirable, negative traits expressed between these two sons. Neither parent shows love for their offspring nor toward each other. It has been said that true love multiplies...it never divides.When one discovers this definition of love and fully embraces this concept, the negative emotions experienced by this family and many others, will no longer exist. To me, that is the true moral to this Bible story.Ms. Poznansky takes an age old story and gives it a modern twist.
The reader is invited into the tortured psyche of Yankle and the grief, guilt, and full knowledge of the consequence of his deception in order to demonstrate what a living hell is all about. Yankle is haunted by his choice, that of manipulating his father's deteriorating physical condition along with his mother, in order to steal his brother, Esav's birthright. He does not want to repeat history in his own life and continue with this kind of favoritism in his relationship with his own sons.This author shows not only by the cover she has so beautifully painted, but also by the words she has so carefully chosen to depict the results of such a past and present dilemma...the consequences of such a devious act.
To quote Ms. Poznansky when describing her book cover, she states, "To me, this is what this image means: looking directly at yourself, facing the pain and the ugly imperfections within, without any attempt to mask who you are--even if you find yourself on the verge of a meltdown." I think each of us will eventually reach this point in life, and regardless of what path we take to get there, we must face ourselves, our actions, our lives and learn what true love is all about...I think this is the genuine motive and goal behind the work of this talented artist and author. Her writing is meant to provoke, prod, persuade, and push us to the limits of our inner selves in order to tie it all together. In my opinion, she is not only showing us a part of herself, her every desire is for us to see our own reflection in her work and see what personal message it holds. She has certainly succeeded with me...
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
FollowDolores AyotteWinnipeg, Manitoba11-14-14OverallPerformanceStory"Skilled Masterpiece!"Would you consider the audio edition of A Favorite Son to be better than the print version? After both reading A Favorite Son on my own and then listening to the audio book, I think there is a definite benefit to hearing the male voice bring the characters to life. I very much enjoyed this audio experience.
What was one of the most memorable moments of A Favorite Son?One of the most memorable moments is the obvious favoritism of Rebecca for one son over another and the lengths she would go to deceive her husband, Isaac, demonstrates the duplicity of her role in all of their lives.
Which character – as performed by David Kudler – was your favorite?I think David Kudler did a great job of portraying all the characters he played in this audio book. His voice is clear, precise, and effectively draws the listener into the story line.
Any additional comments?Most of us are familiar with the well-known Bible story of Jacob and Esau. Twin sons born to Rebecca and Isaac in their later years, are at odds and in competition to inherit the much coveted blessing from their father on his deathbed. The collaboration that takes place between mother and her favorite son, Yankle, in order to dupe Isaac effectively demonstrates the length some parents will go to in their unfairness, or what I refer to as, the "division" of their love.
According to the main thread skillfully woven into this novel, the phenomenon of favoring one child over another may be a curse not only for the favored child but for the rejected one as well. I purposely use the word "division" of love to describe the favoritism both Rebecca and Isaac displayed for opposite sons in this story in order to stress what I consider to be a poignant point.In my opinion, neither parent expresses true love. True love does not divide families nor does it create ugly competitiveness, sibling rivalry, jealously, hatred, anger and all the other undesirable, negative traits expressed between these two sons. Neither parent shows love for their offspring nor toward each other. It has been said that true love multiplies...it never divides.When one discovers this definition of love and fully embraces this concept, the negative emotions experienced by this family and many others, will no longer exist. To me, that is the true moral to this Bible story.Ms. Poznansky takes an age old story and gives it a modern twist.
The reader is invited into the tortured psyche of Yankle and the grief, guilt, and full knowledge of the consequence of his deception in order to demonstrate what a living hell is all about. Yankle is haunted by his choice, that of manipulating his father's deteriorating physical condition along with his mother, in order to steal his brother, Esav's birthright. He does not want to repeat history in his own life and continue with this kind of favoritism in his relationship with his own sons.This author shows not only by the cover she has so beautifully painted, but also by the words she has so carefully chosen to depict the results of such a past and present dilemma...the consequences of such a devious act.
To quote Ms. Poznansky when describing her book cover, she states, "To me, this is what this image means: looking directly at yourself, facing the pain and the ugly imperfections within, without any attempt to mask who you are--even if you find yourself on the verge of a meltdown." I think each of us will eventually reach this point in life, and regardless of what path we take to get there, we must face ourselves, our actions, our lives and learn what true love is all about...I think this is the genuine motive and goal behind the work of this talented artist and author. Her writing is meant to provoke, prod, persuade, and push us to the limits of our inner selves in order to tie it all together. In my opinion, she is not only showing us a part of herself, her every desire is for us to see our own reflection in her work and see what personal message it holds. She has certainly succeeded with me...
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
November 24, 2014
Thanksgiving: I feel an odd urge to fondle his horns
He turns to me with a sly look. To my surprise, his smile—even with those sharp fangs—is quite endearing.
“Job’s wife, I presume? Hallelujah! I have been expecting for you for quite a long while,” says Satan. His voice is sweet. He must have sung in a choir in his youth, because in some ways he sounds as pious as my husband. “Shame, shame, shame on you,” he wags his finger. “You sure made me wait, didn’t you...”And without allowing time for an answer, he brings a magnifying glass to his bloodshot eye. Enlarged, his pupil is clearly horizontal and slit-shaped. Which makes me feel quite at home with him, because so are the pupils of the goats in the herds we used to own. Meanwhile, Satan unfolds a piece of paper and runs his finger through some names listed there. Then, with a gleam of satisfaction he marks a checkbox there, right in the middle of the crinkled page. At once, a whiff of smoke whirls in the air. Satan blows off a few specks of charred paper, folds the thing and tucks it into his breast pocket, somewhere in his wool. Cashmere, I ask myself? Really? In this heat? Back home, when I would count my gold coins, this was something I craved with a passion... It would keep me warm during the long winter nights... Then, without even bothering to look at me, Satan says, “I swear, madam, you look lovely tonight.”For a moment I am grateful that my husband is among the living. Or so I think. Nowadays, influenced by the elders, he regards swearing as a mortal sin, as bad as cursing. He even plugs his ears, for no better reason than to avoid hearing it. But if you ask me, I swear: without a bit of blasphemy, language would utterly dull, and fit for nothing but endless prayer. Sigh.Strangely, Satan does not frighten me that much anymore. And so, swaying on my hip bones, I strut out of the cave in his direction. I feel an odd urge to fondle his horns. Along the path toward him I make sure to suck in my belly, because in the company of a gentleman, even a corpse is entitled to look her best.
Job's wife in Twisted
Listen to the last paragraph, narrated by the one and only Heather Jane Hogan:
If your browser wouldn't play it, try this
And here is the score for the title:
If your browser wouldn't play it, try this
★ Love giving gifts? Give this book ★
Twisted★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★
"It is virtually impossible to resist being mesmerized"
“Job’s wife, I presume? Hallelujah! I have been expecting for you for quite a long while,” says Satan. His voice is sweet. He must have sung in a choir in his youth, because in some ways he sounds as pious as my husband. “Shame, shame, shame on you,” he wags his finger. “You sure made me wait, didn’t you...”And without allowing time for an answer, he brings a magnifying glass to his bloodshot eye. Enlarged, his pupil is clearly horizontal and slit-shaped. Which makes me feel quite at home with him, because so are the pupils of the goats in the herds we used to own. Meanwhile, Satan unfolds a piece of paper and runs his finger through some names listed there. Then, with a gleam of satisfaction he marks a checkbox there, right in the middle of the crinkled page. At once, a whiff of smoke whirls in the air. Satan blows off a few specks of charred paper, folds the thing and tucks it into his breast pocket, somewhere in his wool. Cashmere, I ask myself? Really? In this heat? Back home, when I would count my gold coins, this was something I craved with a passion... It would keep me warm during the long winter nights... Then, without even bothering to look at me, Satan says, “I swear, madam, you look lovely tonight.”For a moment I am grateful that my husband is among the living. Or so I think. Nowadays, influenced by the elders, he regards swearing as a mortal sin, as bad as cursing. He even plugs his ears, for no better reason than to avoid hearing it. But if you ask me, I swear: without a bit of blasphemy, language would utterly dull, and fit for nothing but endless prayer. Sigh.Strangely, Satan does not frighten me that much anymore. And so, swaying on my hip bones, I strut out of the cave in his direction. I feel an odd urge to fondle his horns. Along the path toward him I make sure to suck in my belly, because in the company of a gentleman, even a corpse is entitled to look her best.
Job's wife in Twisted
Listen to the last paragraph, narrated by the one and only Heather Jane Hogan:
If your browser wouldn't play it, try this
And here is the score for the title:
If your browser wouldn't play it, try this
★ Love giving gifts? Give this book ★
Twisted★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★
"It is virtually impossible to resist being mesmerized"
November 23, 2014
Masterful Adaptation of an Old Testament Story
Thrilled to find this review for the audiobook edition of Rise to Power:
FollowWarrior Princess11-24-14OverallPerformanceStory
Uvi Poznansky's adaptation of a familiar story from the Old Testament is unique and feels very modern. From the very first line of the prologue, the story drew me in, partly because of the masterful use of the first person by the author, and partly because of her engaging writing style. The scene of King David as a prisoner trying to escape and tell his story to liberate his soul is compelling and highly readable.
And then the story gets even better. Like all Uvi Poznansky’s books, this one has crisp and engaging dialogue, well-drawn characters and a unique plot. It was interesting for me to hear about the events from King David’s perspective and trace his journey from childhood to maturity and right into today’s time, making the story relevant and engaging for today’s readers. In this story, King David is not a mythical hero – he comes across as a real person, imperfect, flawed, and experiencing conflicting emotions – and that makes him so much more relatable, and his story – so much more compelling. A great story narrated perfectly by David George! Five stars.
FollowWarrior Princess11-24-14OverallPerformanceStory"Masterful Adaptation of an Old Testament Story""Rise to Power" is beautifully written, emotionally engaging, thought-provoking and very interesting. David George is a great narrator: emotional and engaging. His delivery is smooth and presented at the perfect pace, making the story easy to follow and easy to enjoy.
Uvi Poznansky's adaptation of a familiar story from the Old Testament is unique and feels very modern. From the very first line of the prologue, the story drew me in, partly because of the masterful use of the first person by the author, and partly because of her engaging writing style. The scene of King David as a prisoner trying to escape and tell his story to liberate his soul is compelling and highly readable.
And then the story gets even better. Like all Uvi Poznansky’s books, this one has crisp and engaging dialogue, well-drawn characters and a unique plot. It was interesting for me to hear about the events from King David’s perspective and trace his journey from childhood to maturity and right into today’s time, making the story relevant and engaging for today’s readers. In this story, King David is not a mythical hero – he comes across as a real person, imperfect, flawed, and experiencing conflicting emotions – and that makes him so much more relatable, and his story – so much more compelling. A great story narrated perfectly by David George! Five stars.
November 22, 2014
Thanksgiving: She lays her head back, for which I am grateful.
Then—still with her arms locked around me—she lays her head back, for which I am grateful. This way she cannot see how I weep, she cannot suspect that the pillow under my chin is turning soggy. Oh damn. I cannot stop these tears.Trapped here in her embrace, I am mourning something I cannot snatch back from the hand of time. Something that by some spell used to let me feel invincible. I never thought I would lose it. Youth.How long, Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?The first ray of sun has just come in through the window, and it reaches in over her, over me. It is fingering the wall, a touch here, a touch there, lifting the darkness spot by spot until—coming to touch the tip of my sword—it seems to catch fire. I remember that day, when I faced my first enemy and released him of his life and his weapon. I am, am I not, the slayer of Goliath. This blade of his has been hanging here over my head for ages. And now, in a flash—in the blinding light reflected back from the steely surface—I can spot myself in it. Is it me, really? Who is this decrepit creature, clinging to the corner of a blanket to wipe his face, curled here in a fetal position, with his back to a faceless girl? Come morning I should ask her name. Joav might have told me, but at this moment I cannot bring myself to remember it. Remembering has become too much of an effort, especially when it comes to the present. There is only one thing I seem to know: her future. She is, and may always remain, untouched.
David in Rise to Power
Here, David shares his innermost thoughts while lying in bed with a young woman, Abishag, who is there to keep him warm in his old age. It doesn't get more intimate than this...
★ Love giving gifts? Give the trilogy ★
Volume I of the trilogy: Rise to Power★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★
Volume II of the trilogy:
A Peek at Bathsheba
★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★
Volume III of the trilogy:The Edge of Revolt★ To be published before Christmas ★
"The miracle of Uvi Poznansky's writing is her uncanny ability to return to old stories and make them brilliantly fresh"
Grady Harp, Hall of Fame reviewer
David in Rise to Power
Here, David shares his innermost thoughts while lying in bed with a young woman, Abishag, who is there to keep him warm in his old age. It doesn't get more intimate than this...
★ Love giving gifts? Give the trilogy ★
Volume I of the trilogy: Rise to Power★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★
Volume II of the trilogy:
A Peek at Bathsheba
★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★
Volume III of the trilogy:The Edge of Revolt★ To be published before Christmas ★
"The miracle of Uvi Poznansky's writing is her uncanny ability to return to old stories and make them brilliantly fresh"
Grady Harp, Hall of Fame reviewer
November 21, 2014
Beautifully written and perfectly narrated
Here is a lovely review for the audiobook edition of Apart From Love:
FollowWarrior Princess12-06-13OverallPerformanceStory
Coming from uneducated Anita, who is a far cry from being a poet or a philosopher, this thought acquires an even more poignant and raw meaning. She is not trying to impress anyone, she is speaking her heart and her mind, trying to cope with the turmoil of her aging husband's fast decline and her growing attraction for his adult son Ben.
Emotions run high in this story by Uvi Poznansky, made even more prominent by the alternating voices in the audio version. Heather Jane Hogan is wonderful as Anita: she comes across as open and unpretentious, just like Anita’s character is supposed to be. David Kudler, as Ben, is more eloquent and sophisticated not only in his words but in his tone of voice that comes across in the audiobook. I sensed a tone of subtle surprise in his tone as he finds himself falling for Anita, through guilt and internal struggle.
A beautifully-written and perfectly narrated book. Highly recommended.
FollowWarrior Princess12-06-13OverallPerformanceStory"Beautifully written and perfectly narrated"A famous poet, translator, and philosopher Samuil Marshak once said that frequent use of highly emotional words robs them of their meaning, making them dull and lackluster, like an old coin losing its shine. And that's exactly what Anita, the young wife of Ben's aging father, says to her husband in the story: “Just say something to me. Anything." And I thought, Any other word apart from Love, `cause that word is diluted, and no one knows what it really means, anyway.
Coming from uneducated Anita, who is a far cry from being a poet or a philosopher, this thought acquires an even more poignant and raw meaning. She is not trying to impress anyone, she is speaking her heart and her mind, trying to cope with the turmoil of her aging husband's fast decline and her growing attraction for his adult son Ben.
Emotions run high in this story by Uvi Poznansky, made even more prominent by the alternating voices in the audio version. Heather Jane Hogan is wonderful as Anita: she comes across as open and unpretentious, just like Anita’s character is supposed to be. David Kudler, as Ben, is more eloquent and sophisticated not only in his words but in his tone of voice that comes across in the audiobook. I sensed a tone of subtle surprise in his tone as he finds himself falling for Anita, through guilt and internal struggle.
A beautifully-written and perfectly narrated book. Highly recommended.
November 19, 2014
Thanksgiving: I'm Blessed for the pleasure, blessed for the agony
Poem by my fatherTranslated by me
I'm blessed for the pleasure, blessed for the agonyBlessed for the fear, the pain of it allIn which I was steeped, in this realityAnd granted the chance to endure or to fall
I'm blessed for the hardship, and blessed for the hurtBlessed for the crevices, obstacles and allIn the heart of the storm, my journey I chartTo leap over the inferno, and turn back to recall
I'm blessed to have lived, in honor and courageBlessed I could take a deep plunge, then soarBlessed for the vinegar, and blessed for the honeyBlessed to be counted with the few at the foreThat somehow did reach their big destiny.
Listen to Kathy Bell Denton, the voice artist for Home, read this poem:
If your browser wouldn't play it, try this
★ Love giving gifts? Give this book ★Home★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★"The book overflows with some of the most eloquent poetic moments in print"
I'm blessed for the pleasure, blessed for the agonyBlessed for the fear, the pain of it allIn which I was steeped, in this realityAnd granted the chance to endure or to fall
I'm blessed for the hardship, and blessed for the hurtBlessed for the crevices, obstacles and allIn the heart of the storm, my journey I chartTo leap over the inferno, and turn back to recall
I'm blessed to have lived, in honor and courageBlessed I could take a deep plunge, then soarBlessed for the vinegar, and blessed for the honeyBlessed to be counted with the few at the foreThat somehow did reach their big destiny.
Listen to Kathy Bell Denton, the voice artist for Home, read this poem:
If your browser wouldn't play it, try this
★ Love giving gifts? Give this book ★Home★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★"The book overflows with some of the most eloquent poetic moments in print"
Bathsheba revealed
Lovely review of the audiobook edition of A Peek at Bathsheba:
FollowConvokeUSA11-19-14OverallPerformanceStory
What other book might you compare A Peek at Bathsheba to and why?Poznansky's work with biblical characters is a modernist look at ancient tales, which few do as well today. If I had to compare it to other works, I'd choose John Barth's Chimera, for the way both authors give a surprising immediacy to the story and remake the characters with more modern sensibilities, or The Last Temptation of Christ by Kazantzakis for its use of graphic language.
Have you listened to any of Justin Harmer’s other performances before? How does this one compare? I had not heard Justin Harmer's work before I listened to the Bathsheba sample, when I marveled at what a perfect choice Poznansky had made to narrate this book. His delivery is smooth and always appropriate, his pronunciations correct, and he adds his own verve. Having read the book previously, I will say that Harmer made the story different from the way I heard it in my head, bringing out surprising nuances. I'll need to listen to other books that he's narrated and I have read make comparisons.
If you could rename A Peek at Bathsheba, what would you call it? Behind Bathsheba
Any additional comments?Wonderful melding of story and narrator. Recommended for YA and adult readers comfortable with strong, modern language in a biblical setting.
FollowConvokeUSA11-19-14OverallPerformanceStory"Bathsheba revealed"If you could sum up A Peek at Bathsheba in three words, what would they be?Inventive. Intimate. Surprising.
What other book might you compare A Peek at Bathsheba to and why?Poznansky's work with biblical characters is a modernist look at ancient tales, which few do as well today. If I had to compare it to other works, I'd choose John Barth's Chimera, for the way both authors give a surprising immediacy to the story and remake the characters with more modern sensibilities, or The Last Temptation of Christ by Kazantzakis for its use of graphic language.
Have you listened to any of Justin Harmer’s other performances before? How does this one compare? I had not heard Justin Harmer's work before I listened to the Bathsheba sample, when I marveled at what a perfect choice Poznansky had made to narrate this book. His delivery is smooth and always appropriate, his pronunciations correct, and he adds his own verve. Having read the book previously, I will say that Harmer made the story different from the way I heard it in my head, bringing out surprising nuances. I'll need to listen to other books that he's narrated and I have read make comparisons.
If you could rename A Peek at Bathsheba, what would you call it? Behind Bathsheba
Any additional comments?Wonderful melding of story and narrator. Recommended for YA and adult readers comfortable with strong, modern language in a biblical setting.
November 18, 2014
Take a look at what you may win!
Don't miss this opportunity! Click this link and join:
Come
HOME
A select group of authors has joined forces with meto bring you amazing storiesnarrated by great voice actors. Just before the holidays, we invite you to come home with us. Come listen to voice clips from our audiobooks You may win one of them!
Uvi Poznansky A Peek at Bathsheba Rise to Power Apart from Love Home Donna Fasano An Accidental Family
Barbara Silkstone T he Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland The Adventures of a Love Investigator Aaron Paul Lazar Tremolo: Cry of the Loon Sanctuary Don’t Let the Wind Catch You
Libby Fischer Hellmann Nobody’s Child
James DiBenedetto Waking Dream
Charity Parkerson A Splash of Color Inoperative A Secure Heart
Stacy Juba Sink or Swim
Janet Morris The Sacred Band Wake of the Riddler Seb Kirby Take No More
A select group of authors has joined forces with meto bring you amazing storiesnarrated by great voice actors. Just before the holidays, we invite you to come home with us. Come listen to voice clips from our audiobooks You may win one of them!
Uvi Poznansky A Peek at Bathsheba Rise to Power Apart from Love Home Donna Fasano An Accidental Family
Barbara Silkstone T he Secret Diary of Alice in Wonderland The Adventures of a Love Investigator Aaron Paul Lazar Tremolo: Cry of the Loon Sanctuary Don’t Let the Wind Catch You
Libby Fischer Hellmann Nobody’s Child
James DiBenedetto Waking Dream
Charity Parkerson A Splash of Color Inoperative A Secure Heart
Stacy Juba Sink or Swim
Janet Morris The Sacred Band Wake of the Riddler Seb Kirby Take No More
The commoner who became King!
I am thrilled to find this review, written by Dolores Ayotte, author of A Woman's Voice (and other self-help books) who is a great inspirational writer and one of the best reviewers on Amazon. This is what she said about the audiobook edition of the just-released A Peek at Bathsheba:
FollowDolores AyotteWinnipeg, Manitoba11-18-14OverallPerformanceStory
Which scene was your favorite?One of my favorite scenes is the one when King David tried to manipulate Uriah to sleep with Bathsheba when he already knew she was expecting his child. Uriah refused to go to his wife despite King David's urging. Perhaps, this added to the King's desire to do away with his most loyal soldier.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?The death of King David's and Bathsheba's son...how devastating it was for them both.
Any additional comments?A Peek at Bathsheba (The David Chronicles Book 2) by Author Uvi Poznansky
She's done it again! Author Uvi Poznansky has succeeded in taking a somewhat familiar Bible story and turning it into a present day masterpiece.
"A Peek at Bathsheba" is the second novel in the trilogy series Rise to Power (The David Chronicles Book 1). In the Prologue, Kind David is an old man who has experienced great passion with his numerous wives. However, none compare to his love for Bathsheba. So smitten was he for Bathsheba that he sank so low as to steal her from his most loyal soldier, Uriah. Setting no moral boundaries for his lust, he sends Uriah into harm's way to make sure that he does not return from battle. King David does not only succeed in stealing his wife...he also succeeds in having Uriah slain in the prime of his life. A king capable of such betrayal...
In Ms. Poznansky's portrayal of King David, the reader gets a glimpse of his all-too-human side. His alleged weaknesses hang out like a sore thumb and make it difficult to admire him as King of the House of David who reigns over the tribe of Judea. He has every ambition to influence the other eleven tribes and perhaps rule the nation. Although King David craves a peaceful resolution, his chief general Joav chooses disastrous triumphs" in his effort to accomplish victory in "his ill-advised civil war against the eleven tribes of Israel". With the untimely death of Joav's younger brother Asahel in one such battle, King David is advised to no longer trust Joav in what appears to be his own quest for power. King David himself is already having his own doubts and fears about Joav but now one of his spiritual advisors has confirmed his very thoughts. But soon it appears that Joav is not his only concern...
King David with his many wives, materialistic cravings, and perceived desire for power are only surpassed by his covetous nature in his pursuit of Bathsheba. He is obviously not above adultery and although Bathsheba does little to ward off his advances...how could she possibly refuse a King?
Although Biblical in its origin, in my opinion..."A Peek at Bathsheba" is a finely penned work of fiction whereby Author Uvi Poznansky has expertly used her creative abilities to explore any or all possible facets of the personalities that she is effectively describing. She is a gifted writer and artist capitalizing on what she does best...crafting and honing her skill with the talent that has been given to her. No more....no less. One must take into consideration that in similar artistic works, as an audience we do not all envision the artist's intent nor fully realize exactly what they hope to project. To utilize a common cliché...beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Isn't that what true artistic talent is all about? We, as individuals, have the inherent right to choose to appreciate and value the creative abilities presented by an artist regardless of how others may view any particular piece of work. Individual taste and interpretation is merely the flip side of the same coin in any creative endeavor.
In "A Peek at Bathsheba" as in Rise to Power (The David Chronicles Book 1), the reading audience has once again been expertly drawn into the head of King David in order to get a bird's eye view of how he might have thought...a rare opportunity to assess the possible impetus behind his decision making...and to better know him in the 21st century! What's next in store for King David? I am sure in the third and final book of this trilogy, we are about to find out!
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
FollowDolores AyotteWinnipeg, Manitoba11-18-14OverallPerformanceStory"The commoner who became King!"If you could sum up A Peek at Bathsheba in three words, what would they be?Captivating and memorable!
Which scene was your favorite?One of my favorite scenes is the one when King David tried to manipulate Uriah to sleep with Bathsheba when he already knew she was expecting his child. Uriah refused to go to his wife despite King David's urging. Perhaps, this added to the King's desire to do away with his most loyal soldier.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?The death of King David's and Bathsheba's son...how devastating it was for them both.
Any additional comments?A Peek at Bathsheba (The David Chronicles Book 2) by Author Uvi Poznansky
She's done it again! Author Uvi Poznansky has succeeded in taking a somewhat familiar Bible story and turning it into a present day masterpiece.
"A Peek at Bathsheba" is the second novel in the trilogy series Rise to Power (The David Chronicles Book 1). In the Prologue, Kind David is an old man who has experienced great passion with his numerous wives. However, none compare to his love for Bathsheba. So smitten was he for Bathsheba that he sank so low as to steal her from his most loyal soldier, Uriah. Setting no moral boundaries for his lust, he sends Uriah into harm's way to make sure that he does not return from battle. King David does not only succeed in stealing his wife...he also succeeds in having Uriah slain in the prime of his life. A king capable of such betrayal...
In Ms. Poznansky's portrayal of King David, the reader gets a glimpse of his all-too-human side. His alleged weaknesses hang out like a sore thumb and make it difficult to admire him as King of the House of David who reigns over the tribe of Judea. He has every ambition to influence the other eleven tribes and perhaps rule the nation. Although King David craves a peaceful resolution, his chief general Joav chooses disastrous triumphs" in his effort to accomplish victory in "his ill-advised civil war against the eleven tribes of Israel". With the untimely death of Joav's younger brother Asahel in one such battle, King David is advised to no longer trust Joav in what appears to be his own quest for power. King David himself is already having his own doubts and fears about Joav but now one of his spiritual advisors has confirmed his very thoughts. But soon it appears that Joav is not his only concern...
King David with his many wives, materialistic cravings, and perceived desire for power are only surpassed by his covetous nature in his pursuit of Bathsheba. He is obviously not above adultery and although Bathsheba does little to ward off his advances...how could she possibly refuse a King?
Although Biblical in its origin, in my opinion..."A Peek at Bathsheba" is a finely penned work of fiction whereby Author Uvi Poznansky has expertly used her creative abilities to explore any or all possible facets of the personalities that she is effectively describing. She is a gifted writer and artist capitalizing on what she does best...crafting and honing her skill with the talent that has been given to her. No more....no less. One must take into consideration that in similar artistic works, as an audience we do not all envision the artist's intent nor fully realize exactly what they hope to project. To utilize a common cliché...beauty is indeed in the eye of the beholder. Isn't that what true artistic talent is all about? We, as individuals, have the inherent right to choose to appreciate and value the creative abilities presented by an artist regardless of how others may view any particular piece of work. Individual taste and interpretation is merely the flip side of the same coin in any creative endeavor.
In "A Peek at Bathsheba" as in Rise to Power (The David Chronicles Book 1), the reading audience has once again been expertly drawn into the head of King David in order to get a bird's eye view of how he might have thought...a rare opportunity to assess the possible impetus behind his decision making...and to better know him in the 21st century! What's next in store for King David? I am sure in the third and final book of this trilogy, we are about to find out!
Inspirational Author & Book Reviewer ~ Dolores Ayotte
