Uvi Poznansky's Blog, page 194

Such is the way to create history, when none is available

History is written by the winners. They make sure to remove that version of history that belongs to the losers. David, the young entertainer coming to play his lyre in king Saul’s court, makes this point in Rise to Power:

Hung on the wall is an shiny iron shield. I brush my fingers over the sharp ridges of the engraved inscription, trying to figure it out by touch. It says, The House of Kish. To a naive observer it may seem like an emblem of a highly respected ancestry—but as everyone around the country knows, Saul has no royal blood in his veins. He is the son of Kish, a lowly farmer who owns but a few asses. In his youth Saul used to tend to these stubborn animals. He may long for those carefree days. Even so, word on the street is that he did a lousy job, because the asses got lost more often than not. Everyone hopes and prays that he will do better as a king.The worst part is, his family comes from a tribe of ill-repute. The tribe of Benjamin is known to be nothing but a rowdy mob, notorious for an insatiable appetite for rape and murder, for which it was severely punished. In a fierce civil war, it was nearly wiped out—not so long ago—by the other tribes. For the life of me I cannot figure why the first king of Israel should be picked from the poor, the downtrodden. It is a questionable political decision—but perhaps it is better this way. In the back of his mind Saul should know his humble beginnings. He should feel compassion for his subjects, even though at this point all I sense out of him is rage and jealousy.
He is the son of a simple farmer, which makes this emblem quite pretentious. But who cares? By instinct I get it, I understand his need to display the thing, because this is the way to create history, when none is available. 
Even when the winner’s version of history makes it to the books, it is modified by later generations, adding layers upon layers of interpretation. So when I select old yarn to give it a new twist, I always focus on the human aspect: my biblically-inspired characters are no heroes. They are modern men and women, who at times find the courage to do heroic acts; at times they are besieged by emotions of grief, jealousy, or overwhelming passion; and always, they ponder who they are with the doubts and hesitations that are familiar to all of us. 

Here, for example, is what Yankle--the main character in my book A Favorite Son, inspired by the biblical figure of Jacob--says about who he is. 

I like to think of myself as a modern man. A confused one. One left to his own devices, because of one thing: the silence of God. When Isaac, my father, lay on his deathbed, waiting for me, or rather, for his favorite son to come in, he suspected, somehow, that he was about to be fooled. And yet, God kept silent. Now, all these years later, I wonder about it. God did not help the old man. He gave no warning to him, not one whisper in his ear, not a single clue. Now as then, He is utterly still, and will not alert me when my time comes, when they, my sons, flesh of my flesh, blood of my blood, are ready to face me, to fool their old man.

★ Like reading? Get these books ★Just released! Volume II of the trilogy:
A Peek at Bathsheba
★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

 Volume I of the trilogy: Rise to Power★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

A Peek at Bathsheba

A Favorite Son★ Audio★ Ebook ★ Print ★

Twisted★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

A Fantastic Twist on a Familiar Biblical Tale

James DiBenedetto is the author of the Dream series, where he explores hs 'what if you can see someone else's dreams'  theme. I am thrilled to find his review for the audiobook edition of my novel, Rise to Power:
FollowJames D.Arlington, VA USA07-31-14OverallPerformanceStory
"A Fantastic Twist on a Familiar Biblical Tale"
What made the experience of listening to Rise to Power the most enjoyable?Hearing Uvi's gorgeous prose read, with great depth and feeling by the narrator, David George
What was one of the most memorable moments of Rise to Power?David's introduction to King Saul, and his desperation to carve our a place for himself. It's very compelling.
What does David George bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?He brings life and depth to the characters. It IS there on the page, but hearing it, with the emotions brought out, lends a whole new dimension to the story.
Who was the most memorable character of Rise to Power and why?David himself. Seeing a completely different side to him from the David we know in the Bible was fascinating - but also completely believable.
Any additional comments?This is my original review of the story:

Uvi Posnznsky's "Rise To Power" follows in the style of previous stories (her tale of Job's wife in "Twisted" and her retelling of the story of Jacob and Esau in "A Favorite Son"), taking a well-known Biblical tale and examining it through a modern lens. And like those previous stories, she has created a compelling book that can't be put down.

"Rise to Power" chronicles exactly that: David's rise from obscurity to the throne of Israel. All the elements of the Biblical story are here, and the beautiful psalms and songs of David, but the author gives us a look behind them to the human beings who lived and struggled to create them. It's a fascinating approach, and it makes a distant age more accessible to modern readers.

Like her other works, the use of language in "Rise to Power" is simply beautiful - the author's artistic training shows through in the way she carefully uses words to paint images and draw forth emotion. It's simply a pleasure to read Uvi Poznansky's prose.

I'd highly recommend this book, and I'm looking forward to the next book - "A Peek at Bathsheba".

History as a base with a modern flair

Renee Giraldy is a prolific, avid reader, and she posts her reviews on her blog. I am thrilled to find what she wrote about my novel, Rise to Power:

5.0 out of 5 stars history as a base with a modern flair PLEASE read this, August 1, 2014By Reading Renee "Reading Renee" (Southern California) - See all my reviewsVerified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: Rise to Power (The David Chronicles Book 1) (Kindle Edition) Uvi Poznansky gets five big stars from me. I will do my best to explain and try to do justice to this marvelous book. You know David, the Biblical King David? Well if you dont you have to read this. Uvi's book reads like a piece of art. I think it is like taking the history that was written about David and creating a story resembling "A Real Hollywood Story" or "This is Your Life"

David explains his life and the creation of the legend that is David. So there are reveals, confessions and decisions leading to David himself just trying to survive.

Most people dont know David as young person formulating a plot and creating his ambitious life. David was not only a poet and writer but he was a musician.

, this time for her marvelous portrayal of the Biblical King David. Her David, although fictional, is not the perfect figure sculpted by Michelangelo. Nor is he strictly the David of the Bible. With his human failings, the David she has created is a bit of a departure from the legend.

I would say the book is also a modern tale. The way it is written in terminology that doesnt need a dictionary or interpreter. The author also adds to the story how women just adored David. He was pursued by many. In this time, David, had many wives as was the lifestyle.

As far as David’s alleged affairs, I was wondering how he kept up. He had twenty children with as many as weight wives. Shocking to me, by the way.

If you love history as a base with a modern flair PLEASE read this. I found it an excellent impression of all the is David. I’m really looking forward to the sequel.

A Must Read!

A short and sweet review of A Favorite Son:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read!, July 30, 2014By Patricia Douthat - See all my reviewsVerified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: A Favorite Son (Kindle Edition) Uvi's books never cease to amaze me. This was a wonderful, modern twist of the biblical story of Jacob and his mother Rebecca from the bible. The rivalry between Yankle and his brother is engaging. Its a great lesson to be learned from this book about deceit. Uvi is an amazing author, this well written and I highly recommend it.

T'was a hot summer evening, Anita laid eyes on Ben

T'was a hot summer evening, Anita laid eyes on Ben   But summer's gone now, and so is their kiss   The only witnesses left are my paper and pen   Let me tell you what happened, from conflicts to bliss      T'was a hot summer. And now, touch my hand   Let me give you my book. Here, turn a page   Apart From Love is hard to withstand   Here are Ben and Anita... Let them take stage   

★ Love reading? Get this book ★Apart From Love★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★ "A feast for the armchair psychologist. Reveals insights that can touch and frighten each of us"

Soul-Touching

Clarissa Simmens says, "I am so grateful that my poetry is able to be published and stored in the modern version of what author Carlos R. Zafon has called The Cemetery of Forgotten Books." She is the author of seveal books, and I am thrilled that this is what she said about my poetry book, Home:
FollowClarissa SimmensFL United States07-31-14OverallPerformanceStory

"Soul-Touching"

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys poetry, family relationships and the universal emotions echoing in my heart, this luminous combination of autobiography and dialog between a man who has died and his surviving daughter?
Who was your favorite character and why?Both the strengths and fraility of the mother and the father were portrayed excellently.
Have you listened to any of Kathy Bell Denton’s other performances before? How does this one compare?I have not heard any of her other performances, but I was mesmerized by her voice and the power of the performance.
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?The yearning many of us share by using the magical metaphor of “life rewinded,” reflecting the theme in her father’s poetry.
Any additional comments?The combination of both the powerful poetry and performance has made this a book worth listening to many times.

A Very Different Look at King David

James DiBenedetto is the author of Dream Student (and other books in this series.) I am honored that he posted this review for my novel, Rise to Power:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Very Different Look at King David, July 29, 2014By James D. "starkllr" (Arlington, VA USA) - See all my reviewsVerified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: Rise to Power: The David Chronicles, Volume 1 (Audible Audio Edition) Uvi Posnznsky's "Rise To Power" follows in the style of previous stories (her tale of Job's wife in "Twisted" and her retelling of the story of Jacob and Esau in "A Favorite Son"), taking a well-known Biblical tale and examining it through a modern lens. And like those previous stories, she has created a compelling book that can't be put down.

"Rise to Power" chronicles exactly that: David's rise from obscurity to the throne of Israel. All the elements of the Biblical story are here, and the beautiful psalms and songs of David, but the author gives us a look behind them to the human beings who lived and struggled to create them. It's a fascinating approach, and it makes a distant age more accessible to modern readers.

Like her other works, the use of language in "Rise to Power" is simply beautiful - the author's artistic training shows through in the way she carefully uses words to paint images and draw forth emotion. It's simply a pleasure to read Uvi Poznansky's prose.

I'd highly recommend this book, and I'm looking forward to the next book - "A Peek at Bathsheba".

The eyes of an artist, and the words of a poet

Mary Firmin operated an Arthur Murray Dance Studio, worked in Real Estate Sales, and sailed up and down the California Coastline for years. is It is from all of these experiences she forged her characters in her book, Deadly Pleasures. I am thrilled to find her review of Rise to Power:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Powerful Biblical Story!!!, July 22, 2014By Mary Firmin (Rancho Mirage, Ca.) - See all my reviewsVerified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: Rise to Power (The David Chronicles Book 1) (Kindle Edition)
Rise to Power is the biblical story of David and Goliath seen through the eyes of the young David. Ms. Poznansky views the world of David with the eyes of an artist, and describes what she sees with the words of a poet. David, a shepherd boy and young musician, makes his way to the Court of King Saul. What follows is a world of court intrigue where the powers that be struggle for even more influence. He becomes the favorite musician to the King and lives a privileged life. But then David finds himself on the Battlefield, in the Valley of Elah, confronted by the Giant Goliath, wearing full battle dress. With only his lyre and no weapons to defend himself, David fashions a slingshot out of a string from the lyre. He picks up a small pebble from the ground -- and kills the Giant with one shot to the head! The story then takes us through the young David’s years of fame for this incredible feat, and moves us through the time he spends at the Court of King Saul where he even marries one of the young Princesses. When the King finally turns against him, David takes up the sword. He creates an army of his own and bides his time until he can take the throne from King Saul. During this time he does his fair share of womanizing and takes two wives. I found this story extremely well written in the first person, from David’s point of view, it gives us a full and vivid picture of the times and the difficulties of simply surviving. I highly recommend this book to history buffs, biblical scholars and anyone who simply enjoys a good read. My compliments to the author for creating a David who is a real person with all the failings and foibles of a human being, and for helping us to see, through his eyes, the violence and terror in those Biblical times.

A Peek at Bathsheba: Written by a Talented & Gifted Storyteller

Thomas Jerome Baker has written books in the following genres: romance, historical fiction, autobiographical, sports history/biography, and English Language Teaching. I am thrilled to find his review of my novel, A Peek at Bathsheba:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Peek at Bathsheba: Written by a Talented & Gifted Storyteller, July 26, 2014By Thomas Baker "Thomas is the Past-President of... (Santiago, Chile) - See all my reviewsVerified Purchase(What's this?)This review is from: A Peek at Bathsheba (The David Chronicles Book 2) (Kindle Edition) Henry Fielding wisely wrote, "every book ought to be read with the same spirit and in the same manner as it is written." In "A Peek at Bathsheba" by Uvi Poznansky, it would be well to heed Fielding's words of wisdom. This book is inspired by the Bible. Nonetheless, it is most important for readers to hold uppermost in our minds one inescapable fact: This is not the Bible. Then how ought this book be best read?

Since it is not the Bible, we have two ways of reading. One, we can read this book as if it were the Bible, and vilify the book's author for any deviations or misinterpretations that contradict the Bible. Two, we can suspend disbelief and immerse ourselves in the richness of the story itself, and allow the author the creative license to be that which she is, namely, an exquisitely talented and gifted storyteller. I chose this latter way of reading.

I found this book to be enormously satisfying. Uvi Poznansky has taken an existing story, familiar to anyone who has read the Bible, and entertained me, captured my attention, my imagination, my admiration even. I indeed see this story from a new viewpoint. I have the freedom to ask, "What if?" More importantly, I am engaged, personally invested enough, to ask of myself, "What would I have done?" At that point, the author has fulfilled all of her authorial obligations when she achieves that I enter into the story she has constructed, losing all sense of time and place and self. This is precisely why I read, to enjoy such ethereal experiences. I recommend this book highly to any reader who is capable of suspending disbelief. You will surely enjoy this well written, exquisite story.

By the time she arrives, there are tears in her eyes

A year ago, the chief architect for my palace became overly inventive, which is something I welcome. He suggested to embellish the look of my tower by adding an external staircase, with each stair projecting outward from the wall—which would be seen by everyone, from every hill surrounding the city, no matter how far. At the time I thought it was a good idea, because that would leave the internal staircase as a private approach to my chamber, to be used by me alone. I approved his plan, because as a poet I enjoy solitude, and as a politician I need to relieve myself—on occasion—from the pressure of dealing with the crowds. Once constructed, I found it offered one more advantage, which I had not foreseen before. The staircase put those who climbed up to my office on public display. It helped make them know their place once they got here. For the most part, this works in my favor. Since many of those who come happen to be of the opposite sex, my interest in them becomes truly notorious, whether I deserve it or not. For a king, this is not a bad thing. Depending upon whom you ask about it, my virility is hated, envied, or else, much revered.So now when Bathsheba, my new bride, comes to me from the women’s quarters, she does it the same way as the rest of my wives. Bending over the sill of my chamber window I spot her clambering up, slowly and heavily, around the tower. She stops for a minute to wipe her brow, because the heat of this summer is more intense than usual. Short of breath, she holds one hand on the iron railing, and the other around her belly. On her, the climb takes its toll. Bathsheba lowers her eyes and gives a shy, hesitant nod to one concubine after another, as they are coming down, measuring her top to bottom, and flinging their skirts about, with a happy whistle on their lips. That uneasy scramble to the top has the questionable effect of humbling her. By the time she arrives, there are tears in her eyes.
David in A Peek at Bathsheba

This painting of Bathsheba is one of the frescos based on the life of king David painted by Salviati at the Palazzo Sacchetti in Rome. Salviati moves this story forward to the time she has come to the palace to see David. This inspired me to write of the reality Bathsheba must face once she comes to the palace, as one of many wives and concubines.

Salviati, Bathsheba goes to king David (fresco)
Just released! Volume II of the trilogy:
A Peek at Bathsheba
★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

 Volume I of the trilogy: Rise to Power★ Audio ★ Ebook ★ Print ★

"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!"