What do you think?
Rate this book
The Eleventh Brother: A Novel of Joseph in Egypt
When Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, is sold into bondage by his brothers, Egypt is a land in turmoil—its fortune determined by the unpredictable rains that either bring prosperity or leave the people in famine and starvation. But Joseph is no common slave. Imprisoned and forgotten by all but God, he interprets a dream that reveals the future and alters his destiny. Now with his privileged Egyptian-born wife, Asenath, at his side, Joseph's transformation from the boy in the pit to the ruler of Egypt is nearly complete. But position and power cannot erase the bitterness he holds deep inside. When he suddenly comes face to face with the family that betrayed him, Joseph devises a plot to test his brothers' true character. Yet even revenge may not fill the aching hole in Joseph's heart, and the influence of a beautiful woman may be his only hope for redemption.
352 pages, Paperback
First published February 2, 2015
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
May 12, 2015
First thing I need to mentions is that for some reason I LOVE these types of books where there's well known bible/Book of Mormon stories written by different authors and see their perspective and research and make it fun and exciting. When some people would complain whether they're of different faiths, I see a scripture story as THEY see it not me because these stories speak differently or each and every one of us. Same when artists of different faiths depict Bible stories in their paintings.....do we criticize them for their artwork when it may be different from our perspective? no....we see work, beauty, color, and a story brought to life through the artist's eyes. So why can't it be the same when people write these scripture stories whether from the Bible or Book of Mormon stories into historical fiction?
I of course still look or writing and execution and "character" development with these and if I can relate and I've had many successes with different authors perspectives and loved/really liked them. For example:
two of some of my favorite Book of Mormon and Bible stories are Joseph in Egypt (hence this book "The Eleventh Brother") and another called Abinadi (pronounced A (as in appartment)- BIN - A *same sound*- DYE) and Nephi (also pronounced KNEE-FI). I know weird names haha. BUT I have read fiction books on these two stories and seriously loved them and the way these two amazing men were brought out and their stories I grew up with and just felt for them so much!
So you'd THINK I'd LOOOOVE this Eleventh Brother book right? I did too and even though my library did end up getting it, I was sooooo freaking excited I ended up buying it and like I said, I LOVE these kinds of books but I came out a little disappointed to be honest here..... this book somehow didn't do it for me to tell you the truth. I enjoyed it don't get me wrong, but towards the end it got "boring" and "old" with too many flashbacks at random instead of starting from beginning and going to the end.
Those who know the story of Joseph (and the movie And the Technicolor Dreamcoat ;)) knows that
Joseph had to have had TREMENDOUS and serious faith to go through what he did (although I'm sure deep in his heart he was questioning a lot, I know I would, but outward he held his own and was a good example on handling trials with faith and trust in God). he seemed in this one to have lost that faith but ended up...I don't want to say but "worship" the Egyptian gods.......but I don't know, I can't find the right words to describe it. Almost like he didn't have the faith in this story and I just didn't like the style of the writing, or the execution, and she seemed to see it "opposite" with the worshipping part in a way to me personally and just got weird.
but anyways, the most annoying thing to me in this book was when Joseph would have random flashbacks and then later lead/jumped up to when his brothers were being taken into his home after planting the cup in Benjamin's food sack to test them as we know so well right?
Yeah, basically to me, it just seemed like she dragged the story on for a bit with him and flashbacks etc and then once his brothers showed up, she started to do some serious cramming all one big HUGE RANDOM flashback with Joseph interpreting the dreams of the Pharaoh, marrying his wife and having two sons....it was just annoying with the random flashbacks. What she SHOULD have done was have a prologue, started out from the beginning and lead up to where he prologue started instead of random flashbacks that threw me off half the time and had to start over once I'd figure out what it was. It just didn't cut it for me like most of these books do and I may sound harsh but that's the truth of how I felt with one of my favorite bible stories out of so many other favorites.
I'm one who's a little too nice sometimes (when I want to be haha) when I don't like a book as much as I thought I would but this one I'm sorry but have to be blunt. Just wasn't all that great. again it was good but it's worth 2 stars to me but I'm going to give this 2 1/2 stars for effort at least. not what I really expected and not my favorite book.
I of course still look or writing and execution and "character" development with these and if I can relate and I've had many successes with different authors perspectives and loved/really liked them. For example:
two of some of my favorite Book of Mormon and Bible stories are Joseph in Egypt (hence this book "The Eleventh Brother") and another called Abinadi (pronounced A (as in appartment)- BIN - A *same sound*- DYE) and Nephi (also pronounced KNEE-FI). I know weird names haha. BUT I have read fiction books on these two stories and seriously loved them and the way these two amazing men were brought out and their stories I grew up with and just felt for them so much!
So you'd THINK I'd LOOOOVE this Eleventh Brother book right? I did too and even though my library did end up getting it, I was sooooo freaking excited I ended up buying it and like I said, I LOVE these kinds of books but I came out a little disappointed to be honest here..... this book somehow didn't do it for me to tell you the truth. I enjoyed it don't get me wrong, but towards the end it got "boring" and "old" with too many flashbacks at random instead of starting from beginning and going to the end.
Those who know the story of Joseph (and the movie And the Technicolor Dreamcoat ;)) knows that
Joseph had to have had TREMENDOUS and serious faith to go through what he did (although I'm sure deep in his heart he was questioning a lot, I know I would, but outward he held his own and was a good example on handling trials with faith and trust in God). he seemed in this one to have lost that faith but ended up...I don't want to say but "worship" the Egyptian gods.......but I don't know, I can't find the right words to describe it. Almost like he didn't have the faith in this story and I just didn't like the style of the writing, or the execution, and she seemed to see it "opposite" with the worshipping part in a way to me personally and just got weird.
but anyways, the most annoying thing to me in this book was when Joseph would have random flashbacks and then later lead/jumped up to when his brothers were being taken into his home after planting the cup in Benjamin's food sack to test them as we know so well right?
Yeah, basically to me, it just seemed like she dragged the story on for a bit with him and flashbacks etc and then once his brothers showed up, she started to do some serious cramming all one big HUGE RANDOM flashback with Joseph interpreting the dreams of the Pharaoh, marrying his wife and having two sons....it was just annoying with the random flashbacks. What she SHOULD have done was have a prologue, started out from the beginning and lead up to where he prologue started instead of random flashbacks that threw me off half the time and had to start over once I'd figure out what it was. It just didn't cut it for me like most of these books do and I may sound harsh but that's the truth of how I felt with one of my favorite bible stories out of so many other favorites.
I'm one who's a little too nice sometimes (when I want to be haha) when I don't like a book as much as I thought I would but this one I'm sorry but have to be blunt. Just wasn't all that great. again it was good but it's worth 2 stars to me but I'm going to give this 2 1/2 stars for effort at least. not what I really expected and not my favorite book.
February 28, 2015
Almost had 3 stars...I like the overall concept and the way the author had you visualizing everything. It gave you a better idea of Joseph's history growing up and whatnot. There were a lot of flashbacks. I mean a lot of flashbacks. I liked it at first, but by the end I was sick of it and just wanted to finish one storyline at a time. Not switch between them every other paragraph.
Also, I've always been under the impression that Joseph had more faith in the gospel and the things his father taught him. I get the author's idea that Joseph was away from home for so long that he could question the things he was taught, but I feel like he didn't really know anything and believed more in the Egyptian gods. So yes there's the story of Joseph rediscovering his faith, but it just didn't feel right.
Then there is the whole "Potiphar's wife" bit and once again the author has an interesting way of telling the story and it's totally believable that she could have truly been a nice girl in a vulnerable state that made her make a move on Joseph, but she was Potiphar's wife!!! Joseph was supposed to run away from temptation! In real life...he did! There were so many moments in the book though where Joseph welcomed her company and they would have all these private little moments together and he's touching her arms...only after she's made a move (twice) and is now making out with you do you suddenly realize you should probably get out of there....false! Joseph ran from temptation! That part of the book really got under my skin.
Then the book wraps up extremely quick. All this build up for nothing.
Also, I've always been under the impression that Joseph had more faith in the gospel and the things his father taught him. I get the author's idea that Joseph was away from home for so long that he could question the things he was taught, but I feel like he didn't really know anything and believed more in the Egyptian gods. So yes there's the story of Joseph rediscovering his faith, but it just didn't feel right.
Then there is the whole "Potiphar's wife" bit and once again the author has an interesting way of telling the story and it's totally believable that she could have truly been a nice girl in a vulnerable state that made her make a move on Joseph, but she was Potiphar's wife!!! Joseph was supposed to run away from temptation! In real life...he did! There were so many moments in the book though where Joseph welcomed her company and they would have all these private little moments together and he's touching her arms...only after she's made a move (twice) and is now making out with you do you suddenly realize you should probably get out of there....false! Joseph ran from temptation! That part of the book really got under my skin.
Then the book wraps up extremely quick. All this build up for nothing.
March 4, 2015
I loved this book!! It didn't matter at all that I already knew the plot and how it would end. Most of it is told in flashback so Joseph meets up with his brothers fairly early on and it takes a while to get to the amazing ending, which brought tears to my eyes. This is a well written and well researched novel and I read most of it in one day.
The portrayal of Potiphar and his wife was interesting to me. She's always portrayed as an evil, over-the-top character and here she was his friend. It made what she did even more sad, though. This storyline was one of the most intriguing to me.
We also learn more about Judah and what happened to him after the brothers left Joseph in the wilderness. His life wasn't easy. He was more careful in his protection of Benjamin because of what he'd learned through the experience with Joseph and was determined not to repeat it.
There's a great "Note to the Reader" at the end where the author shares some of her research and I found that quite interesting. This is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or the story of Joseph!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
The portrayal of Potiphar and his wife was interesting to me. She's always portrayed as an evil, over-the-top character and here she was his friend. It made what she did even more sad, though. This storyline was one of the most intriguing to me.
We also learn more about Judah and what happened to him after the brothers left Joseph in the wilderness. His life wasn't easy. He was more careful in his protection of Benjamin because of what he'd learned through the experience with Joseph and was determined not to repeat it.
There's a great "Note to the Reader" at the end where the author shares some of her research and I found that quite interesting. This is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys historical fiction and/or the story of Joseph!
I received a copy of this book to review. My opinion is 100% my own.
Mel's Shelves
December 7, 2018
This is a fictionalized story of Joseph in Egypt. It begins at the time the brothers are casting him in the pit. Joseph's earlier story is told in flashbacks from Egypt. A lot of what the author adds to the story is believable, Egyptian names and titles that Joseph is given, relationships with Potiphar and his wife. The author shows them as very close and dramatizes her accusation to be such a huge betrayal to both of them, suggesting Potiphar knew his wife was deceiving him, but Joseph wouldn't testify against her. Potiphar names a son after Joseph's Egyptian name and that son assists Joseph when he become Pharoah's second. Potiphar also has the Book of Breathings which contains Abraham's writings while in Egypt. Potiphar is impressed that Joseph can read the texts and that he is Abraham's great, great grandson. That's why Joseph is promoted within his household. The emotions of Joseph as his brothers come to purchase Egyptian grain are interesting. Joseph's goal seems to exclusively be securing Benjamin's future, keep him from suffering his same fate as the "new" favored son of Jacob. Interesting ideas of the story "not told" in scripture, but I would have liked Joseph feeling and speaking with more spiritual influences than is portrayed.
February 7, 2015
This novel really helped flesh out the story of Joseph in Egypt and made me look at Joseph and his brothers in a new way. It was very well written and the historical details the author gives helped the story come alive in a way it never has for me.
I loved the author's use of flashbacks. They helped me see how Joseph grew through each of the experiences he had. We watched him struggle with being chosen Jacob's heir and the rift caused between he and his brothers because of it; then we watched him struggle with his new life in Egypt and his experience with Potiphar's wife. We watched him struggle again while he was left alone in prison and then, as vizier when he saw his brothers again and he had to choose whether or not to forgive them. He came to understand the importance of sacrifice and to accept that there was a purpose to his trials. He also learned the importance of forgiveness and being able to let go of the past.
I also loved that the author showed us the struggles Judah went through after what he had done to Joseph. I'm sure their other brothers went through similar experiences and it helped me look at them in a different light.
For anyone wanting to learn more about the story of Joseph in Egypt and also about the culture and religion of the time, I would highly recommend this book.
I loved the author's use of flashbacks. They helped me see how Joseph grew through each of the experiences he had. We watched him struggle with being chosen Jacob's heir and the rift caused between he and his brothers because of it; then we watched him struggle with his new life in Egypt and his experience with Potiphar's wife. We watched him struggle again while he was left alone in prison and then, as vizier when he saw his brothers again and he had to choose whether or not to forgive them. He came to understand the importance of sacrifice and to accept that there was a purpose to his trials. He also learned the importance of forgiveness and being able to let go of the past.
I also loved that the author showed us the struggles Judah went through after what he had done to Joseph. I'm sure their other brothers went through similar experiences and it helped me look at them in a different light.
For anyone wanting to learn more about the story of Joseph in Egypt and also about the culture and religion of the time, I would highly recommend this book.
January 16, 2015
Oh how we LOVE the story of Joseph...
The beloved eleventh son of Jacob. Given a beautiful coat that was shredded and stained with blood. The one hated, betrayed, and sold by his brothers.
The boy who finds himself a slave in a foreign land. Joseph, who runs from Potiphar's wife and is thrown into prison. But who's dreams bring him into a place of honor and power.
And now a man who has an "Egyptian-born wife, Asenath, at his side." A ruler that is governing the barren land and giving food to those in need.
And now the story comes full circle as his brothers come to ask for life-giving sustenance. Did not Joseph dream that this would happen also?
But the family has thought he was dead.
Now this man is accusing them of being spies and thieves.
Can Joseph discover "his brothers' true character?"
Added details brings this story alive and will keep you reading until the very end.
So beautifully told!
Relive this Biblical tale.
The beloved eleventh son of Jacob. Given a beautiful coat that was shredded and stained with blood. The one hated, betrayed, and sold by his brothers.
The boy who finds himself a slave in a foreign land. Joseph, who runs from Potiphar's wife and is thrown into prison. But who's dreams bring him into a place of honor and power.
And now a man who has an "Egyptian-born wife, Asenath, at his side." A ruler that is governing the barren land and giving food to those in need.
And now the story comes full circle as his brothers come to ask for life-giving sustenance. Did not Joseph dream that this would happen also?
But the family has thought he was dead.
Now this man is accusing them of being spies and thieves.
Can Joseph discover "his brothers' true character?"
Added details brings this story alive and will keep you reading until the very end.
So beautifully told!
Relive this Biblical tale.
January 27, 2015
I do not give out five stars willy nilly. I would recommend this one to everyone!! This book introduced me to Joseph of Egypt as a real man, torn with anger and betrayal at the hands of his brothers who sold him into slavery because of jealousy. The reader lives his incredible life through the author's poetic prose and truly impressive knowledge of the period. The strong portrayal of women in the Bible was a refreshing and often overlooked aspect of the story. Clearly the author has lived a life full of adventure, heartache, and triumph to illustrate the good and the bad, and capacity to forgive in human nature so beautifully. I couldn't put this one down! This is another triumph Rachel Wilcox!!
May 15, 2015
I liked this retelling of Joseph in Egypt well enough. I liked that Potiphar was Joseph's friend, and even though he sent him to jail, he was still his friend. I didn't like how friendly Joseph was with Potiphar's wife though. That didn't match up with the biblical account at all - he was supposed to run from her. The biggest thing I had issue with, was the Egyptian mythology/religion playing such a big role for Joseph. And it was just plain confusing. I was very lost when the Egyptian stories were being related. I think his own upbringing and religion should have played a bigger role.
The story itself, I felt flowed well, even with the many flashbacks.
The story itself, I felt flowed well, even with the many flashbacks.
February 17, 2015
I have always loved the story from the Bible about Joseph of Egypt. I have to admit I didn't think I would like this book-fictional books about the scriptures are sometimes not portrayed in the way that I had envisioned them to be. This debut of Rachel Wilcox was well written and researched and I loved it.
February 9, 2023
A really insightful read. I appreciated the inclusion of all the Egyptian culture, and gave some framework for how Joseph connected with as Asenath and what his life might have looked like. I also appreciated the juxtaposition of the book of breathings from the Egyptian culture about resurrection and the Hebrew belief of resurrection and redemption. So many great cultural references, the author did a great job bringing it together. I also appreciated the nuance of Judah‘s relationship with Joseph, and how that eventually played out in Jesus suffering for all of the tribes of Israel. Some pretty powerful parallels there. This was a great read. Interesting to think of Asenath as connected with Potiphar. Obviously, just fictional from the book, but some good reasons why that might be the case. And the link of Potiphar with the god Ra and sacrifice at Potiphar hill which Abraham references in the Pearl of great price as the place of his fathers. I’d like to get into more of this history and it might be reading some Nibley stuff, not sure.
December 26, 2018
Joseph, the eleventh son of Jacob, is betrayed by his brothers and sold into bondage. Egypt is a land on the edge of turmoil, its fortune is determined by the annual floods that could bring either increased prosperity or famine and starvation.
But Joseph is no common salve. Imprisoned and forgotten by all but God, he interprets a dream that changes everything and sets the stage of revenge or redemption.
Tracing his life from boy in the pit to ruler in Egypt, this powerful novel by Rachel K, Wilcox weaves Joseph's story of identity, loyalty, and forgiveness against the colorful backdrop of life in a world of patriarchs and pharaohs, ambition and jealousy, intrigue and deception.
But Joseph is no common salve. Imprisoned and forgotten by all but God, he interprets a dream that changes everything and sets the stage of revenge or redemption.
Tracing his life from boy in the pit to ruler in Egypt, this powerful novel by Rachel K, Wilcox weaves Joseph's story of identity, loyalty, and forgiveness against the colorful backdrop of life in a world of patriarchs and pharaohs, ambition and jealousy, intrigue and deception.
August 29, 2017
Wow! I did not expect this to be such a good read. Rachel Wilcox did a masterful job telling the story of Joseph and his brothers as well as much of the story of Abraham. She has obviously been spending a lot of time thinking about the connections between them and the purpose of sacrifice in our lives. She has left me with a lot to think about.
July 11, 2018
I really liked how the scenes changed back and forth from chapter to chapter, of Joseph in current time and Joseph from how he left home and got to where he is. Well written to accomplish this. Great non-fiction history with an intriguing and fictional twist.
August 26, 2019
A combination of Canaan and Egypt, both secular and religious, this book about Joseph the eleventh son of Jacob, provides insight into a potential parallel between Joseph and Abraham. Without this parallelism the book would have been rated down one star.
February 15, 2022
I liked how the characters in the classic Bible story of Joseph were brought to life, but the flashbacks to different time periods in his life were confusing along with the lack of explanation about the names Joseph went by.
March 8, 2026
Beautifully written with much insight. It brought a lot more understanding than just reading the account in the Bible. Joseph had much integrity and love of the Lord. Due to certain circumstances, I missed reading the middle part of the story but enjoyed what I did read!
February 22, 2018
Was confusing going back and forth in time.
September 25, 2018
Simply written, but I LOVE this book for the different perspective it provides on the classic bible story of Joseph in Egypt.
August 20, 2020
Well written and researched. An ageless story that no matter how many times it is retold, new depth and insights can come to fruition.
March 30, 2021
Rachel Wilcox really did her research and wove it into a remarkable account of Joseph who was sold into Egypt.
March 8, 2017
Great book! I loved reading this version of the story of Joseph of Egypt. It was funny and sad and I would definitely recommend it, especially if you like fictionalized retellings of historical events.
February 10, 2015
Reviewed for www.compassbookratings.com
Overall Review:
The Eleventh Brother is compelling religious fiction. First time novelist Rachel K. Wilcox takes the well-known biblical story of Joseph in Egypt and retells it with authenticity and stirring emotion. Well-researched, the tale focuses on Joseph meeting his brothers in Egypt years after they sold him into slavery. Several flashbacks of Joseph's early life are included, as well as beliefs, customs and culture from Egypt during the time period. Wilcox does a remarkable job of humanizing the story, giving voice to Joseph's wife and other members of his family who traditionally aren't part of the story. A few fictional characters are also added to the tale. Each chapter in the book is thoughtfully marked with scripture references and the informative "Note to the Reader" will help separate fact from fiction. The Eleventh Brother is a fantastic read and a good book recommendation for friends and family.
For full content analysis, go to www.compassbookratings.com
Overall Review:
The Eleventh Brother is compelling religious fiction. First time novelist Rachel K. Wilcox takes the well-known biblical story of Joseph in Egypt and retells it with authenticity and stirring emotion. Well-researched, the tale focuses on Joseph meeting his brothers in Egypt years after they sold him into slavery. Several flashbacks of Joseph's early life are included, as well as beliefs, customs and culture from Egypt during the time period. Wilcox does a remarkable job of humanizing the story, giving voice to Joseph's wife and other members of his family who traditionally aren't part of the story. A few fictional characters are also added to the tale. Each chapter in the book is thoughtfully marked with scripture references and the informative "Note to the Reader" will help separate fact from fiction. The Eleventh Brother is a fantastic read and a good book recommendation for friends and family.
For full content analysis, go to www.compassbookratings.com
April 29, 2015
This is a really good book. The story is familiar but the author's non-linear narrative gives it a fresh perspective. As other reviewers have commented, the research was phenomenal. Long-time scholars of the Bible will not be disappointed and might even learn something new about ancient Egyptian life. LDS readers will appreciate the Pearl of Great Price references and symbolism. If it's been awhile since you've read the story in Genesis, this book will have you running for your Bible.
The Descendants of Jacob, with all the brothers numbered in order of their birth, and the scriptural references included at the beginning of each chapter, are especially helpful. There is also a Note to the Reader at the very end where the author explains how she wove her historical fact with the fiction.
Appropriate for all ages and an excellent companion to the traditional Bible story. Read this book and pass it on.
The Descendants of Jacob, with all the brothers numbered in order of their birth, and the scriptural references included at the beginning of each chapter, are especially helpful. There is also a Note to the Reader at the very end where the author explains how she wove her historical fact with the fiction.
Appropriate for all ages and an excellent companion to the traditional Bible story. Read this book and pass it on.
February 27, 2015
This is a historical fiction story, based on the story of Joseph from the Old Testament. The author has done a phenomenal job with the research she put into this novel. I enjoyed seeing a more in depth look at the emotions that Joseph and his brothers felt when he was sold in Egypt, as well as other events that occurred throughout the story. However, I did find myself humming the songs from the musical in my head occasionally. :)
April 11, 2015
It takes a lot of talent to be able to tell such a well-known and well-loved story as Joseph's in a way that is fresh and engaging, but that's just what this book is. Wilcox skillfully interweaves all the different parts of the story into a compelling whole in which Joseph, his brothers, Potiphar and his wife all come alive as real, flawed, and sympathetic characters. I can highly recommend this fantastic book.
April 19, 2016
It was ok. I didnt like the present & past back and forth. I would have preferred chronological order. The flashbacks got old. really fast. I ended up skipping most of the past parts, or Joseph's younger years, because I would get bored. It had a slow beginning. I didnt care for Joseph at times because he seemed lacking in faith. The story overall didnt have a strong faith feeling which I didnt like. I liked the characters of Joseph's wife, Asenath, and his servant, Amon, best.
March 15, 2015
This book was good. But it could have been better. Wilcox needs more depth in her writing. That being said, this was a great first book.
Formal review for the Deseret News can be found here: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86...
Formal review for the Deseret News can be found here: http://www.deseretnews.com/article/86...
April 8, 2015
The story of Joseph in Egypt is my favorite story in the Old Testament. So I was excited to read this book. This book is well researched, especially the aspects of Egypt. The author did a good job fleshing out the characters, especially Judah. My only gripe is the way Joseph is portrayed in the book doesn't ring true with the biblical account.
July 7, 2015
I'm not sure if I liked or disliked this book. It was not at all like I expected. I have always imagined Joseph and his family way differently. I had a hard time with how they were portrayed. One thing about this book is that it did make me think a little. I was able to see things from a different perspective.
February 25, 2015
The disjointed style made this very difficult for me to follow. The main character even had 4 different names or titles which made it even more confusing, especially since I listened to the audio book. I think I would have liked it if it had been presented in a linear fashion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews