April Main Group Read - Michal (Wives of King David #1)

[N.M.]

I usually enjoy Biblical fiction, especially OT fiction because of my archaeology background...and the story was interesting. I couldn't stand the writing style, though. Through the entire book, it sounded too much like an evangelical christian writing the book, which normally wouldn't be bad...but this is an OT book. I found it extremely hard to get into the mindset of the time period. I also knew it was going to be a rough read at the first sentence, when it talks about a pot shard...they're called pot sherds. Sherd of ceramic, shard of glass. It's a small detail, and doesn't have anything to do with God, but it says a lot about the research and the author.

I'm also all for artistic license, but there were times I felt the author was going a bit too far over, but then other times she was much too conservative. I agree with sticking to the Bible, but exact dialogue was used in some cases, which was absolutely not suited for this type of book.

For the most part, I think the characters were done alright, especially Saul. He needed to be shown as flawed, and away from God. But once again, it was a bit pathetic reading about him. It was the same thing over, and over again.

I think the author missed out on some major things which really would have brought the book and time period to life. There was little mention of any Jewish traditions/feasts other than three (that I remember counting). All of their prayers and connections with God were experiences we would have now as Christians.

[NancyInWI]

Nichole wrote: "I usually enjoy Biblical fiction, especially OT fiction because of my archaeology background...and the story was interesting. I couldn't stand the writing style, though. Through the entire book, it..."

I felt much like you did Nichole...there could have been much more detail about the lives and the times of the people. We really didn't get any of that. Everything was pretty shallow. And I couldn't get over that it felt like a cleaned-up romance novel without the bodice ripping.

[N.M.]

Nancy wrote: "Nichole wrote: "I usually enjoy Biblical fiction, especially OT fiction because of my archaeology background...and the story was interesting. I couldn't stand the writing style, though. Through the..."

Yes! That's it exactly. Extremely shallow, even the religious aspect of it. Although it was very clear that David was devoted to God...there wasn't much to it. We only saw that through his words, not necessarily through his actions.

[NancyInWI]

Nichole wrote:Although it was very clear that David was devoted to God...there wasn't much to it. We only saw that through his words, not necessarily through his actions. ."

Exactly! I kept thinking as I read "THIS is the great King David"? There was nothing there to tell me WHY he was great. He sang a few songs, he went to war. Did it even portray him as praying? Especially before a battle?

[Beth]

Nichole & Nancy, I am so with you guys. This one was a total miss for me. Everything was on the surface & never went any deeper. There was a ton of telling and not nearly enough showing.

[NancyInWI]

Beth wrote: "Nichole & Nancy, I am so with you guys. This one was a total miss for me. Everything was on the surface & never went any deeper. There was a ton of telling and not nearly enough showing."

Well put Beth!

[Karen]

I am late on this one, but did finally get this after waiting for it on hold for Kindle. I think Saul is pretty true to life here. Very well written with close to how it could have taken place using the bible pretty well to do it with. there were some low ratings on it so I was iffy on it, but I am not wanting to put it down.

[NancyInWI]

Karen wrote: "I am late on this one, but did finally get this after waiting for it on hold for Kindle. I think Saul is pretty true to life here. Very well written with close to how it could have taken place usin..."

I felt this way until about halfway through....then, my opinion changed. I hope it doesn't for you and you continue to enjoy the book Karen.

[Karen]

Nancy wrote: "Karen wrote: "I am late on this one, but did finally get this after waiting for it on hold for Kindle. I think Saul is pretty true to life here. Very well written with close to how it could have ta..."

I do hope so Nancy. I would rather have a book get better than worse later.

[Beth]

Karen, the majority of those that have been discussing seemed to enjoy it, so maybe you'll fall with them :)

[Karen]

Beth wrote: "It definitely was. Being the mod, I always have this pressure to find the book, usually I can either through the library, a friend or at a good price on Amazon. I had purchased all 3 of the Wives o..."

Maybe we can do another one as a monthly read. I love this book. I finished it about a week ago and am still effected by it for spiritual good.

[Karen]

Sundi wrote: "Yes I found his descent into madness a direct result of his guilt over disobeying Samuel and thereby losing his kingdom. I think it's also a warning to us to have a personal relationship with God a..."

Beth wrote: "How did you all find the portrayal of Saul? Did his descent into darkness come across as realistic and believable to you? Did you find him to be a sympathetic character?"

Very believable,I agree with what Sundi wrote on this.

[Beth]

Karen wrote: "Beth wrote: "It definitely was. Being the mod, I always have this pressure to find the book, usually I can either through the library, a friend or at a good price on Amazon. I had purchased all 3 o..."

I'm glad you liked it, Karen :)

[Karen]

Ready to start on Tricia Goyers next.