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milo_hek's review against another edition
1.0
This was an absolutely TERRIBLE book. Aside from the awful writing style, swastikas? Reeeeaaallly?? Haman had swastikas? You couldn't figure out how to write a complex character and instead had to refer to the as-bad-as-the-nazis trope? You couldn't figure out anything even marginally more subtle than that? Also, glorification of Jews much? Not all people of any given race are good people. But as I said, no complex characters.
Bach and Mozart did not take their faith and adoration of god as an excuse for sub-par art. For shame.
Bach and Mozart did not take their faith and adoration of god as an excuse for sub-par art. For shame.
abby_punches's review against another edition
1.0
Honestly? This book manages to achieve comical levels of poor writing, weak plot, and unbelievable characters on a level I've only encountered in Wattpad "Your Name" fics.
I've read a lot of biblical novels of varying qualities and I can think of at least two other Biblical novels based on the story of Esther that beat this one to shreds in every aspect. Please, I beg of you, go read one of them. Only read this book if you want to encounter A) a version of ancient Persia that is disappointingly lacking in fact, B) the perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes, C) an interpretation of the historical King Xerxes that hand-waves his true nature, D) interpersonal relationships and plot points that flat out couldn't have existed in Persian court culture, and E) the transformation of Haman the Agagite into the first person to appropriate the swastika as a hate symbol.
Read Trudy J. Morgan-Cole's "Esther: A Story of Courage" or "Esther: A Novel" by Gini Andrews. Leave this one alone.
I've read a lot of biblical novels of varying qualities and I can think of at least two other Biblical novels based on the story of Esther that beat this one to shreds in every aspect. Please, I beg of you, go read one of them. Only read this book if you want to encounter A) a version of ancient Persia that is disappointingly lacking in fact, B) the perpetuation of harmful gender stereotypes, C) an interpretation of the historical King Xerxes that hand-waves his true nature, D) interpersonal relationships and plot points that flat out couldn't have existed in Persian court culture, and E) the transformation of Haman the Agagite into the first person to appropriate the swastika as a hate symbol.
Read Trudy J. Morgan-Cole's "Esther: A Story of Courage" or "Esther: A Novel" by Gini Andrews. Leave this one alone.
boooooooooooe's review
5.0
Al de 5e keer dat ik dit boek lees vlgsm. Nog steeds een sterk verhaal. Mede door mijn naamgenoot als titel. Daarnaast wordt het verhaal van Ester niet uitgebreid in de bijbel besproken. Dit geeft de gedachtegang van Hadassa weer.
lsoccer12's review against another edition
2.0
Esther happens to be one of my top 5 favorite Bible stories.
Translation: Don't mess this one up, Tommy Tenney. I'm going to read into every detail.
*2.5 stars*
The setting, time period imagery, and story were all pretty well written.
I understand that the character of Esther must be difficult to write, but I didn't quite enjoy her development. Headstrong, curious, and deeply but masterfully conflicted becoming boring, sappy, and dull? No thanks.
Translation: Don't mess this one up, Tommy Tenney. I'm going to read into every detail.
*2.5 stars*
The setting, time period imagery, and story were all pretty well written.
I understand that the character of Esther must be difficult to write, but I didn't quite enjoy her development. Headstrong, curious, and deeply but masterfully conflicted becoming boring, sappy, and dull? No thanks.
abigailkayharris's review against another edition
2.0
So, I don't often read Biblical fiction but I tried this one. It was okay but I'm not likely to reread it. There were some things that I felt wouldn't be like they were in Biblical times.
beckybmckinney's review against another edition
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
jlynnelseauthor's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed the struggles the character went through. Living a life of faith is never easy, unlike the movie rendition of this book seems to make the character into (I really disliked the movie version because it took out the most relatable values of the main character). This book is a great illustrated of how difficult faith is for someone but how rewarding it can truly be.
alexiachantel's review against another edition
4.0
What a wonderful new view on a great story. If you have ever wondered what Ester felt or what she went through this book does a wonderful job of filling in some of those gaps. in the mood for a good love story, I suggest this book.
bookgirl_71's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
5.0
The book started a little slow for me, but once it took off it never stopped. I had tears at the end. I'm so glad I finally, after all these years, decided to give biblical fiction a try.
Highly recommend!!
Highly recommend!!