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cathyj625's review against another edition
challenging
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book is super slow. The author takes a lot of liberties with the Bible, which he admits in the afterword. Most of it seems rather thoughtfully done. Don’t take this as Biblical history and enjoy it for the story it is.
pilateschick's review against another edition
2.0
This is my first book by Orson Scott Card. I look forward to reading Enders Game. I assume he's much better at sci fi than he is at speaking in a woman's voice. I expected more from Sarah. The women in this book were usually mundane, whiney, or catty, including Sarah. I soaked in the powerful moments when Sarah pondered things that were of real significance.
schofield24's review against another edition
4.0
I realize that many people don't like stories that take liberty with the scriptures, and I happen to be one of them---sometimes. Here, I enjoyed the "fleshing out" of the Biblical figures.
emerygirl's review against another edition
4.0
We are studying the Old Testament this year in my church. I specifically saved this book to read this year as I knew we would be learning all about Abraham, Sara and Isaac. When I started it I must admit I was a little bored. I knew the basic story, and how it ended. The other stuff, the stuff that was made up, was fun...but....kind of boring. When they were in Egypt pretending to be siblings I almost quit. I felt like I was reading a boring story that I didn’t understand. It was very political...ancient Egyptian politics...which I found confusing. But then Hagar entered the story. I have a special place in my heart for Hagar. When I read her story in the Bible this year I was stricken with how she was mistreated. This book does an EXCELLENT job of giving a possible narrative to that story which was believable.
In the end I really enjoyed this fictionalized version of a story I have heard my whole life, and recently read again. I think I will check out the rest of the books in this series.
In the end I really enjoyed this fictionalized version of a story I have heard my whole life, and recently read again. I think I will check out the rest of the books in this series.
annegard's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Well written and gives a taste of what life might have been like
cburgbennett's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I really enjoyed the depth that Card gave to Sarah. While there is very little in the Bible about her, it rang true to her character and was very interesting to read.
marysasala's review against another edition
3.0
When someone tried to expand upon a classic, do you praise them for their shortcomings.
This was certainly a valiant effort to retell the story of Sarai, Abram and Hagar. It is obvious Card spent a lot of time researching and studying the original source.
An issue I've had with past retellings of Biblical stories is by "humanizing" them or in an effort to make them "more real" they make them unlikable and down right bad people (I'm thinking of Russell Crowe as Noah).
Card did not do that. If anything he made them more sympathic and more heroic by adding real life emotions and reactions. Somehow he was able to make Sarah, Abraham and Hagar all sympathic.
A fun, fast read. Great for those wanting a better grasp on Genesis or those interested in historical fiction.
This was certainly a valiant effort to retell the story of Sarai, Abram and Hagar. It is obvious Card spent a lot of time researching and studying the original source.
An issue I've had with past retellings of Biblical stories is by "humanizing" them or in an effort to make them "more real" they make them unlikable and down right bad people (I'm thinking of Russell Crowe as Noah).
Card did not do that. If anything he made them more sympathic and more heroic by adding real life emotions and reactions. Somehow he was able to make Sarah, Abraham and Hagar all sympathic.
A fun, fast read. Great for those wanting a better grasp on Genesis or those interested in historical fiction.
jimmacsyr's review against another edition
5.0
I really enjoyed this retelling of Sarah and Abraham's story. Equally fascinating is the author's discussion at the end of the book. Looking forward to reading the remainder of the series.
jellyphantadventures's review against another edition
4.0
Not my usual cup of tea, but a very fun read.
bechug's review against another edition
4.0
I think Orson Scott Card does a good job taking the story of Abraham and Sarah and showing the reader what their lives might have been like according to the customs and traditions of that time period and place.