brave: the story of ahinoam | book review

about the book

In the tumultuous world of ancient Israel, Ahinoam--a dagger-wielding Kenite woman--flees her family farm with her unconventional father to join the ragtag band of misfits led by the shepherd-turned-warrior David ben Jesse. As King Saul's treasonous accusations echo through the land, Ahinoam's conviction that David's anointing makes him Yahweh's chosen king propels her on a perilous journey to Moab and back into Judah's unforgiving wilderness, only to encounter more hardship and betrayal.

Amid the challenges, Ahinoam forges an unexpected bond with David's sister and gains respect among David's army through her knowledge of Kenite metalworking. Though some offer friendship, Ahinoam, scarred by past relationships, isolates to avoid more pain and refuses to acknowledge her growing feelings for the renegade king. As Ahinoam's heart grapples for footing, King Saul's army closes in, and Ahinoam must confront the true meaning of love, loyalty, and courage. Is she brave enough to trust new friends and love Israel's next king?

publisher: bethany house publishers

release date: october 1, 2024

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book review

if you're in the mood for biblical fiction, mesu andrews never disappoints!

brave delves into an interesting time in israel's history, as saul sits on the throne, yet david has been anointed as king. ahinoam joins david's band of outcasts and outsiders in the wilderness—offering knowledge of dagger-wielding and metalworking—and gets a front-row seat to all the tumultuous politics. well-known biblical characters and side characters alike come to life in her story with thought-provoking detail, and complicated biblical passages become fleshed out with fresh perspective.

as a reader who most enjoys romance in any particular book, i will say that i struggled a bit with brave. i like to have something to root for, but knowing the future of david's story, it was hard to read about ahinoam falling in love with him. she does wrestle with the choice to marry a king and share him with other wives—and it was interesting to see all the subsequent choices play out. i still very much appreciated her perspective on a complex biblical hero; i'm just missing my "happily ever after" a little...

i received a complimentary copy from the publisher. i was not required to write a positive review, and all the opinions i have expressed are my own.


considerations:
—language: none
—spice: closed door
—faith: biblical setting, strong themes with mentions of God and prayer
—content: military violence, polygamy