My Review: "Now faith is being sure of what we hope for, and certain of what we do not see." ~ Hebrews 11:1
A true to the Bible re-telling, that isn't afraid to ask, "What if?"
Sarai promises Abram to give him a son. Abram promises Sarai to never take another wife. Can they keep their promises?
Sarai follows Abraham and Sarah's long, and sometimes painful journey toward God's promise of a son. Their journey is filled with doubts and temptations, will they choose to follow the One True God even when things seem darkest?
I don't read Biblical Fiction often, mostly out of the fear that it won't tell the story accurately, or will take too many freedoms with it. But Sarai had no such hindrances. Realistically portraying Sarai and Abram in the Old Testament world, giving historically accurate reasons as to why they might have made some of the choices they made. Sarai made me think of Abraham and Sarah's story from a couple of new prospectives. And it reminded me of how at that time they didn't have Jesus yet, so the story of Sarah and Abraham, in a way illustrates how we, a fallen world were waiting for a Savior.
One thing that it really brought to the forefront to me, was how emotional this must have been for both Sarai and Abraham. How they must have struggled with temptations, and faithfulness. And it really made me ask myself, "Would I have been able to trust that much?"
Overall, a well-written tale that I would recommend to Biblical Fiction fans. Sarai was an emotional read, that made me ponder some things that I'd never thought to think of about Sarah before reading this book. This book might not have been a good fit for me personally, so I found certain parts of the book hard to read because some sad things happened that I knew were coming. But nontheless a well written re-telling of one of the Bible's most inspiring tales of faith.
Final Rating: 3.9 out of 5
I received this book from the publisher in return for an honest review. With thanks to Donna Haulser and Revell Publishing.
I have never seen a (point something) rating before. Sounds like this might not have been the best choice for you to review, Faye, and that is good you were honest about that. I have heard great things about this series but it is not my subgenre and I have been hesitant to read and review, also, but I did download one of Jill's books recently because I had heard what a great writer she is. She was also a super teacher in an ACFW class that I took a while back.
ReplyDeleteIt was a really well written book, and I really wished that I had liked it more. Biblical fiction is a bit hit and miss with me, but I would highly recommend Sarai to someone else :)
ReplyDeleteIt must have been awesome having her for a teacher at ACFW!