A story of brutal times explained in a way that made sense to those living through them. I found the prophet more interesting than David! ( )

Recommended by Nancy
Author of the people of the book

I'm not sure this is actually a 5-star read, but it is above most 4-star books I have read lately. I love historical fiction, of particular periods at least. This one recalls The red tent, as it chronicles the story of King David. As the afterword comments: "David is the first man in literature whose story is told in detail from early childhood to extreme old age." An interesting observation for many reasons. It considers the Bible as a work of literature, which I do also (the Old Testament, at least). It reminds us that in biblical times, a person, a warrior, even one who enjoys the privileges that royalty and wealth bring, did not generally live to the ripe old age of 70 (!). So in that alone David is a special case. Anyway, I really enjoyed the perspective of this book, the way the prophet and the delivery of his wisdom are portrayed. It delivers an unflinching, often brutal portrait of the time period, characterized by war and all its accompanying cruelties. It felt like it really could have been that way, which is just how historical fiction should be. I read this author's book March, and I shall have to read more of her work. ( )

I've enjoyed a few of Geraldine Brooks' recent novels, notably March, so I was keen to see what she did with the life story of King David.

The story is narrated by the prophet Natan, who first encounters David as the leader of an outlaw band in the time of Shaul. David kills Natan's father, whereupon Natan is seized in a prophetic fit and foretells David's future as a great king. David takes Natan under his wing, and he gradually becomes one of his key advisers.

The book starts out with David reaching middle age and facing the fact that he can no longer lead his army in battle. He gives Natan his blessing to write a full account of his life from his very youngest days, talking to all of the people who have cause to love and hate him. In doing so, Natan learns that there is more to the story of David than even he suspected.

That story is a rattling good yarn full of betrayals, intrigue, battle, love and ambition, with an over-arching sense of destiny. The familiar characters are all there: Joav, Batsheva, Shlomo, Avshalom, Shaul, Avner and Goliath all appear. Brooks brings them to life and gives this well-known tale a freshness and an occasionally lyrical beauty that the story of a great musician-king deserves. ( )

Geraldine Brooks retells the Biblical story of David, fleshing out the main character through the eyes of the prophet Natan. Natan conveys the stories of David’s childhood, his tribal battles, and his many wives, numerous sons, and lone daughter. All the well-known pieces are included – tending sheep, slaying Goliath, stealing Batsheva from Uriah, and composing psalms. The book contains vivid Old Testament wrath and brutality. David’s character is portrayed in striking detail, with all his strengths and flaws on display. The other characters come across as rather thin. I have now read four books by Geraldine Brooks. I liked this one, but my favorites are People of the Book and Year of Wonders. ( )