A Treasure in Biblical FIction

"Miriam" offers a great read as well as lessons in Christian spirituality. The prose of this book is well written and invites the reader to experience the lives of Miriam and the other characters. The book engages the mind, the soul, and the heart. Mesu Andrews creates compelling and believable characters in a background that is mostly historically accurate. Many of the non-Biblical characters are taken from the true history of Egypt in this time frame.
Andrews offers a compelling vision of God (Yahweh) and picks up on an interpretation of His revealed name that few pick up on. She points out that Yahweh does not just refer to "I Am," but also refers to "My nature will become evident through my actions." Andrews uses this point in the telling of her story and in the revelation of God to the various characters.
One negative aspect of the book is that we spend way too much time with other characters and not with Miriam. Certainly, these characters are well written, but in spending so much time on them the story of Miriam gets a little muddled. This is only a negative in the fact that the title of the book is therefore a misnomer. If Andrews had written the book from Miriam's first person perspective then perhaps a focus on these other characters would have been acceptable. The book would have been better title something that encompassed the journeys of Miriam, Eleazer, Taliah, and Hoshea rather than just focusing on one character.
Another negative aspect was the infrequent theological/historical mistakes. One such incident occurs when Eleazer's friend Mosi is killed. Mosi, not being a Hebrew would not have been in covenant with Yahweh. Eleazer then asks Miriam if Mosi will experience the afterlife. Miriam assures him that Mosi likely will based on Mosi's stated beliefs. This is a great story and testimony if the story took place in the Christian era when the afterlife and resurrection was a well revealed reality. At the time of the Exodus, most scholars agree, that there was not a developed theology of the afterlife. This is an unfortunate occurrence in a text that seems typically accurate.
Overall, "Miriam" provides a wonderful read of a rich period in the story of God's interaction with His peoples. It challenges and captures the reader.
I received this book as part of the blogging for books program with Multonomah Publishers.