Blog written by Jane
Overall the book got positive feedback. The score collated to 8.5 average and those that finished it were glad they did. Melissa felt the word that summed it up was detached. Some members found it a bit hard to get into and didn't like the Hebrew names.
The reasons why people enjoyed it was that they thought it was a brilliantly researched book and written with the detached air of a real historian and is a superb example of historical fiction. Most people knew the story of David and Goliath and his love of Batsheva .
Lee felt the character of Natan was so well developed and yet he too is the historical recorder of the times. His own history is so tragic and yet he relates it in quite a detached manner in the same way he views and records all the events that happen around him in such blood thirsty times.
The extremely complex character of David is described in an unambiguous manner that draws you in to want to read more and more about his extraordinary relationships with his wives and sons and enemies. The novel was commended for being so far from the usual telling as a biblical story, it was an in depth study of an age and personalities written without hysterics or exaggerated drama was just a superbly satisfying read.
Our next meeting is at Sally's on Thursday May 19 and we will be discussing
My Brilliant Friend by Elena Ferante
