|
|
|
| Deborah R. Turner's
Success Story |
|
|
I am so excited about a great review done by Michael Thal (an AD author) for my book, If I Perish. He wrote it for Scribe's World and said I can share it here.
**************
If I Perish
by Deborah R. Turner
Publish America
ISBN: 1-59129-524-6
Picture a time when a man comes to power in a mighty nation. His personal goal is the slaughter of an entire race of people. His genocidal plot is known publicly, and no one tries to stop his diabolical scheme. Ethnic cleansing, genocide, and holocaust - terms we think of as contemporary, but the events in Deborah Turnerıs book, If I Perish, took place almost 2500 years ago.
Turnerıs novel is a superbly written account of the events that led up to the schemed genocide of the Jews who lived during the reign of the Persian King Ahasuerus. The author takes some license with the biblical Book of Esther to actuate events from antiquity for her modern audience.
We are brought to the Kingıs court in Susa where Turner creates a memorable cast of characters. King Xerxes is a progressive monarch who listens to the advice of his wife, Queen Vashti. The princes in his court fear that their King will be the laughing stock of the empire; so they plot for Vashtiıs demise. Their efforts prove effective, but they lose the Kingıs trust. That is when a carpet merchant, Haman, begins his rise to power. He soon becomes Prime Minister, the most powerful man in Persia, second to the King.
With Vashti exiled, Xerxes grows lonely. The princes suggest a contest. All the maidens in the land, from fourteen through twenty-one can compete for the Kingıs affections. The chosen one will become Persiaıs new Queen.
Hadassah, a young Jewish girl just coming of age, has the poor luck to be gorgeous. She attracts the attention of the Kingıs men who kidnap her from her home and bring her to the palace. Her identity is stripped, her name is changed to Esther, and along with thousands of other women from all over the kingdom, she is schooled in the ways of royalty.
Turnerıs work can keep the most studious of Biblical scholars at the edge of his seat with this page turning novel. Her style is lucid, fast paced, with a descriptive flair that makes the people and places of ancient Persia come alive. For instance, there is one scene where Haman is requested by King Xerxes to lead a national hero on horse back throughout Susa. The reader can feel the pulse of the city--its sights, sounds, smells, and the humiliation that Haman felt due to this ³demeaning² task. It was a joy to read.
As is the entire book, If I Perish. Itıs a thoroughly researched historical novel, cinematographic in scope. It tells an ancient tale of royal intrigue and terror. Esther must reveal a plot of genocide against her people at the risk of her own life. Turner has the talent to weave this biblical tale into a fresh look at ancient Persian court life.
Reviewed by: Michael L. Thal 4/4/03- 5 Stars (Historical Novel)
**********************************
Visit my site www.authorsden.com/deborahrturner for more details on how to purchase the book.
Deb |
 |
|
|
Bookmarks