Ruth has always been my favorite Book and
story of the Bible. No matter how many times I read it, it never gets old. Most
of all, it is forever a part of my Wedding memories. Even without having asked
him, my Pastor chose to read from the Book of Ruth as a part of the ceremony.
So, it was with high anticipation, that I
approached reading Tessa Afshar's fictionalized version of Ruth. I was not
disappointed. Tessa took many liberties and interpretations of events but her
descriptions of Boaz and Ruth are spot on. Beginning with Ruth in Moab and
telling the story from her point of view and having her meet first Naomi and
then her future husband, Mallon gave a unique perspective of how the Moabitess
Ruth cultural and religious upbringing might have molded her character.
The Old Testament does make clear that Boaz
was much older than Ruth but Ms. Afshar paints a humble but sensual and strong
picture of the man Boaz might have been and accounts for the age difference to
be acceptable and believable.
From the beginning page you are riveted to
Ruth's struggle to survive and her spiritual struggles as she comes to know and
serve the Hebrew God.
Ms. Afshar's account teaches us the customs
of the time and the history leading us to understand how and why the account
could have unfolded as it did. Lastly, she gives us a taste for how the legacy
of Ruth and Boaz touch successive generations.
Tessa Afshar has a gift for telling
Biblical Romance novels. All her work deserves superb accolades and belongs on
your keeper shelf.
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