Many have heard of the great Hezekiah, King of Judah who resisted the Assyrians and their siege of Jerusalem. Few, however, know of the details surrounding the siege. The book God King tells the story of the young Pharaoh Taharka, who was ousted from his rightful place as ruler of Egypt and forced to flee to Israel where he meets King Hezekiah and witnesses the end of the siege.
The book is written by Joanne Williamson, a historical fiction writer, who has written many famous books including Hittite Warrior, which like the book God King focuses on biblical times from a non Jewish perspective.
As a I am interested in history and the Bible this book really appealed to me. It gave me another way to look into a story that I already knew.
This book also provides valuable insight into the customs and cultures of the day of the Israelite, Assyrians, Egyptians, Bedouins and Kushities. This was far more engaging than reading a history book on this subject, as well as being easier to digest and remember.
Overall, I really liked this book; it had a good story line that made for an entertaining read that will leave the reader satisfied. In addition to the entertainment value, this book will also lend the reader a greater understanding of this time in history and this portion of the Bible. — Matthew Sue
The book focuses on Egypt in the early 700s B.C. In this time, the land was ruled not by Egyptians but by the Kushities who hailed from the land south of Egypt (modern day Sudan). This book focuses, in particular, on the Pharaoh and it is very interesting to see how he lives and the customs that in many ways bind him in a luxurious prison.
This book has great detail and even offers specifics on the way the Assyrians attacked and the role of Egyptian priests. This just adds to the richness of the book and its background.
In the first part of the book the main subject, Taharka, is accidentally chosen for the throne of Egypt by his dying father. Years later he is then usurped from the throne and is forced to flee Egypt with the help of a Jewish emissary named Amos from Judah who is seeking aid.
In the second part of the novel, Taharka crosses the Sinai desert with Bedouin traders to Judah with the help of Amos. He is captured by the Assyrians and later escapes and witnesses the climax of the siege of Jerusalem.
Overall, I really liked this book; it had a good story line that made for an entertaining read that will leave the reader satisfied. In addition to the entertainment value, this book will also lend the reader a greater understanding of this time in history and this portion of the Bible.
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For more reviews, read The wisdom of Pixar or Ginza Bistro.
This writer can be reached via Twitter: @matthewsue1 and via email: Matthew Sue.