🕍 "Miriam's Song" (2021) 🕍 - Book Review

 

MY REVIEW

 

Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Revell (March 2, 2021)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0800734726
ISBN-13: 978–0800734725
⬅️ Click Picture for Pre-Order Information

 

“She has prayed for deliverance from Egypt.

But perhaps the greatest liberation happens within the heart.
 
From the very beginning, Miriam has lived in her younger brother's shadow. Thrust into the role of protective older sister before Moses was even born, she will grow up into a woman who not only keeps her family's secret but bears the burden of leading a new nation.

 In her mind, she knows that she is serving both her God and her people. But in her heart, Miriam yearns for more. She longs to experience the privileges Moses has--to talk with God face-to-face. But when God finally does speak directly to her, the outcome is not at all what she expects.”

 

Thank you in advance to the publisher, Revell (a division of Baker Books), for providing an advanced review copy through Interviews and Reviews. A positive review was not required and all words are my own.  

As much as I was new to Historical Fiction as of last year, I am also new to Biblical Fiction. In fact, this is only the SECOND (2^nd) book I’ve read in the genre. The first being Tessa Afshar’s Daughter of Rome from Tyndale House publishers.  

 

As I’ve sadly seen in too many “Biblical Fiction” reviews – some readers tend to view the stories with the biased lens of today. One case is Afshar’s Pearl in the Sand. One of the reviews blatantly attacks the author’s telling of it. The reviewer then goes on to attack the credibility of Rahab’s story. Most of the review is clearly (and sadly) due to the reader’s unfamiliarity of the genre (Biblical Fiction), as well as the passages in the bible that mentions Rahab.

 

I am including this more as a warning and a notation so readers know what to expect when reading Biblical Fiction, especially stories taken directly from the bible. Readers do need to take note that some of these stories are taken from Biblical accounts, thus this is what has happened in the past. Also, certain “standards” are markedly different today than they were prior to the birth of Jesus. In addition, the treatment of certain people back then will be far different than it is today.

 

This is my first introduction to Smith’s writing, and this book was a perfect introduction to it. This is a standalone read so readers won’t have to read any books prior to it or after it to know the complete story. I do recommend reading the Exodus chapter in the bible to get a sense of the entirety of the story.

 

For those who are unsure of who Miriam is – in Exodus she is Moses’ older sister. She was five (5) when she placed her baby brother in the Nile River, who was later found by the then Pharaoh’s daughter and raised as her child. Beyond minor mentions, there is not that much is known about this girl/woman, Miriam. She lived, she died.

 

Anyone familiar with the bible knows that Exodus is the story of Moses’ birth, his upbringing as an Egyptian, his return as a Hebrew, the plagues of Egypt, and the journey from slavery out of Egypt.

 

Given the disparities between Biblical history and Egyptian history, it is hard to know with any accuracy which Pharaoh was ruling during the time of Exodus (Approximately 1500 B.C). Egyptian, Hebrew, and Biblical records were not in sync at the time. So, the author does her best (with some errors) to try to bring the two together for this story and to put it in perspective.

 

Miriam’s Song is the Exodus story from Moses’ sister’s point of view (POV). Smith’s novel covers Miriam from about age 5 until her death at around 126/127, about the end of their time wandering in the desert.

 

It is the story in between; written with such authenticity; that is captivating, uplifting, tragic, and draws the reader in. At times, it can feel as if the reader is right there. The use of authentic terms (Ima – mother; Abba – father) gives it a realistic feel and begins to become a visual telling of the story. And, it starts right off with the gorgeous and prophetic looking cover. I loved Smith’s use of short chapters to advance the story. In addition, Smith also doesn’t rush the story, but doesn’t linger on any event and/or year too long.  

 

Since most of the story takes place during the Hebrews time in Egypt as slaves; there will be references to slavery, cruelty and abuse, discrimination, infanticide, and potential rape. There are mentions of arranged marriages and by today’s definition, child marriage.

 

Since Miriam’s Song is based on a bible story, spoilers are inevitable as anyone reading the bible or having read it will know what happened. Told over five (5) parts, and 54 chapters with prologue and epilogue; Smith weaves the threads of the story to bring it to life.  

 

As most know the story of why Moses was spared – this starts off with the cruel order from Pharaoh to kill every male child to prevent the Hebrews from growing too strong as a nation. Thus, when his daughter finds Moses, she decides to raise him as hers. Though, she knows who his family is. She shows compassion for the Hebrews and honestly wishes they were cast from Egypt, though not completely understanding what that would mean.

 

Due to this arrangement, the Pharoah’s daughter (for this story, Hatshepsut), arranges for Miriam’s family to not labor in the fields as slaves, and to have an allowance.

 

Throughout the story, which can move a bit fast for some – Miriam loses her mother at 13; when she is 15, she loses her father and marries Jephunneh. Also, Hatshepsut ascends as ruler of Egypt. Despite how she originally felt about the Hebrews as slaves, she makes no effort to set them free, obviously as Moses puts it – she has grown accustomed to the finer things.

 

During those years, Miriam also wonders if they are still God’s people and when their suffering will come to an end. And, it is clear that while Moses is raised as Egyptian, he isn’t one of them.

 

Moses is around 40 when he commits a crime, and goes into exile; he is also tired of the Egyptian way of life. As a result, he becomes estranged to his Hebrew family.

 

Even when Hatshepsut passes, the Hebrews wonder how much longer will they be in slavery under the Egyptians. And interesting fact – at 55, Miriam is not only a grandmother, but pregnant. It is revealed one of her friends died in childbirth giving her second husband a child. She lost her first husband to the abuse of a taskmaster if that speaks to the cruelty of what the Hebrews underwent.

 

It isn’t until Moses is 80 that he is told to return to free his people; Miriam has about the same dream since she is a prophetess. But, Moses isn’t easily convinced, at one time telling God to send someone else. At first his wife and children accompany him, but after the journey proves dangerous with a consequence of disobeying God, Zipporah takes the boys and heads home to wait. This isn’t the only instance of God’s punishment for being disobeyed.

 

As everyone knows, Moses then comes back to Egypt to convince the Pharaoh to let the Hebrews go. But, the Pharaoh refuses and we know about the plagues – water becomes blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock diseased, boils, hail, locusts, and darkness.

 

Smith, without going into detail, highlights the effect on the Hebrews the plagues that God has sent. She doesn’t spend too much time on the Egyptians’ suffering.

 

It isn’t until the death of the firstborn sons that the Pharaoh agrees to let them all go. Though it will not be an easy flight or “exodus”.

 

In Exodus 15:20, there is a passage about “the song of Miriam” when they praise their good fortune in crossing the sea.  

 

This is about 64% of the way into the book. From there the remainder of the book is spent with their Exodus out of Egypt, Zipporah and Moses’ reuniting, events prior to Sinai, at Sinai, and after; and Miriam’s observations about it.

 

Smith also details the harshness and complaining of the Hebrews during their delivery to freedom. And, she also shows the family dynamics of belief between Miriam, Aaron, and Moses – even more so when Moses remarries yet another woman not of their tribe.

 

This is not a happily ever after read, but an inspiring and uplifting read about hope, faith, and perseverance under the harshest of terms that life back then had to offer. This is a testament to the will and faith of the Hebrew people.

 

As I said, this is a genre I am VERY new to. To be captivated by such a compelling story, so much so I did not want to put it down, attests to the story telling ability of the writer.

 

Fans of the author and genre are sure to enjoy this particular story.

 

RATING:

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub

 

5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)

 

 

 

 

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

 

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King and Star of Persia: Esther's Story. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams and She Walked Before Us. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at   www.jilleileensmith.com.

 

 

 

You can follow her on the following social media accounts:

 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jilleileensmith/

 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/JillEileenSmith/

 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jilleileensmith

 

 

 

* This post contains affiliate links