William H. Stephens

The combination of religion and politics is a dangerous one, as William H. Stephens’ beautifully researched and gorgeously evocative novel of Israel’s past makes clear. Jezebel may be reviled by generations, but in her own world she’s a wise, determined woman, seeking the best for nations through human power. And the gods... they’re the tool to unite us in politics. Meanwhile priests and prophets of Yahweh seek to accommodate to the world they live in, or to hide from it. Human wisdom proves a fickle friend.

“[P]ublic opinion... moves with the force of the ocean, crushing everything not caught up in its sweep, an ally when it moves in your direction, and archenemy when it does not.” So muses Elijah as the tide of opinion swings again. But can powerful miracles sway that opinion to God? Is Yahweh’s voice really heard best in the roll of thunder? Or does God maybe have something else in mind?

Elijah brings the world of prophets and politics to life with fascinating detail, pleasing interpretation, and a nicely convincing view of human experience of the supernatural. I love how the author reproduces the story of the raven feeding Elijah. I love the chance to see familiar characters made three-dimensional. And I love the jungles and mountains of Israel, through which this prophet runs.

From Carmel’s power to Solomon’s Temple to the Oaks of Mamre and beyond, this is a wonderful novel of the ancient world, with wise lessons for the modern. “Perhaps there was a point at which God’s gentleness turned to vengeance,” Elijah muses. May it not be today.

Disclosure: I spotted this in a free promotion and I’m just sorry it took me so long to get around to reading it. It’s wonderful!… (mere)