Recent Reads {Sarai: A Novel}

Sarai: A Novel by Jill Eileen Smith - The Biblical story of Abraham and Sarah is well-known, but to our western and 'modern' way of thinking, many parts of it are hard to understand.  Sarai doesn't always seem like such a great role model - it's her idea to give her maid to Abram in order to get her pregnant, then she blames Abram when that's what happens; for example - yet throughout the New Testament she is honored as an example of a godly wife and a woman of faith.  This novel imagines some of the background and the details of Sarai's story that give insight into the culture of the times and the possible reasoning behind some of the actions and attitudes that we find difficult to relate to.  I found this an enjoyable read right from the beginning, as Smith combines solid research and compelling story-telling to make Sarai come alive as a real woman who struggled with insecurity, fear, vanity, jealousy, and faith.  And the story remains faithful to the Biblical account - yes, I did check a few details!