The first novel in a dazzling new trilogy about the women of the Old Testament by internationally bestselling author Marek Halter. The story of Sarah--and of history itself--begins in the cradle of civilization: the Sumerian city-state of Ur, a land of desert heat, towering gardens, and immense wealth. The daughter of a powerful lord, Sarah is raised in great luxury, but balks at the arranged marriage her father has planned for her. The groom is handsome and a nobleman, but on their wedding day, Sarah panics and impulsively flees to the vast, empty marshes outside the city walls. There she meets a young man, Abram, a member of a nomadic tribe of outsiders. Drawn to this exotic stranger, Sarah spends the night with him, but reluctantly returns to her father’s house. But on her return, still desperate to avoid another wedding, she drinks a poisonous potion that will make her barren and thus unfit for marriage. Many years later, Abram’s people return to Ur, and he discovers that the lost, rebellious girl from the marsh has been transformed into the most splendid and revered woman in Sumeria--the high priestess of the goddess Ishtar. But the memory of their night together has always haunted Sarah, and she gives up her exalted life to join Abram's tribe and follow the one true God, an invisible deity who speaks only to Abram. It is then that her journey truly begins--a journey that holds the key to her remarkable destiny as the mother of nations. From the great ziggurat of Ishtar and the fertile valleys of Canaan to the bedchamber of the mighty Pharaoh himself, Sarah’s story reveals an ancient world full of beauty, intrigue, and miracles.
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"Really good story. My grandmother's name is Sarah. I really enjoyed finding out more about this biblical character and her husband Abraham. What a great love story. This novel reminded me of the importance of patience." — Dawn (4 out of 5 stars)
"Really good story. My grandmother's name is Sarah. I really enjoyed finding out more about this biblical character and her husband Abraham. What a great love story. This novel reminded me of the importance of patience."
" great historical fiction--fun to read! "
" similar theme to the red tent. "
" I thought this was an interesting take on Sarah's story. I learned a few things from it too :) "
" another great book - to me it kind of went hand in hand with "the red tent". they're both 'fictional' depictions of bibilical times. "
" I don't usually choose biblical stories, but this caught my attention on the shelf and was interesting. "
" This was a great woman perspective. I was amazed to find out that the author was a man. I really enjoyed Sarah's version. "
" This book was good, story of the Old Testament Sarah, although not so much about religion as about her story and struggles. I thought it was a fun and interesting story "
" This book is written well with biblical references however, it tries to hard to be "The Red Tent". "
" From what I was told if you liked the red tent which i did, you should like this novel, just started but Ill let you know.. "
" Great liberties taken to write this fictional story about Abraham and Sarah of the Bible. "
" interesting but not great- certainly a more familiar figure than other two in this trilogy/quick read all three are too much fiction for me "
" This is my book club pick for October. "
" Reading this series because my mom lent them to me. Wish I could say more about it other than 'light summer read.' "
" Slow at first, but keep with it. This is a beautifully written story of a real woman with a wonderful husband. "
" I loved the story and found it a fun and interesting read. I would recommend this book. "
" I really loved reading this book. I got lost in the pages, and I couldn't put it down. "
" In an attempt to bring Abraham and Sarah "down to earth" the author paints Sarah as faithless and Abraham as crazy. Was not worth the time to read. "
" It made me really sad after reading it. "
" very much in the same vein as the red tent "
" This story is from the ancient world of Sarah and Abraham. It was fascinating to read about the role of women in Sarah's life time and the role she played in Abraham's life. "
" A unique perspective on the life of Sarah/Sarai, wife of Abraham/Abram during biblical times. This was quite an enjoyable read, although quite divergent and inaccurate when compared to other texts depicting this individual and time period. "
" The relationship between Sarai and Abram started out beautifully and led me to abhor it. I know the story is based "loosely" on Abraham in the bible but I really ended up frustrated at the end. The liberties the writer took with this story took it to a place of loathing. "
" Had to keep telling myself this was a ficticious story of Sarah, Abraham's wife. I enjoyed the history and life of women in that time. Also, the love story made it enjoyable. "
" Great story, I enjoyed all 3 off Marek Halter's book,Sarah, Ziporah and Lila) as it gave me some insight of how life was back during the times of Abraham and Moses "
" Lit & Latte, February 2011. Read this a couple of years ago. I remember liking it.It will be nice to discuss it with my book club... see if I remember it as well as I think I do. "
" A fictional work that makes me wonder how much of the story could be true... A fast read, but reader beware... a lot of sexuality in this book! "
" The first book in the Canon triology. "
" It was good! It had amazing imagery and it was beautifully written! :) "
" I enjoyed the read. But as historical fiction, I felt that Marek strayed quite a bit from what we know about Sarah and Abraham in the Bible. Also, it seemed unrealistic that Sarah could escape the marrying the man chosen by her her father. "
Marek Halter is a French-Jewish writer and activist, known best for his historical novels, which have been translated into English, Polish, Hebrew, and many other languages.
Kate Burton, an Earphones Award–winning narrator, is best known for her work on Broadway in Hedda Gabler, The Elephant Man, The Constant Wife, and Spring Awakening, as well as on television in Grey’s Anatomy and Empire Falls. Her films include Big Trouble in Little China, The Ice Storm, Unfaithful, and Remember Me. She played the title role in Alice in Wonderland with her father, Richard Burton, on PBS.
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