Mesu Andrews has a plain, straight-forward writing style that reminded me of Lynn Austin. Still, Andrews' novel "Miriam" is proof of a great deal of research, even with its modern feel and lack of detailed descriptions. Readers may find the more Bible-based story refreshing after so many film versions of Moses and Exodus. "Miriam" follows its title character, Moses' sister, and her nephew Eleazar, during the ten plagues of Egypt, which last several months and affect all who live there. And it is in character developments and relationships that Andrews truly wins her readers over. Eleazar is a bodyguard for one of Pharaoh's many sons, worried about protecting his family and a romantic interest, Taliah. Both he and Taliah deal with difficulties trusting a wrathful God and with anger toward God for years of slavery and other circumstances. Meanwhile, Miriam is God's prophetess and a natural healer and midwife for Israel. But when Moses arrives to deliver God's people, Miriam struggles to understand God's power and wishes God would use her once again. She also has a sweet romantic side plot. The book deals with the reason for suffering, the real meaning of freedom, spiritual slavery and doubts that most any Christian will relate to. The story is not really about Miriam, but about the journeys of those around her, some of whom have very real (and very annoying) faults. I look forward to Andrews' next Treasures of the Nile Novel.
*Disclaimer: I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review.
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