Fiction Review: The Crimson Cord by Jill Eileen Smith

Jill Eileen Smith's "The Crimson Cord" tells the story of Rahab in three parts, starting with her history, moving on to the Biblical story and ending with what happened after the "prostitute" saved Israel. The novel is worth reading once you get far enough, but the initial backstory drags.

Smith uses too many point of views throughout the book, and Rahab's past could easily have been integrated with the latter half of the book for a stronger, more emotional novel. The third part's romance and religious questions give the book its heart, but the reader has to wait to get there.

Thumbs up to Smith for her inclusion of New Testament parables and principles. Still, I had a difficult time getting a grasp on the evil of Jericho contrasted with multiple instances of mercy and good people. Also, quotes direct from Scripture seemed unnatural in the novel, which has a modern feel to its narrative.

*Disclaimer: I received this book in exchange for my honest review.