Saturday, 14 January 2017

Book review: PEARL in the SAND by Tessa Afshar


Pearl in the Sand is the story of a harlot from Jericho city, Rahab, as told in the Bible. Rahab hides two Israelites who have come to spy out the city and, being certain that the city will fall; she makes the spies promise that they will spare her life and that of her family when they eventually take the city. The spies give their word based on the condition that she tie a scarlet thread to her window for easy identification and that all her family members are to be in the house with her when the city is attacked. They refuse to be held accountable for the death of any family member who is not in the house when the city is attacked. Rahab ties the scarlet thread to her window and helps the spies escape from the city.

Later Jericho is attacked by Israel and it falls. Rahab and her family members are rescued from the city and brought to live among the Israelites. She meets  a warrior, Salmon and the sparks fly although they both fight it at first. When they eventually admit their love for each other and decide to get married, there are many obstacles they must overcome such as Rahab’s past, Salmon’s pride and the community’s mistrust of foreigners.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tessa Afshar

Tessa Afshar is a popular author of several novels, such as:







And her 2017 book:


Her books, Pearl in the Sand, Harvest of Gold and Harvest of Rubies, have won awards.

MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THE BOOK


I love it. Many novels based on Biblical characters abound in the market; many, in my opinion are neither here nor there. There are a few that are outstanding, however, and this book belongs to that category. Exciting from start to finish, the book raises thought-provoking questions; one of which I now pose to you, dear reader: 


If the person you love and want to marry was once a prostitute and your family members and friends are aware of it, would you go ahead and marry the person or would you call off the relationship?

3 comments:

  1. Great review!
    I've found Tessa's books to be quite interesting and enlightening.

    For the question you posed, hmmmm, it's a tough one.
    Many times, it's easier to make major sacrifices when you are the only one involved. Once family and friends are involved, the burden is greater.
    If I love him to bits, I guess I'll be willing to marry him especially if I'm sure he has changed for good. Many things are involved, really, but ultimately, love conquers all.

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  2. Really good review. I haven't read any of her books, but from the review she does come across as a good author.
    As regards the question, it's a difficult one. I'll have to take some time to think about it. And yes, love does conquers all.

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  3. Thanks Humphrey. Teassa Afshar is good. She is definitely an author worth reading.

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