Review: Inspired and elegant fiction
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 07 5, 2014
“A Peek at Bathsheba” by Uvi Poznansky is yet another one of her great Bible-inspired books. Nobody understands better to utilise existing stories that many of us are familiar with already – at least to some extent – and give them a new lease of life, a new angle and makes us see different sides to those historical, religious and mythical characters. Who was David really? A hero or a product of his circumstances, of coincidence and skilled manipulation? The bible and history books had their say; now Poznansky adds some new ideas and interpretations to the myth. Her David is a fascinating character, evolved from “The Rise to Power” with plenty of new material and story to cover.. In this second book about King David we follow him as he battles the tribe of Benjamin, hoping to unite all the tribes and make peace. All told in his own words with honesty and without pretence. He is shown as an anti-hero who is often weak and distracted by things other than politics and the benefit of all. We watch him and his wives, see him fall in love again, we see him suffer personal tragedy yet witness him almost unimpressed by political achievements. Some readers may find this controversial, I find it inspired and fascinating. This book covers one era in David’s life, one of many, one during which he has ‘mastered many skills’ and brings him in his own words to the “prime of his life”. All the while reading I was trying to remember what I know about David and Bathsheba, about the uniting of the tribes and what I shall expect in the next book in the series. Beyond the historical value the book has a great story at heart, that of a man whose roles and position brings complications and demands. The love story and the influence of Bathsheba on David are neither glorified nor trivialised; they brought alive in a unique and inspired way. Few writers can engage me with such sharp characterisation, witty and poignant dialogue, intriguing angles and ideas and incite a lust for knowing and understanding history. Poznansky writes with exquisite prose and elegant style, yet delivers piercing truth and insights into the human psyche on the way. A wonderful read.