The Triumph of Deborah
Those looking for another Red Tent (Diamant, 1997) will be disappointed, but those who like their Bible with a little spice will find plenty to admire in this frothy romance. In ancient Israel, three women deal with problems both modern and ancient. Deborah, a revered judge, must find a way to balance her powerful work life with her traditional marriage. Nogah must find a way to retain her self-respect while being in love with the philandering husband of her half sister, Asherah, who in turn must deal with the death of her beloved husband and recent marriage to Barak, commander of the Israeli army and former enemy. Barak must struggle against his baser instincts to continue to lead the Israeli people. The sex scenes are plentiful, if euphemistically written. This expansion of a biblical story is enjoyable, if not enlightening. --Marta Segal Block