Queenmaker: A Novel of King David's Queen

Authors tread on dangerous territory when they retell stories from the Bible, because some readers do not want to consider alternatives to the Biblical accounts. However, I value the chance to experience the ancient world from a different imaginary point of view, in this case, through the eyes of David's queen Michal. I suspect that Edghill's description of Michal's situation is likely to be close to the truth: in ancient times, women were often forced to marry for economic or political or family reasons. Women's lives were often limited to the world of other women in the household, and for a variety of reasons (including Biblical sources) I think it is plausible to imagine that kings and warriors in the ancient world were not typically sensitive-new-age-guys or gentle, considerate husbands. I liked this novel better than "The Red Tent"; Edghill's characters had greater depth and complexity. Readers who are firmly wedded to an idea of David as a gentle hero will not like the way David is depicted in this book. However, I felt that the (sad and difficult) marriage described in this novel was a realistic possibility for the period, and Edghill's descriptions made me feel as if I were an eavesdropper in the courtyards, with an inside view of a world very different from our own. I am eagerly looking forward to reading her second novel (Wisdom's Daughter)!

For those who have read and loved The Red Tent and are searching for the next great Biblical fiction novel, look no further than Queenmaker. With vivid writing and spectacular, engrossing scenes, Queenmaker can be considered no less than a shining jewel in Queen Michal's crown. And while this novel does have similarities to The Red Tent, I must say that Queenmaker truly is a sparkling effort of its own individuality.The story begins when the prophet Samuel crowns Saul of Gibeah Israel's first king. Once King Saul is established, many changes come for Israel. One change comes in the form of a lowly shepherd's boy, David, who is employed to play sweet harp music for the king. As the years pass, King Saul and David's friendship becomes stronger and soon the King gives his daughter Michal as David's bride.Young Michal is truly a lovesick princess and David a brave warrior and hero to all. Their marriage is an event worthy of celebration, but come morning, everything changes. There are many twists and turns to the story, and all the scheming and manipulating had me turning pages quickly. India Edghill has taken a story from the Bible and created another side -- the woman's voice -- and left me wondering what could have been. Queen Michal is a true heroine -- full of wisdom and heart, strength and passion, a woman who dealt with life as it was given. Thank you, India, for this beautiful novel. Your next book has a reserved spot on my bookshelf.

The comparisons to Anita Diamante's Red Tent are inevitable, but India Edghill's Queenmaker is strong enough to escape derivation and reach its own level of popularity.Not since Joseph Heller's God Knows has the biblical world of King David been so accessible; the sex, the politics, the humanity. Edghill's evocative prose takes the reader into David's time with effortless grace and flavour. The author's approach to the life of david is novel indeed. taking the POV of his queen, Michal.Born of nobility and married, unwillingly, to David at the age of 13, Michal's life, according to Edghill's fictionalization, was full of hardship and sadness. Seing david through her eyes paints the Lion of Judah in a new light. We are exposed to his cruelty and callous behaviour towards his wives. But most importantly, Edghill brings us a look at the role of women in the bible.Michal comes to life in this vivid and engaging work. Queenmaker is the perfect combination of the historiacl record and a woman's point of view. An excellent read.

I had never heard of this book till several of my friends recommended it to me. I wasn't going to buy it either till I got a second copy of another book, so I went to the bookstore and The Queenmaker was just in front of my eyes ~~ the best impulse buy I ever had done!This book is about David's first wife, Michal, the daughter of Saul whom David bested and became the second king of Israel. Little is known about Michal in the contemporary world. However Edghill brings out all of her qualities and made her a living being full of blood and passion. And what a wonderful story she has woven among the verses of scriptures. Don't get me wrong, this is NOT a biography, it's a wonderful written novel of fiction ~~ of what might have been. And it's so fast-paced too ~~ I couldn't put the book down and hated to go to work! It seems to interfere with my reading time! I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes to read about the women of the Bible. I found it fascinating and witty and fun ~~ Edghill makes history breathe again. I am anxiously awaiting her next book!1-17-02

I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars. This author deserves high praise for this Biblical tale of King David's Queen Michal, daughter of King Saul. Starting from childhood Michal tells us of her love and obsession for David as it blossoms after his famous slaying of the giant Goliath. David has a silver tongue and a beguiling way that soon has the people enthralled with him.Michal learns the hard way that men will have their way and power is the game they play. It is in David's court that she learns to manipulate, while using her wits and beauty to play a game that is just as intricate and winning.This is a captivating story that will have you eager for more conspiracy and intrigue. This first book by India Edgehill will soon be followed by a sequel that will bring the reader into the court of King Solomon. ... 1/02/02