Salome

Historical fiction is most interesting when embellishing a biblical account, and this chronicle leading up to the death of John the baptist takes it to the top. Narrated by Salome, the teen-aged daughter of Herodias and Herod of Rome, Salome discloses why she danced for Herod Antipas and then demanded the head of the baptizer. The outline of the political rulers of Judea and Rome is intermixed with Salome's coming-of-age angst in the midst of the Herod family lineage. Fully developed characters make this a most memorable story. The author devotes two chapters to the baptizer, an honorable man who lives by example the adoration to his god, in sincerity of speech, and by urging others to repent by refraining from doing evil deeds. True grit keeps the reader's attention: teens will identify with getting lustful advances by unwanted suitors, as well as the awkward failings of idealism in themselves and others. Will Salome survive the atrocity she has committed? Can others forgive her? Can she forgive herself? What will become of her? You'll be compelled to speedread to the end of Salome's sad story.

While this book was well written and had an interesting take on the biblical story, I must say I found development lacking in some characters. Also, the romantic aspect of the novel was pretty sorry. As a story of redemption and political drama, the novel was satisfying. But as a romance, it seemed rushed and uninspiring. The most interesting romantic character, the Greek philosophy student, wasn't examined satisfyingly. Salome was attracted to him but then seemed to forget about him. This seemed somewhat unrealistic. One doesn't just forget about someone that one had feelings for. Salome's eventual marriage to her uncle was very disappointing, purely because his character wasn't examined fully. This was the most rushed aspect of all. Nonetheless, I gave this book four stars because I thought it intriguing and well written. I took away a star for the lack of development in some characters, particularly in the romantic aspect. Not to say other characters were not layered and interesting. My favorite character was probably Salome's mother who was willful, petty, selfish, but nonetheless irresistible.

Beatrice Gormley's SALOME tells the classic story of a seductive woman whose dances led to the beading of John the Baptist. This is her side, and tells of a girl's betrayals, search for friends in a strange land, and how she walked into a trap that would betray the ones she loved. An intriguing twist on the traditional Biblical story evolves.