Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.
While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?
Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture--a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.
Joseph is the prince in this book's title, and the prodigal refers to his brother Judah, who suffers from tremendous guilt. This story suggests what might have happened during the years that Judah was apart from his family, and it's reminiscent of another prodigal son. Judah does decide to return home, but he doesn't know how his father will greet him. His return is emotional, and this is one of many emotional scenes in The Prince and the Prodigal. Smith also includes some unpleasant topics, but she doesn't go into explicit detail, and we certainly know that God's Word also dealt with unpleasant topics!
This is an intriguing look at Joseph's betrayal and Judah's overwhelming guilt, but we also get a look at several others who were part of this history. It's a wonderful introduction to those who aren't familiar with Joseph's story, and it offers a different perspective for those who are. I found myself going back to the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, to read the many chapters that deal with Joseph and his family, and this is meant as a compliment. If you enjoy biblical fiction, you will want to read The Prince and the Prodigal!
I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?
Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture--a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.
MY THOUGHTS.....
I'm aware of this author's ability to weave fictional details and biblical history together, but this book has truly made me a believer! Jill Eileen Smith tells the well-known story of Jacob, the special love that he had for his son Joseph, and the intense jealousy that was inspired by Jacob's obvious favoritism. Jacob's other sons allowed their jealousy to turn to hatred and prompted them to commit an act of deceit that forever changed their family and biblical history. I've always been fascinated with Joseph's story, with his coat of many colors, but Smith's imagination has given me a different perspective. As I read it, I could imagine Jacob's grief and I could feel Joseph's fear and disbelief that his brothers would do this to him. Smith offers a stunning depiction of the betrayal, Joseph's indignation that he was now a slave, and his amazement about achieving such prominence in Egypt. Finally, Joseph understands, and believes, that God had truly been guiding him along the way.
'I never imagined the dreams meant this, Adonai. It is beyond my understanding that You would allow me to care for my family in this way.'
This is an intriguing look at Joseph's betrayal and Judah's overwhelming guilt, but we also get a look at several others who were part of this history. It's a wonderful introduction to those who aren't familiar with Joseph's story, and it offers a different perspective for those who are. I found myself going back to the book of Genesis in the Old Testament, to read the many chapters that deal with Joseph and his family, and this is meant as a compliment. If you enjoy biblical fiction, you will want to read The Prince and the Prodigal!
I received a copy of this book from Revell. There was no obligation for a favorable review. These are my own thoughts.
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and The Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.
When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
Learn more at Jill's Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling, award-winning author of the Wives of King David series, the Daughters of the Promised Land, the Wives of the Patriarchs, and The Loves of King Solomon series. Her research has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times.
When she isn’t writing, she loves to spend time with her family and friends, read stories that take her away, ride her bike to the park, snag date nights with her hubby, try out new restaurants, or play with her lovable, “helpful” cat Tiger. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan.
Learn more at Jill's Website Facebook Twitter Instagram
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