Judah's Wife: A Novel of the Maccabees by Angela Hunt ~ Book Review

Synopsis

Seeking peace and safety after a hard childhood, Leah marries Judah, a strong and gentle man, and for the first time in her life Leah believes she can rest easily. But the land is ruled by Antiochus IV, descended from one of Alexander the Great's generals, and when he issues a decree that all Jews are to conform to Syrian laws upon pain of death, devout Jews risk everything to follow the law of Moses.

Judah's father resists the decree, igniting a war that will cost him his life. But before dying, he commands his son to pick up his sword and continue the fight--or bear the responsibility for the obliteration of the land of Judah. Leah, who wants nothing but peace, struggles with her husband's decision--what kind of God would destroy the peace she has sought for so long? 

The miraculous story of the courageous Maccabees is told through the eyes of Judah's wife, who learns that love requires courage...and sacrifice.

Review 

I picked this book up because I am fascinated by the Maccabees. It's so amazing how devoted the Maccabees were to Adonai, in a world full of paganism. 

The characters were very complex. My favorite was Judah. He was humble, and strived to follow Adonai always. When he made a mistake, he was willing to admit he was wrong, and willing to ask for forgiveness. 

This book is not for kids under 15. The period of history the Maccabees lived in was a violent, gruesome time. However, what I liked about this book is that the author didn't portray evil as good, and she didn't focus on or glorify the evil. Nothing was overly graphic. 

This book was well researched and well written. It shows the fight to keep Adonai's ways, and to stay pure and set apart for Him. It shows the cost for standing up for what the Bible says is right.

The Maccabees story is one of struggles, triumphs, sorrows, and miracles. It shows how God fights for us. 4.5 stars!