Have you ever wondered how Sarah met Abraham? Or, are you curious about what it would be like to “date” and marry the Patriarch?
If you want to know what went on behind closed doors (or closed tent flaps), you are sure to thoroughly enjoy reading Marek Halter’s latest novel, Sarah . Written originally in French, it’s now available in English for romance lovers around the world.
Sarah is set at the dawn of time in the
ancient Mesopotamian, city of Ur. The reader first encounters the legendary Sarah on the brink of womanhood. Through her eyes the reader participates in fascinating, ancient, religious rites revolving around menstruation, betrothal, and marriage. At the tender age of 12, Sarah is promised (by her father), to an older man who is a complete stranger to our heroine. Terrified of the impending nuptials, she flees from her bridegroom and commits an act so terrible that she regrets it for the rest of her life. Sarah’s impetuous, adolescent behavior sets in motion a series of events, which ultimately lead her to the love of her life, Abraham.
The author vividly portrays the young and beautiful Sarah as an enticing high
priestess to the goddess Ishtar. After marrying Abraham, Sarah abandons her idol worshipping ways. However, she continues to remain skeptical about Abraham’s belief in one God. This early characterization of Sarah as a pagan high priestess may be rather troubling for those who consider Sarah to be the mother of monotheism. Frankly, this uncensored version of Genesis is so provocative that Sarah herself is probably blushing in her tomb. All that I can suggest is that the readers remind themselves that this is historical fiction and not the gospel.
Romantics, who wish to experience Sarah to the fullest are advised to suspend disbelief and read this novel by candle light while nibbling on warm pita, hummus and goat cheese. Enjoy!