Michal (The Wives of King David Book #1): (A Biblical Retelling of the Daughter of Saul)

Whilst I did enjoy reading this book in the beginning, towards the end I found myself becoming increasingly annoyed with the tone of the book. Spoilers* How Michal went from being so headstrong and confident to grovelling on the floor begging forgiveness after her husband killed her family members, I don't know? And to top it off he doesn't humbly accept her apology and then offer up his own, he simply acts like a pompous, smug git who will decide to forgive her if he feels like it. The last part of the book has an air of sexism about it which tries to validate itself through God, well I'm not buying it and I don't think think it left me with any divine inspiration other than to let people do horrible things to you and make you apologise for it?!

An interesting and well written take on the life of David, from Michal's perspective. The narrative winds its way through the bible stories of King David, filling the gaps with realistic possibilities. You get to feel you know the characters; and the events become more accessible. An enjoyable read. Brought this section of the bible to life for me.

First book I read of Jill Eileen Smith - I've tracked down all her other bible women biographical novels since and really enjoyed each one. Difficult historical material to work from for this first wife of King David, but she's managed to draw a very believable character that I did care about. Amazing how she draws that out of just a few verses, and loads of research into Iron Age Middle Eastern cooking, travelling and general lifestyle. Well worth the price.

Really enjoyed this book. Whilst it focussed on King David's first wife Michal it covered in great detail David life and his battles with Soul. It placed a lotof flesh on matters that were casually menitoned in the bible. Would recommend. Why not 4 stars? I felt some parts of the story jumped and other parts stretched.

Excellent book. The story brought the scriptures alive and made you look at them through Michal's eyes. Although it was fiction it could very much have been fact as the story kept in line with scripture and all the characters were believable. Once started couldnt stop reading. The book has so encaptured me i am now going to buy the next one in the series Abigail.

I would highly recommend this book. I've been taught the stories of King David all my life but never considered how Michal or any of his wives might feel. Jill Smith weaves scripture through this story with compassion leaving you feeling as if you know these people. I read this book in three days coming back to it whenever I could to read more, couldn't put it down! I will definitely read more of her work.

This book adds personal details that we could never fully understand as we read these accounts in the Bible alone. Obviously this is a novel but I have found it helpful to understand some of the hidden details and personal possibilities of the other characters that helped King David become the man with a heart after GOD. No way can any book replace the Bible but this is a good aid or way to help understand David's story better.

I really enjoyed this book. I have read similar books in the past and find them very useful in Bible study, helping you to actually think about the lives of these people at the time. Also helps you to understand the situation at that time better.