Book Review of “Star of Persia” by Jill Eileen Smith
First off, I must say that “Star of Persia”–“Esther’s Story” is more than just another re-telling of the biblical story of Esther. Though it indeed is that, it is so much more. It is a story that adds historical and imaginative accounts to the biblical truth in a way that draws the reader in from the very first page and holds their interest until the very last page, actually the story stays in one’s mind, lingering, long after that last page.
Jill Eileen Smith does a wonderful job of making each character come alive and seem real, bringing the reader to form a relationship with each one. The story is about Esther, but it is also about Mordecai, her uncle and his wife and family. It is about King Xerxes,and his thoughts and feelings, not only as a King, but also as a person. It is about Queen Vashti and Queen Amestris, the two queens before Esther and how each of them react to their roles in the kingdom. It is also about the servants, maids and eunachs under the King’s rule, plus, of course, Haman and all the political undertones of those days.
Each character is revealed to the reader through their thoughts and actions making the story come alive more than if it were just told by Esther herself. One sees how the thoughts, feelings and actions people have not only effect how they live their lives, but also how they effect others lives around them. One also sees how God often works in the background to bring about His plans and purposes even though people think He’s absent.
Jill Eileen Smith shows the reader what is happening on each page rather than just telling them, as she weaves fiction with truth into a wonderful story which is biblically based but also formed from historical facts.
Though I have read the bible story many times and a few other fiction and non-fiction books that have been written about Esther, I have to say that this book “Star of Persia” is one of the most inspirational, informative, interesting and imaginative fictional works on Esther that I have ever read. It also clearly shows God weaving His plan and purpose for Esther’s life and His people, the Jews, lives throughout each event. Plus the title and the cover are most intriguing and eye catching.
I highly recommend this book, it’s a page turner that will not disappoint you.
I was given a copy of this book free by Revell Publishing in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.
–Leona J. Atkinson