Forty Days

by Sp

[Angie]

Growing up in a Christian school, I'm very familiar with the story of Noah's Ark. I've heard it too many different ways to remember, but none were like Forty Days. The author has taken a well known story and turned it into some kind of awesome, exciting, historical, apocalyptic tale. Despite my upbringing, I would not consider myself a religious person at all. I have to say that you definitely don't need to be religious to enjoy this one! The author also includes a very well written Author's Note that explains the context in which she's writing the story, and a note on how she chooses to capitalize "God." She handles it all very respectfully.

Neima and her family are not exactly looked upon with favor in their village. Her grandfather Noah has been building an ark since before she was born and their neighbors find it quite the eyesore. Noah has been determined a mad man, because he claims God spoke to him and instructed him to build this ark. Her grandfather's actions have left Neima almost friendless and without any marriage prospects except for her jackass of a cousin, Keenan. However, once the worst rain in history hits, perhaps Noah isn't so crazy?

Once we're on the ark with Neima and her family, the author doesn't spare us any of the more unpleasant details. I mean, this is an ancient ark, not a luxury cruise liner. Motion sickness hits the family as well as the animals that they have stored, so things get messy very quickly. Life on the ark has caused Neima to consider the possibility that her grandfather's God is in fact the one God, but she has trouble coming to terms with the fact that he would destroy everyone but her family. She's also on edge because she feels like someone is watching her, and she wants to avoid Keenan at all costs. Luckily, she's good with a knife.

I really enjoyed Forty Days. Even though I knew it would abruptly end, as the story is split into two books, I was still shocked to reach the end. I was completely engrossed in the story, and the ending is quite a major cliffhanger. I do have hope that everything will work out, but who knows, since the author has completely re-imagined this classic tale!