Daughter of Ishmael

by Diane Stringam Tolley

[sstaley]

This historical fiction book is based on people from The Book of Mormon, a book that members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS) believe to be scripture. Many of the characters in this story, mainly the women, are not discussed as much in the actual Book of Mormon. This is what I enjoyed greatly in Daughter of Ishmael in that we got to know the strong women behind the men.


The story is told through many years, from the time main character Hannah is a young girl until she is a grown woman. All along you can see that Hannah is a very loyal, brave, and dedicated daughter, sister, wife, and servant of the Lord. The author writes about all of Ishmael's family and how they eventually leave Jerusalem with Father Lehi's family.


This story flows so well from chapter to chapter as it engages the reader into the heart of both families. I had a hard time putting the book down. It is over 300 pages, but I never felt like the story was bogged down with details as the pacing of the book was perfect. The character's relationships with each other take center stage in this novel, as family members decide whether or not Father Lehi and Nephi are Prophets of God. I aways love to see scenes from The Book of Mormon brought to life in a novel where you can see how people are thinking and feeling about what is happening.


The overall message I was left with, is how truly the choices we make not only affect our lives, but also those of our children. I also was greatly touched by how as we keep the commandments of God our lives will be blessed. This beautiful perspective of familiar Book of Mormon stories will be faith promoting to those that read the book. Anyone, LDS or not, could enjoy reading this compelling novel of a strong woman being tested by the trials of life.