Of Fire and Lions

by Mesu Andrews

[phyllish]

Freedom despite captivity

Mesu Andrews brings the book of Daniel to life in this exciting tale. Not content to have her characters molded perfectly, without flaw, for her readers to wish they could emulate, she carves them out of flesh and blood and makes them fully human. She took the Biblical account and made it come to life for me more than than it has in the past as I considered even more the things the captives would have seen and experienced.

Belili, also known as Abigail, was one of the captives wrested from her life in Jerusalem and brought to Babylon in the company of Daniel and three other princes to whom she became a handmaiden. Despite an amazing encounter, when she later found herself deserted and alone, she allowed fear to dictate her choices and lead her into a life which she wished she could tuck away and hide from. And for decades she was able to do just that. Her fears and shame controlled her and the secrets she couldn't share caused her children to despise her.

The author's portrayal of Daniel was simply amazing! I hesitate to say much, not that I think you don't know his story, but because I don't want to give away the things you wouldn't know about this story. The way she made him both more human and more admirable was nothing short of masterful. And quite encouraging.

I imagine one of the hardest things about writing historical fiction is potentially taking people's preconceived ideas and tossing them out the window. There were a few things, especially at the beginning when Abigail is escaping from the palace at her Ima's command, that made me think "but that's not possible!" "If she had done that. . ." And yet I could also think of why it could be possible after I stopped to consider. Because of what David. . . And what the Babylonian soldiers did. . .

Early on, I determined to read without judging too quickly and to see where the author was going with this. I know that she has studied the events and the history surrounding this period much more than I ever have. I'm not saying I threw out everything I know. I balanced what I read with what I know of Scripture and of God's nature. As long as there was nothing contradicting these two things, I would not stop reading.

And once I made that determination, I found myself getting wrapped up deeper and deeper in this incredible story that had me pondering things I have not pondered before. Potential reactions and motivations. And where was Daniel when his friends refused to bow to the image? Why wasn't he cast into the furnace with them? The author's suggestion was actually quite surprising.

While it was all extremely touching, one of the most impacting passages in this story for me was the depiction of the events during the seven years King Nebuchadnezzar was transformed and of when that time was over, I was nearly brought to tears.

One of the themes I keep seeing in my Bible reading this year, more than any other, is God's longsuffering and the way He forgives again and again and again and again. The story of His faithfulness to His people even as they were in the exile imposed on them for their faithlessness is one that should have all of us humbled and awed - because isn't that our story as well? Of Fire and Lions shows so clearly God's patience with us and His love that is always ready to accept our repentance and forgive.

This story of fiery trials, shame, guilt, treachery, forgiveness, and faith is one that should not be missed!

I was given a copy of this book. I was not required to give a favorable review nor was any money received for this review. All comments and opinions are my own.