Brave: (An Old Testament Historical Biblical Fiction about King David’s Wives Ahinoam and Abigail) (King David’s Brides)

Most people are probably familiar with the Biblical story of King David, or at least the basic elements of it. His fight with Goliath is famous enough to serve as shorthand for a fight against near-impossible odds, and his pursuit of Bathsheba, while less known in popular culture, has been featured in some songs and videos. Mesu Andrews, however, has delved into his story far more deeply, enough to create a series about his various wives.

The first, Brave follows Ahinoam, a woman I had not heard of before but who proves a fascinating figure. She is as brave as the title implies, and it is that courage which serves as the heart of the story and the heart of David’s love for her.

It isn’t only a love story, however. It is also a story of deep faith and history. While readers already familiar with the Biblical Book of Samuel will have the easiest time following the story, Andrews has brought the ancient Middle East to life with such vibrancy that readers will find themselves transported to the past and fascinated by a part of ancient history rarely told.