Bathsheba by Angela Hunt

I've read a couple of books in the last few days, and after the disappointing Go Set A Watchman by Harper Lee (that's for another day - I can't even talk about it right now), I just finished Bathsheba by Angela Hunt. I received a complimentary copy from the publisher so I could review it on my blog, and although I tried to read it with a truly critical eye, I just plain enjoyed it.

I'll admit, I was intrigued by this one because I read Hunt's interpretation of Esther back in the spring. The title of this one is deceptive, though, because it's less about Bathsheba and more about King David, which I thought was an interesting way of shaping his character by using the other characters as a framework. The two points of view are Bathsheba's and Nathan the Prophet's, and I enjoyed the contrast of the two. I thought the backstory that painted Nathan in love with her was a bit of a far stretch and a tad too contrived, but aside from that, their voices were believable.

I was expecting a bit of scandal, since every church girl ever knows that Bathsheba was a hussy who seduced the poor God-fearing king while he was home from battle. I enjoyed my narrow point of view being challenged on this one, as the author ran with a lot of "what ifs" that I found intriguing. What if Bathsheba adored her husband Uriah and was taken by force? What if David spent the rest of his marriage to her trying to win her forgiveness? What if God chastises the people he really loves more harshly because he expects more of them?

All in all, I enjoyed this one. It was a quick read, and although I already knew the big picture, I thought the author succeeded with the details she painted in. It's worth a read!