Title: Deborah Rising: A Novel Inspired by the Bible
Author: Avraham Azrieli
Publisher: HarperLegend
ISBN: 9780062563552
Pages: 224
Genre: Literary / Religious
Reviewed by: John Murray
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Pacific Book Review
History is marked by unique women that shattered the status quo and leaves an impact that rings through the ages. Joan of Arc, Catherine the Great, Eleanor Roosevelt. Add to that list the first recorded woman in history to lead a nation: Deborah. In “Deborah Rising,” Author Avraham Azrieli fleshes out the backstory of the Bible’s only female judge. Not much is known about Deborah, but Azrieli sets down a captivating fictionalized life story for this incredible woman.
Deborah’s story begins when her sister is stoned after her husband, the sadistic son of a Judge, claimed she wasn’t a virgin on their wedding night. After losing her parents and watching her sister’s brutal execution, Deborah refuses to face a similar fate. The son claims her as his next wife, securing her family’s land for his own. A local slave tells the tale of an Elixirist who concocted a potion that transforms women into men. Deciding that would solve all her problems, she escapes and begins an arduous journey to the mysterious Elixirist with very little information to go on. Along the way she befriends lepers, fends off warring tribes, and barely reaches the town where the Elixirist was last seen.
Deborah’s story is fascinating. Period. The society and legal system around her view women as barely more than cattle—often worse than cattle. Gifted with intelligence but hampered by lack of education, Deborah struggles to maintain a brave face while fighting for her very survival. Her goal of transforming into a man seems outlandish. Sadly, it was the only viable option as she faces a certain death by refusing her future husband, submitting to him and facing execution, or running into the night. Armed with a slowly building strength and immense willpower, Deborah doggedly seeks any means of survival.
Despite a lack of solid information about Deborah before her appearance in the Book of Judges, Azrieli pens a believable and engrossing account of Deborah’s life. As this is the first book in series, Azrieli has a mighty life to pen. She rose to power in a world dominated by men, became a Prophet of the God of the Israelites, commanded an army, and ruled for 40 years. 40 years of rest in a land beset by turmoil. With such big shoes to fill, Azrieli seems to be right on course for chronicling the life of one of the Bible’s and history’s greatest women.
