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A review by fiction_aficionado
Delilah: Treacherous Beauty by Angela Hunt
5.0
If you think you know the story of Samson and Delilah, read this book and think again. Despite being well acquainted with the Biblical account, I put this book down at the end (after dabbing at my eyes!) and thought, “Wow. I did not see that story coming.” (And I actually think the publisher's description gives a misleading impression of Delilah's character as it is presented in this book). Angela Hunt has looked beyond the scheming temptress and the strongman weakened by a woman’s wiles, to create eminently human – and relatable – characters who, despite their flaws, were used by God to work His will.
The story opens several years prior to Samson and Delilah’s relationship. Having grown up in Egypt as the daughter of a free woman of Cush and a Cretan sailor, seventeen-year-old Delilah is adjusting to life in Philistia following her mother’s recent marriage to a Philistine businessman. Meanwhile, Samson is arranging his marriage to a young woman of Timnah, against the advice of his parents, and his companion, Rei.
Right here, in these opening scenes, we get a glimpse of the vulnerability that drives these characters, and will eventually draw them together: a deep-seated sense of not truly belonging; of being alien. For Delilah, this comes from being a ‘mixed creature’ (to use her own words) of dark colouring. She has no living kin but her mother, and identifies with no single nation, tribe, or religion. For Samson, it is the mixed blessing of being chosen by God and set apart from birth. He is a judge of Israel, and a ‘freak’ (again, his words). And he is lonely.
When Delilah’s step-father dies unexpectedly, she and her mother find themselves at the mercy of their step-brother and step-son, Achish – a man for whom ‘mercy’ is a foreign concept. Delilah’s mother is sold into slavery, while Delilah remains in Achish’s household, subject to an even worse fate. After enduring for two months, she escapes, determined to make a life for herself as a free woman so that she can buy her mother out of slavery.
Delilah's journey takes her through Timnah, coinciding with Samson’s wedding, and on to the Valley of Sorek, to a widow who makes her living weaving fine textiles. The widow agrees to take her in, teaching her the weaving trade from the ground up. Literally. But all the while, Delilah yearns to revenge herself upon Achish, who is rapidly rising in prominence in Philistia. And who better to help exact this revenge but Samson, strongman and judge of Israel?
I won’t say any more and spoil the story, because even if you know the basics, this is a surprising and engrossing retelling. I loved that Samson and Delilah were portrayed so differently to the common perception; and convincingly so, thanks to the attention Hunt gave to the characters' motivations, circumstances, and emotional vulnerabilities. Most surprising of all, for me, was how uplifting the ending was, in spite of the circumstances. It showed Samson as a genuine, if imperfect, man of faith, and provided a beautiful picture of God’s mercy and grace to sinners.
This is a definite keeper for my Biblical fiction shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.
The story opens several years prior to Samson and Delilah’s relationship. Having grown up in Egypt as the daughter of a free woman of Cush and a Cretan sailor, seventeen-year-old Delilah is adjusting to life in Philistia following her mother’s recent marriage to a Philistine businessman. Meanwhile, Samson is arranging his marriage to a young woman of Timnah, against the advice of his parents, and his companion, Rei.
Right here, in these opening scenes, we get a glimpse of the vulnerability that drives these characters, and will eventually draw them together: a deep-seated sense of not truly belonging; of being alien. For Delilah, this comes from being a ‘mixed creature’ (to use her own words) of dark colouring. She has no living kin but her mother, and identifies with no single nation, tribe, or religion. For Samson, it is the mixed blessing of being chosen by God and set apart from birth. He is a judge of Israel, and a ‘freak’ (again, his words). And he is lonely.
When Delilah’s step-father dies unexpectedly, she and her mother find themselves at the mercy of their step-brother and step-son, Achish – a man for whom ‘mercy’ is a foreign concept. Delilah’s mother is sold into slavery, while Delilah remains in Achish’s household, subject to an even worse fate. After enduring for two months, she escapes, determined to make a life for herself as a free woman so that she can buy her mother out of slavery.
Delilah's journey takes her through Timnah, coinciding with Samson’s wedding, and on to the Valley of Sorek, to a widow who makes her living weaving fine textiles. The widow agrees to take her in, teaching her the weaving trade from the ground up. Literally. But all the while, Delilah yearns to revenge herself upon Achish, who is rapidly rising in prominence in Philistia. And who better to help exact this revenge but Samson, strongman and judge of Israel?
I won’t say any more and spoil the story, because even if you know the basics, this is a surprising and engrossing retelling. I loved that Samson and Delilah were portrayed so differently to the common perception; and convincingly so, thanks to the attention Hunt gave to the characters' motivations, circumstances, and emotional vulnerabilities. Most surprising of all, for me, was how uplifting the ending was, in spite of the circumstances. It showed Samson as a genuine, if imperfect, man of faith, and provided a beautiful picture of God’s mercy and grace to sinners.
This is a definite keeper for my Biblical fiction shelf.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Bethany House Publishers in exchange for my honest review.