Love Amid the Ashes by Mesu AndrewsThis book is a little difficult to assign stars. The story is classic and widely known as this is a retelling of the story of Job in the bible. I liked lots about this story. I liked the history - how the author fit the story into biblical history. I think creating real believable characters is never easy for writers but it’s made that much more difficult when they are historical figures from the bible! I found that two of the main characters (Job and Dinah) hard to imagine in real life. Their only faults - that neither has enough confidence and always thinks they are not worthy. It is a sad story but there are too many scenes describing tears and quivering chins for my taste. I do feel like I have a better understanding of this ancient and powerful story. Wonderfully researched and well written. Tells the story of Dinah and Job. A story never told in Sunday school classes. It takes the story of Job in the Bible to a whole new level. It brings the characters to life. Tells of their narrow mindedness in regards to women but also of the culture of the time. Dinah is virtually blameless in her encounter in Shechem especially of the murderous behavior of her brothers. They are never brought to justice for their actions but she is the one baring the shame. It depicts the image of women at the time and how easily gossip and innuendo can distort the truth. Dinah is a virtuous woman,a healer and a believer in Yahweh but she is still shamed and reminded daily of her guilt daily by even her father. Jacob and Esau are not the Godly men depicted in the biblical accounts but very real men with faults and sibling rivalries dating from childhood. Not even Isaac's death can keep them from shouting at each other. Dinah is the one who sticks by Job in his affliction and stays true to her nature, even winning the friendship of Job's wife. The story is realistic, well researched from documented historical accounts and written with a look at the human side of these men and women of history. The story all ties together and follows Job as he regains his life and his health. it's good to read an historical account of the biblical stories and watch these ancient peoples come to life.
This book will never leave me. Great story with vivid and memorable scenes.
—Jos
A fictional story of their faith and love between Job & Dinah.
—kebbard
Great fictional view of Job's life.
—Ali1234
Hard to finish.
—nichay
