Roberta Kells Dorr

It's listening to and believing the voice of his God that changes the life of a man named Abram in Abraham and Sarah by author Roberta Kells Dorr. Abram heeds the voice's instruction to uproot from his city and go to a land that God will show him. To be headed on a journey without knowing exactly where he's going is challenging enough, and Abram has no explanation for his actions besides promises from a voice that no one else he knows--not even his wife, Sarai--can hear.

As far as Biblical show more Fiction goes, this is a rather interesting and eventful story, though the characters seem more like caricatures at times than believable people, almost like in old films where characterizations are dramatic but not always natural. Abram and Sarai are indeed Abram and Sarai for most of the book, as much happens before they can become Abraham and Sarah, and one aspect I liked most was seeing their time in Egypt from Sarai's point of view.

Although it's indeed interesting for the most part, the story's development is awkward at points, dragging and redundant in several places while some events I would think are important are hurried over or they essentially take place in the background. Also, for the vast majority of the reading, I found little enjoyable about Sarai/Sarah's character. Her cattiness toward her maid Hagar is tiresome but understandable, particularly given its biblical basis, but even outside of that, Sarah is mostly depicted as a brat. She's often in a huff or "bursting into tears," and though the promise of God addressing her barrenness would make her someone I'd wish to root for, her constant "head tossing" and spoiled, resentful attitude made her character what I liked least about this book--which is unfortunate, given her pivotal role.

Still, as a novel that was originally published decades ago, Biblical Fiction fans may find this story worth checking out, and the ending left me intrigued concerning what may unfold in the novel that follows, The Sons of Isaac.
_________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers for an honest review. show less

This book feels a bit self conscious but the story itself is one I've wondered about - how did Luke learn for the re-telling Mary's story ? what steps and travels led him to the stories he came to know? here's one way it could have happened .

Colm Toibin wrote of an alternative way in his The Testament of Mary that the disciples could have known and molded Mary's story for future generations - maybe both are possible? maybe neither? but Roberta Kells Dorr's Mary has found a peace that show more Toibin's Mary's grief will not allow. show less

"With only the two sons, he still believed his descendants would be as the stars in number and as the grains of sand. Of course both Abraham and Isaac had envisioned these descendants being perfect."

And yet, human beings consistently tend to be imperfect, as is the case with the descendants of Abraham in The Sons of Isaac by author Roberta Kells Dorr.

This novel continues the story begun in Abraham and Sarah, now focusing on the families of Abraham's promised son Isaac, and Isaac's twin sons, show more Jacob and Esau. What I enjoyed most in this novel is the look it takes at the significance and possible complications arising from the traditional birthright and blessing within the family lines and particularly the effect they have on Jacob--and on his mother, Rebekah. I also found it especially interesting to see Isaac's reaction to another people's practice of human sacrifice, considering Isaac's history.

I'd say that retelling the biblical saga of the generations directly after Abraham in novel form, and specifically in one novel, is no simple task. While several parts gave me meaningful pause, I thought others to be dragging or redundant, and still other parts are rushed, leaving little chance for the reader to get to know or care much about the various characters introduced. Some scenes relay the biblical material without really unpacking or developing it for the novel's sake. Also, the events toward the end don't lend themselves to the natural flow of a culminating climax, so it's as if the story eventually stops mainly because it has to stop somewhere.

Still, I enjoyed the read overall, and as with the book before it, other fans of Biblical Fiction should find this story worth checking out.
_________________
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Moody Publishers for an honest review. show less

Abraham and Sarah by Roberta Kells Dorr

This book gets off to a slow start to me. I like how Sarai is rescued from defilement by her half-brother, Abram, and the two are soon married. A curse was placed on Sarai that she would be barren. Abram his wife, Sarai and his family leave Ur because of the Elamites attacking. His brother Haran is killed and the family, except Nahor escape. Being lead by the promises if his God, Abram leads his family on a journey that he has no idea where he is going. show more They arrive in Egypt. Fearing for the lives, Abram lies to Pharaoh causing him to order a fleet of barges to take Abram and his large family to Tanis where they were to gather their servants and herds and leave Egypt. Sarai and Hagar. Hagar gives birth to a son. Abram's name changes to Abraham, exalted father. Sarai's name also was changed to Sarah, princess. Sarah gives birth to Isaac. The characters are intriguing. To have faith to leave all that you know and fell safe at, to go to some unknown place because God promised it to you is a life-altering faith and love. Pick up a copy today you will enjoy it. This is my first book by Roberta Kells Dorr. It is well written. The characters were portrayed well and convincingly. Her description of the country and surroundings was
I received a complimentary copy from MPnewsroom for my review. show less