Review: The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith

 

About:

Two brothers. One betrayal.

The patriarch Jacob has made it no secret that young Joseph is his favorite son. Growing up as the pampered heir to his father's legacy, Joseph thrives under the praise of his father but struggles with the disdain of his older brothers, especially Judah. When a chance comes along to rid themselves of Joseph, his brothers sell him to slave traders and deceive their father about his fate.

Joseph, now serving the captain of Pharaoh's palace guard, is imprisoned after being falsely accused of rape. Back home, Judah leaves his father and builds a new life in Canaan, attempting to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother.

Decades later, the brothers will come face-to-face, and this time Joseph has the upper hand. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

My Thoughts:

This is the story of Jacob's children, mostly from the viewpoint of Joseph and Judah. Not too long ago I read another story about the relationship of Jacob and his wives, (by another author,) and this story almost felt like a continuation of that one.  This story mainly of Joseph and Judah, shows the contrast between these two brothers and the lives they led. Author Smith puts all the Bible parts into this story as she weaves her own fictional 'what if's' around them.

After spending some time with this family, all I can say was what a dysfunctional one it is. The wives, who were blood sisters, did not get along. Even adding in a few concubines and this animosity passes on to the kids. And for anyone who knows the sins of Jacob's sons before they even sell their own brother, wow. I always felt bad for Joseph and what he went through, and the author really gets us inside his head and seeing the hatred his own brothers had towards him. Unfortunately, the continuation of sin.

Joseph who was sold as a slave, imprisoned, and then comes to be second in charge to Pharaoh, shows how one can hang on to their faith no matter what may come. What Joseph went through to save his family and a lot of the world from starvation shows God's powerful hand in man's affairs. No matter good or evil. 

Now Judah, the prodigal, had certainly made some unbelievable mistakes. But in God's mercy he was to have Jesus, the Savior, come through his line. This was a very interesting way to show how God loves all his children, no matter what evil may befall on them or what evil they may be responsible for. There is a lot to consider and think about and I think this story would really make a great book club addition.

I was provided a copy of this novel from the publisher. I was not required to post a positive review and all views and opinions are my own.

About the Author:

Jill Eileen Smith is the bestselling and award-winning author of the biblical fiction series The Wives of King David, Wives of the Patriarchs, and Daughters of the Promised Land, as well as The Heart of a King, Star of Persia: Esther's Story, and Miriam's Song. She is also the author of the nonfiction books When Life Doesn't Match Your Dreams and She Walked Before Us. Her research into the lives of biblical women has taken her from the Bible to Israel, and she particularly enjoys learning how women lived in Old Testament times. Jill lives with her family in southeast Michigan. Learn more at www.jilleileensmith.com.