Marvelous Metaphor
Kay Arthur has managed to weave a marvelously intricate tapestry of the saga of a Jewish family through three millinea that is at the same time historically accurate, deeply moving and highly readable.Although a work of fiction, it is based in historical fact. Although fictional, the characters come to life. The author draws the reader into the story with vivid detail and an emotional tie to the heroine. Her descriptions absolutely make the reader feel as if he were living in that moment in time.I read "Israel, My Beloved" just a few weeks after I had read "The Red Tent" by Anita Diamant, and can honestly say that "Israel" is on a par with "The Red Tent."Exposure for Arthur's book is limited mostly to Christian bookstores and the religion section of secular bookstores while Diamant's book has enjoyed a broader exposure of "best seller" status. I truly believe that if given adequate exposure, it would also be on the "best seller" list within a very short time.