This is the story of Hannah and Elkanah, two very interesting Biblical characters who went through a lot as they longed for and prayed for Samuel. Hannah is heartbroken over her barren state and when Elkanah finally gives into his mother's demands, well.... Peninnah is anything but what either he or Hannah needs.
I'm giving this book 4.5 stars. The Biblical story comes to life in a whole new way on these pages. Most startling to me was possibly how wicked and corrupt Hophni and Phinehas were. I mean, I knew, but I didn't know... you know??? And I just enjoyed getting to... (ugh, words are not happening!).... The story is so short in the Bible and I always wanted more to this story. And I think that Jill really does an impressive job with keeping her books fairly accurate. Also, can I say that I would have liked to strangle Peninnah! Isn't that horrid, but my goodness, she was making me angry! Seeing (what? Wow... I think I was a little bit invested in this one...) Hannah go through all this and seeing her struggles were so poignant. Poor Elkanah too, although he only gets like half a sympathy point because someone couldn't hold out against his mama.... The characters in this book were all so changing. No one ended the story where they started. I think the biggest shock was (POSSIBLE SPOILER ALERT... I DON'T KNOW!) in Elkanah's mom. Overall, a delight to read, and a beautiful story of God's answers to prayer.
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