UNDER THE CLOUD
A novel by Violet Nesdoly
Reviewed by Elma Schemenauer
Some people store computer files "in the cloud." Thousands of years ago, Zamri travelled under a different kind of cloud. In the words of this novel about her, "It is Yahweh's (God's) glory come down."
Zamri is fifteen years old when the story begins. Like many young women, she struggles with her identity and role in life. She wants to be a leader. She has a prime example in Moses, who is leading her and the other Israelites through the desert to the Promised Land. Other examples include Aaron, Caleb, and Joshua. But the leader who inspires Zamri most is Miriam, sister of Moses and Aaron.
Unfortunately, she doesn't know how to be like Miriam. Also, her love life isn't great. She loves a young man named Pallu, but loses him in tragic circumstances. She marries Elah, but yearning for her first love keeps her from loving her husband as she should. Zamri longs for a child, but can't conceive.
Her path in life isn't smooth, but her faith in God grows through dealing with the challenges she faces. And near the end of the story, her dream of being like Miriam comes true in a surprising way.
This book begins with a list giving the names of the characters and their relationships to each other. The list also indicates which ones are mentioned in the Bible and which are fictional.
At the end of the novel are questions for discussion. Chapter-by-chapter endnotes give the Biblical references on which the story's incidents are based.
Nesdoly writes in a clear, straightforward style. Her novel is well researched, and helps readers experience Biblical events and developments through the eyes of the characters involved. Zamri's story explores themes that are as relevant now as they were then, for example, identity, coming of age, disappointment, doubt, and faith.
A few sentences in the novel seem too modern for the time. Examples: "Don't let her get to you." "Keep the long view in mind." "I tuned into Moses again." However, this is a minor quibble. UNDER THE CLOUD is available on Amazon.ca (Canadian) at https://www.amazon.ca/dp/0973584211/ & on Amazon.com (American) at https://tinyurl.com/y9jwzp3m
No comments:
Post a Comment