The Bronze Bow, by Elizabeth George Speare

Starting off with a work of historical fiction that's one of my favorite historical books so far! The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare is a powerful story about one young man's quest for freedom in turbulent Rome-conquered Israel. 

Plot Summary: 

Hot-headed eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin hates the Romans who crowd his home of Galilee. Hiding up in the mountains away from his broken family, living with a band of outlaws, Daniel waits feverishly to revenge the death of his father. When he's forced to return to his home village by his grandmother's death, he resentfully takes care of his troubled sister Leah. But even the oppressed village there are opportunities to harass the Romans, and he and the like-minded boys of the village take every chance they get, swearing to fight "For God's Victory." But there's a strange carpenter, Jesus, who has mesmerized the village with his words. Daniel wants nothing to do with a man who will not fight. But Jesus may do more for him than Daniel realizes.

Discussion:

     I've read this book multiple times, and I enjoy it every time. The Bronze Bow is a stunning example of historical fiction that doesn't make you feel like you're reading a history book. This is probably due to the fact that it focuses so heavily on Daniel and his life and his personal quests. The story twists and turns, fresh challenges always arising to be overcome by Daniel. 

  Now for some in-depth character discussions.  Hot-headed and hasty, Daniel is a very real character with a temper and a smoldering longing for freedom. When Daniel's friends Joel and Malthace read portions of the Scriptures to him, Daniel finds them attractive, but exemplifies the typical Jewish mind of the time by not finding Jesus impressive. He expects a king who will drive the Romans out, and is disappointed and doubtful of Jesus, especially since Jesus preaches love. 

    Daniel's not the only richly drawn character. Joel bar Hezron, Daniel's eager friend, is another example. Although not fueled by a personal quest for revenge, Joel is fired at the thought of defying the Romans. He's more drawn to Jesus than is Daniel, but still doubts because of his legalistic Jewish training as a rabbi's son. 

     Joel's sister Malthace (Thacia) is likewise fiery in spirit for a girl. She doesn't want simply to get married and care for a home like other girls. She's passionate and impulsive, and as eager to get rid of the Romans as her brother. Granted, it's probably a little unrealistic that a girl in those times would have this mind-set, but Thacia is a delightfully spirited character who I personally loved reading about. 

    Leah, Daniel's younger sister, is a little more of a typical girl, except that as a young girl she was traumatized by the horrific deaths of many of her family members. Ever since, she's stayed in her home, never leaving, rarely speaking. The villagers whisper that she's haunted by demons. Daniel manages to draw the shy girl out of the shadows a little, and Leah develops as a lovely, gentle young woman with skillful hands, but she is still vulnerable and delicate, and Daniel must protect her closely. 

   There's Samson, the mute slave who Daniel rescued from a slave trader. Mockingly nicknamed Samson for his terrific strength, the slave serves Daniel with his life. There's Rosh, the leader of the mountain outlaws who believes that the shepherds of the village should be willing to give up their sheep to the men who will (some day, sometimes) free Israel from the Romans. Marcus, the German soldier forced to fight for the Romans and who understands Daniel even as Daniel resents him. These are just a few of the many characters to start with.  

  

Overall: I love this book, and I highly recommend it! There is some violence occasionally, so probably it's best for ages 11-12-up. If you haven't read this book, I encourage you to give it a try. :)