Marek Halter takes the little information found in Deuteronomy about Zipporah and creates a wonderful novel which is not difficult to read, but is, in fact, well written. Halter tells the story from Zipporah's perspective, showing the Biblical events that lead to the Exodus in a new light. Wholly fictional, none should balk at the "liberties" taken by the author, in his re-creation of those time honored events. Having Zipporah be different from those around her worked well in the story, as it gave Moses a common experience with her. This broad certainly appreciated the strength and dignity Halter wrote into Zipporah. She was wise, faithful, humble, modest, and full of love, which are qualities to love in a heroine. That Zipporah was a real woman caught up in the other-worldly events unfolding around her family only furthered my appreciation of Halter's willingness to develop her character and story. Also, quite interesting was Halter's interpretation of the supporting characters. Jethro truly was a wise old sage, yet Halter added a mischievous hint, which made him more lovable. Sefoba and Orma, Zipporah's sisters, were opposite ends on the spectrum, with Sefoba loving and kind, and Orma selfish and cruel. Most surprising (although it shouldn't be from reading Deuteronomy...) were Aaron and Miriam, Moses' brother and sister. While holding Moses up as Yahweh's chosen, they simultaneously use, then disobey and devour the man. While claiming Yahweh as their righteous and just God, they perpetuate hate, prejudice, and injustice. Together, these characters set the backdrop for Zipporah as she strives to help her husband, Moses, sort through his separate pasts as an Egyptian prince, a Hebrew slave, and a foreign shepherd in Midian to embrace his destiny as the Deliverer of Yaweh.
Recommendation: ****_ (which is 4 out of 5 stars)
Zipporah, Wife of Moses, is the second book in the Canaan Trilogy by Halter. The first is called, Sarah, and the third, Lilah. I will definately check them out and offer reviews in the future.
~Moira
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