Israel, My Beloved: A Novel

Rating:
Summary: Baruch HaShem !
Review: Baruch HaShem ! Praise the Name of the Lord. This book gives a deeper understanding of the love of God. Being a Jew (a Jewish believer in Messiah Yeshua -- Jesus) this book touched me deeply. It tells the history of the Jewish people in a unique way. It also speaks of our own human nature. If this book cost 10 times more, it would still be worth every penny. I pray the book blesses you.

Rating:
Summary: Long and dull
Review: Honestly, this book doesn't cut it. Several interesting things happen, but they are muted by scene changes and poor dialogue. The one thing that infuriates me the most about the book (which I closed mid-way) is that whenever a good conversation begins one of the characters has to leave. I don't know how time-driven ancient Israeli culture was, but I doubt people were checking their watches and running to the synagogue. I wish Kay had been more character focused and less history driven when she wrote this.

Rating:
Summary: A major disappointment
Review: I bought this book to read on a trip to Israel. What really bothered me was her treatment of Jesus as Messiah. She never states it, not even when He returns at the end. There was a significant opportunity to witness here, and she failed to come close. Also, she is not fair in her portrayal of Christians pertaining to the Jewish people. Yes, there was systematic persecution at the hands of supposed Christians. This is historic and undeniable. And she does portray the heroic efforts of true Christians to help during the holocaust. But no mention is made of our current era...with Christians supporting Israel in many, many, ways. So, although the book was well written and clever I can't support it.

Rating:
Summary: a good fictional setting with Historical presence
Review: I really like this book, it is in depth and helps me to be able to place biblical times in terms of History able to understand and remember, I really enjoy the story and the ever knowing of God's unconditional, faithful, unfailing love, remembering we are engraved on the palm of His hand.

I like the History. I can read any book for the story of characters any time.

Rating:
Summary: A Beloved Story!
Review: I saw Kay Arthur on tv doing a series on the covenant and really enjoyed the way she explained things. She mentioned that she wrote a book called Israel, My Beloved, so I was curious.

I'm glad I brought the book.

The story covers a time span from Jeremiah the prophet to the not too distant future. It deals with marriage, faithfulness and infidility, slavery, idolatry, suffering, hope.

At times it was quite hard to read - I never knew the history of Jewish people (outside of the bible and excluding World War II). It was if nothing else, a brilliant look into the history of a nation.

But it was more than that. Kay Arthur has a wonderful way with words, taking quite complex and difficult subject matters (for example the rape of women at the hands of an invading force), and doesn't make it sordid or weak. I really enjoyed reading this book and felt a little sad when I finished the last page.

This is a wonderful book. You won't regret buying it!

Rating:
Summary: Love Kay's Bible studies but this book has Big problems!!!!!
Review: I've known about the Old Testament almost my whole life. I've even read a lot of it. But NOTHING helped me understand the story of God's people like Israel, My Beloved. Not only does it give you a vivid picture of history according to the Jews, but it also helps you see God's heart for his people. Now when I read books in the Bible, I feel like I know the authors! This book inserts you into history and makes you feel like you've lived it personally. I met a Jewish store owner in Jerusalem who helped Kay Arther with Jewish perspective when she was writing the book. He himself said it turned out to be a brilliant book. Keep in mind that the majority of this book IS from a B.C. Jewish perspective, so the minimal mention of Jesus is to be expected. She didn't want to write it from a Christian point of view. It wasn't meant to be a witnessing tool, but a glimps into an epic story that ultimately shaped the world we live in today.

Rating:
Summary: Marvelous Metaphor
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: If you desire to understand the Bible - especially Israel &
Review: prophecy this book will thrill you!It took just a bit to realize who Sarah was-what a great way to present this history.I couldn't put it down for three days-it is brilliantly written & so full of Jewish tradition I thought the writer was Jewish. You will feel the pain of God's people throughout time - you will see his hand working & his enduring love!Drama, murder, mystery, romance, war-such characters(Just like the Bible)! Share this book with your friends-what a blessing it will be!I read many books - this is one of my top 10.

Rating:
Summary: Only half way through and love it!
Review: What a treasure "Israel, My Beloved" is! I read it over 2-3 days - I just could not put it down. I have shared it with all of my "reading buddies" and they all come to the same conclusion. You will never look at the Jewish nation again in the same way after reading this book. The mix of Biblical accounts as well as historical events makes this book stand head and shoulders above the rest. I would love to see Mrs. Arthur write other books along these lines (examples: the stories of Ruth, Esther, and Mary the Mother of Jesus). Someday I would like to meet Mrs. Arthur in person and let her know how very much I enjoyed her book. I am an avid reader. and besides my Bible, Israel my Beloved is truly the best book I have ever read.