Rating: 
Summary: Very Enjoyable Read
Review: I'm very familiar with Card's SF, and his Alvin Maker series, so I expected this to be good. But I was wrong --- it was outstanding! By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and even Pharoah --- or at least Card's "take" on these ancients. He also provided very plausible reasons why little or no archaeological evidence exists for Israel in Egypt, and for the absence of the name of Moses in Egyptian monuments.Some might be put off or puzzled about the foreknowledge of the Messiah displayed by Moses in the novel. In fact, the Bible itself displays such foreknowledge and even says "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) The fact is, the Israelites expected the Messiah, and knew at least something of his mission, and the Jews still do. So why wouldn't Moses know? My only problem with the book was that it ended before it should have. But that doesn't detract from the 5 stars I'm giving it.
Rating:
Summary: Very Enjoyable Read
Review: I'm very familiar with Card's SF, and his Alvin Maker series, so I expected this to be good. But I was wrong --- it was outstanding! By the end of the book, I felt like I knew Moses, Aaron, and Miriam, and even Pharoah --- or at least Card's "take" on these ancients. He also provided very plausible reasons why little or no archaeological evidence exists for Israel in Egypt, and for the absence of the name of Moses in Egyptian monuments. Some might be put off or puzzled about the foreknowledge of the Messiah displayed by Moses in the novel. In fact, the Bible itself displays such foreknowledge and even says "Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3:7) The fact is, the Israelites expected the Messiah, and knew at least something of his mission, and the Jews still do. So why wouldn't Moses know? My only problem with the book was that it ended before it should have. But that doesn't detract from the 5 stars I'm giving it.
Rating:
Summary: A life-changing trek in the desert
Review: I've never had any religious education, and it's always been hard for me to make a mental picture of God, the Son, and of Moses. Through the story of Moses's life, Orson Scott Card manages to show God and his intentions, and the place of the Son. It's a moving journey into a better, cleaner, healthier vision of mankind and its purpose on earth. What's more, it's a brilliant novel, with vivid characters that give the reader the impression of living along with them, experiencing all they experience. This is Card's gift: to make us live with the characters in a universe worth knowing, a universe that very often has a deep impact on our way of seeing things, sometimes even on our way of living.
Rating:
Summary: Card at his spiritual best
Review: It is only lately that I have started to find truly insightful fiction on the stories of the Bible, and so far 'Stone Tables' tops my list, which includes OSC's own 'Sarah' and Anita Diamant's 'The Red Tent.' Being LDS myself the theological and religious views were not new to me (and being such, I take much of the biblical story as written at face value--unlike others), but the way OSC presented it was a look at the timeless concepts of doubt, faith, prayer, and sin for a people whose problems and stories, at one time, seemed so distant and unreal. I especially enjoyed the love story between Moses and Zeporah. It was particularly satisfying to see Moses (a prophet of God, no less) motivated to make himself worth to marry such a spiritual, strong, and intelligent woman. But Card writes more than a spiritually uplifting novel. He works with the Bible's gaps and inconsistencies in the story, shaping solutions that make sense: Aaron's explanation of how the calf just 'came out'; why Pharaoh's daughter would adopt an Israelite child; why Moses fell from grace despite his position; why the Israelites, despite the obvious miracles that caused their freedom, would rebel against God. Even though the solutions Card give may not be the real reasons, it encourages further thought and turns these people into real human beings who lived and breathed and suffered. I was a little frustrated with Card's 'Sarah' because it didn't expand on the setting (environment, day-to-day life) like the incredible way Diamant does in 'The Red Tent,' but 'Stone Tables' doesn't have that problem. His storytelling flows and ebbs like poetry. No, this is not Card's classic Sci-Fi, which some readers will resent it for not being so. But in many ways it is as good and better than his science fiction because it takes an old story and makes it new--bringing, as much Sci-Fi does, hope for the future.
Rating: 
Summary: A great story, even for non-LDS type like myself...
Review: It would be unfortunate that somebody would avoid reading this book simply because of Card's mormon perspective. First, he is completely honest and upfront that it is written in the context of LDS beliefs and that he has taken great creative liberties. That said, the book still gives what a reader expects from Card- meaningful characters. Although I come from the Friends Church (which is about as different from LDS as one can get) I still found it a very interesting and thoughtful look at the story of Moses. Plus it provides (especially the last 40 pages) a little insight into mormon beliefs (the other Earths with other people on them). For a fan of Card, this is a fine choice.
Rating: 
Summary: Easily Mr. Card's worst ever
Review: Mr. Card is my favorite author, but this book was the first time I have been disappointed. Boring storyline--nothing added to common myth, therefore no surprises. And God as a character instead of (as in "Saints") an implied but unconfirmed presence makes the book a farce for atheist readers. I hope "ender's shadow" will prove this book was an anomaly in Mr. Card's phenomenal streak.
Rating:
Summary: Breathes new life into a very old tale
Review: Orson Scott Card breathes new life into this very old tale by fusing the Biblical story of Moses with the historical accounts of Egyptian Pharaohs Hatshepsut and Thutmose. His handling of Moses and Pharaoh is similar to what we've seen before (one still thinks of Charlton Heston and Yul Brenner), but it is the minor characters that make this novel come alive -- the gruff Jethro, an ambitious Aaron, a painfully fussy Miriam. Their idiosyncrasies and relationships with Moses transform this narrative from a heavy-handed Sunday School lesson into a heartfelt novel that made me laugh, ponder, and believe all over again. Card includes tidbits about Mormon history and theology, which I could have done without, but he was very forthright in his introduction about the historical liberties he took and the worldview from which he drew. Once again, Card proved his talent at combining great characters with great plots, his "literary fiction" being just as good, if not better, than his more well-known science fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Breathes new life into a very old tale
Review: Orson Scott Card breathes new life into this very old tale by fusing the Biblical story of Moses with the historical accounts of Egyptian Pharaohs Hatshepsut and Thutmose. His handling of Moses and Pharaoh is similar to what we've seen before (one still thinks of Charlton Heston and Yul Brenner), but it is the minor characters that make this novel come alive -- the gruff Jethro, an ambitious Aaron, a painfully fussy Miriam. Their idiosyncrasies and relationships with Moses transform this narrative from a heavy-handed Sunday School lesson into a heartfelt novel that made me laugh, ponder, and believe all over again. Card includes tidbits about Mormon history and theology, which I could have done without, but he was very forthright in his introduction about the historical liberties he took and the worldview from which he drew. Once again, Card proved his talent at combining great characters with great plots, his "literary fiction" being just as good, if not better, than his more well-known science fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Orson Scott Card's speculations about the life of Moses
Review: Orson Scott Card first presented his interpretation of Moses in the 1973 musical drama "Stone Tables" (the title comes from Exodus 24:12). This 1997 novel expands that story and reflects not only the book of Exodus, but the Mormon Book of Moses, and works of both history and speculation. As Card points out in his Preface, the account in Exodus says nothing of the life and achievements of Moses as a prince of Egypt and barely touches on his private life. Indeed, most scripture tends to be long on narrative and short on characterization. Card uses his formidable writing talents to make not only Moses, but his brother Aaron, sister Miriam, wife Zeforah, father-in-law Jethro, and the Pharaoh Tuthmose come alive as characters. "Stone Tables" is speculation. The genesis for this speculation is Card's questions about the convoluted relationship between Moses and Aaron. In thinking over the life of Aaron, who watched his younger brother lead his people out of bondage, witnesses first hand the miracles of the plagues upon Egypt, and made a golden calf for the Israelites while Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the 10 Commandments from God, Card believed he saw a pattern of envy. However, "Stone Tables" goes well beyond providing a rationale for Aaron's actions. For non-Mormon readers, such as myself, there are two major differences between the stories of Moses told in "Stone Tables" and that related by the book of Exodus (and the movies "The Ten Commandments" and "Prince of Egypt"). The first is that characters in the novel refer to their foreknowledge of Christ, which Card clearly states is part of the worldview of the Latter-day Saints. I have no problems with the idea that God let Moses and other member of the faithful know that a greater savior was going to redeem the people down the road. If God would let Moses stand in his presence and watch the passing of his glory, then sharing a glimpse of the greater design seems a small leap of faith to take. The second and more interesting difference is that the fact Moses is the adopted son of the daughter of Pharaoh is never hidden. When Hatshepsut takes the baby from the Nile, she knows the child is the son of a Hebrew slave and that the little girl who knows of someone who can nurse the infant is the sister of Moses taking the boy to his mother. The river brought her a son and with the support of Pharaoh that story is taken as gospel by the people of Egypt. Consequently, Moses knows his "real" family from early in life and rejects his Hebrew heritage by conscious choice rather than out of ignorance. Aaron and Miriam assail him at every opportunity to free his people, but Moses will have none of it. Clearly in this novel the second element is the most significant and it provides the context for reexamining how Moses came to know God and why Pharaoh hardened his heart. In the case of the latter the emphasis is on making the power known to not only Pharaoh but the Israelites as well. Card also works out the cold logic of the escalating plagues visited upon the land of Egypt. Ultimately, the most fascinating parts of Card's novel are the dialogues between the characters, which only makes sense. Such dialogues are at a minimum in scripture and they comprise the part of the story that will be seen as "new" by many readers. Many of the characters are capable of great humor, not to mention biting wit and caustic insights, and not only the dialogues but also the internal reflections of the characters are well thought out by Card. I was particularly fond of Jethro and Zeforah, who exhibit such great joy in expressing their faith, and appreciated the flaws that were both the strengths and weaknesses of Aaron and Miriam. The sibling rivalries, both in Egypt and in the land of Midian, are particularly fun as well, although reflecting clearly modern sensibilities. Card's speculations hold together pretty well, although it is his characterization of Moses that makes or breaks the book. The transformation from a questioning creature of doubt into a true servant of God is captivating and well motivated. However, when Card includes the conversation between Moses and God in the presence of the burning bush the scene does not ring true. Card has presented Moses as fully willing to embrace God's plan for him, which makes him trying to get out of his destiny and arguing for a place for his brother seem a step backwards. That is the part of Moses that always confused me: if God makes a personal appearance and tells you he is going to be right by your side, arguing with him seems somewhat inappropriate. In Card's story the Moses who confronts Pharaoh is so supremely confident that it is hard to believe he showed such doubts in God's presence. Consequently, I of course find myself agreeing more with Card's speculations. I would think that you would know before you pick up "Stone Tables" if religious fiction in general or this story of Moses in particular is going to offend your sensibilities. Card has amply demonstrated over the years that he is not only an excellent writer but a person of faith. The latter is the primary requirement for any author of religious fiction; the former is simply a big plus.
Rating:
Summary: Orson Scott Card's speculations about the life of Moses
Review: Orson Scott Card first presented his interpretation of Moses in the 1973 musical drama "Stone Tables" (the title comes from Exodus 24:12). This 1997 novel expands that story and reflects not only the book of Exodus, but the Mormon Book of Moses, and works of both history and speculation. As Card points out in his Preface, the account in Exodus says nothing of the life and achievements of Moses as a prince of Egypt and barely touches on his private life. Indeed, most scripture tends to be long on narrative and short on characterization. Card uses his formidable writing talents to make not only Moses, but his brother Aaron, sister Miriam, wife Zeforah, father-in-law Jethro, and the Pharaoh Tuthmose come alive as characters. "Stone Tables" is speculation. The genesis for this speculation is Card's questions about the convoluted relationship between Moses and Aaron. In thinking over the life of Aaron, who watched his younger brother lead his people out of bondage, witnesses first hand the miracles of the plagues upon Egypt, and made a golden calf for the Israelites while Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the 10 Commandments from God, Card believed he saw a pattern of envy. However, "Stone Tables" goes well beyond providing a rationale for Aaron's actions. For non-Mormon readers, such as myself, there are two major differences between the stories of Moses told in "Stone Tables" and that related by the book of Exodus (and the movies "The Ten Commandments" and "Prince of Egypt"). The first is that characters in the novel refer to their foreknowledge of Christ, which Card clearly states is part of the worldview of the Latter-day Saints. I have no problems with the idea that God let Moses and other member of the faithful know that a greater savior was going to redeem the people down the road. If God would let Moses stand in his presence and watch the passing of his glory, then sharing a glimpse of the greater design seems a small leap of faith to take. The second and more interesting difference is that the fact Moses is the adopted son of the daughter of Pharaoh is never hidden. When Hatshepsut takes the baby from the Nile, she knows the child is the son of a Hebrew slave and that the little girl who knows of someone who can nurse the infant is the sister of Moses taking the boy to his mother. The river brought her a son and with the support of Pharaoh that story is taken as gospel by the people of Egypt. Consequently, Moses knows his "real" family from early in life and rejects his Hebrew heritage by conscious choice rather than out of ignorance. Aaron and Miriam assail him at every opportunity to free his people, but Moses will have none of it. Clearly in this novel the second element is the most significant and it provides the context for reexamining how Moses came to know God and why Pharaoh hardened his heart. In the case of the latter the emphasis is on making the power known to not only Pharaoh but the Israelites as well. Card also works out the cold logic of the escalating plagues visited upon the land of Egypt. Ultimately, the most fascinating parts of Card's novel are the dialogues between the characters, which only makes sense. Such dialogues are at a minimum in scripture and they comprise the part of the story that will be seen as "new" by many readers. Many of the characters are capable of great humor, not to mention biting wit and caustic insights, and not only the dialogues but also the internal reflections of the characters are well thought out by Card. I was particularly fond of Jethro and Zeforah, who exhibit such great joy in expressing their faith, and appreciated the flaws that were both the strengths and weaknesses of Aaron and Miriam. The sibling rivalries, both in Egypt and in the land of Midian, are particularly fun as well, although reflecting clearly modern sensibilities. Card's speculations hold together pretty well, although it is his characterization of Moses that makes or breaks the book. The transformation from a questioning creature of doubt into a true servant of God is captivating and well motivated. However, when Card includes the conversation between Moses and God in the presence of the burning bush the scene does not ring true. Card has presented Moses as fully willing to embrace God's plan for him, which makes him trying to get out of his destiny and arguing for a place for his brother seem a step backwards. That is the part of Moses that always confused me: if God makes a personal appearance and tells you he is going to be right by your side, arguing with him seems somewhat inappropriate. In Card's story the Moses who confronts Pharaoh is so supremely confident that it is hard to believe he showed such doubts in God's presence. Consequently, I of course find myself agreeing more with Card's speculations. I would think that you would know before you pick up "Stone Tables" if religious fiction in general or this story of Moses in particular is going to offend your sensibilities. Card has amply demonstrated over the years that he is not only an excellent writer but a person of faith. The latter is the primary requirement for any author of religious fiction; the former is simply a big plus.
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