Rating: Summary: Biblical fiction? - more fictional than Biblical! Review: "Dreamers" is the first volume of a trilogy of books based on the life of Joseph. But the Biblical story-line is only a starting-point for Hunt, as she weaves the Scriptural account with various fictional characters and events to make a wonderful story. "Dreamers" describes Joseph being brought to Egypt as a slave, his rise to power in Potiphar's household, his imprisonment after being unjustly accused of adultery, and his subsequent rise to the second-highest in command in Egypt. The book can also be read as the story of the fictional Tuya, Joseph's fellow slave and lover. What can you expect from this book?Weaknesses - the Biblical part. 1. The Egyptian chronology is inaccurate. Although there is little consensus concerning precise dates for Egyptian chronology, most scholars agree that the Exodus occurred some time during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. The pharaohs described by Hunt (Thutmosis III, Amenhotep II, Thutmosis IV, and Amenhotep III) are certainly historical figures, but it is more likely that these were the pharaohs from around the time of the Exodus, 400 years later. If traditional Egyptian chronology is correct, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt hundreds of years prior to the rise of the figures portrayed in "Dreamers." Hunt could at least have acknowledged that she was following a revisionist Egyptian chronology that departs from the scholarly consensus. 2. Embellishment of the Biblical narrative. No doubt Hunt would be the first to remind us that her novels are not a speculative picture of what might have happened to Joseph, but are rather a fictional account. Certain aspects of the story line are clearly inventions of the author (e.g. specific injuries suffered by Joseph in the pit, his romance with Tuya, Potiphar's impotence and suicide, other revelatory dreams). I felt distinctly uncomfortable with the idea of a fictional embellishment of Scriptural truth, and personally question the legitimacy of "Biblical fiction" a genre. 3. Weak theology. The romance between Joseph and Tuya is central to the novel, but absent from Scripture. Hunt's constant focus on romance and love as a feeling is more a reflection of our modern secular time than of Scripture. Many readers may enjoy this aspect, but I find it sad that a writer needs to borrow secular concepts from our contemporary pagan culture to make Biblical fiction effective. Hunt departs even further from the Bible by having Joseph unashamedly fall in love with and pledge to marry his fellow slave, who does at this time not share his belief in the invisible and true God. Joseph's behaviour in this regard is a sharp departure from that of his father Jacob and grandfather Isaac, who both went to great lengths to ensure that their wives were from a believing family. Hunt presents Joseph as unwavering in his desire to obey God, but she plainly ignores a clear command found throughout Scripture and plainly evident also in the life of Joseph's ancestors: that marrying an unbeliever is disobedience to God. 4. Religious pluralism. By attributing prophetic and miraculous powers to the Egyptian gods (e.g. an Egyptian god enables his pagan priestess to prophesy Joseph's rise to power p.186, and an Egyptian god speaks to the Egyptian prince and promises to make him king p.249), Hunt gives the impression that she departs from monotheism by regarding El Shaddai the invisible God as merely higher and better than other gods. Hunt's picture is different than that found in Scripture, where other gods are portrayed as useless and non-existent (Isaiah 44:6-20). Certainly the Bible does speak of demonic powers that are at work behind the powerless gods of wood and stone, but this is not the way Hunt presents it. Strengths - the fictional part. 1. Superb story-telling. Despite the fact that most readers are already familiar with the story of Joseph, the reader is not hampered by a predictable plot. Even readers familiar with the Bible (and thus know the basic outcome), will find this novel enthralling. Hunt's story-telling abilities shine through constantly, resulting in a gripping and powerful story that you will find hard to put down. 2. Magnificent setting. The Egyptian culture is portrayed in rich and vivid colours, complete with its landscape, religion, social customs and beliefs. Reading this books is a wonderful way to obtain a picture of life in Egypt, and your knowledge and understanding of ancient Egypt will grow without ever you getting the idea that you are on the receiving end of a dry lecture. Even the metaphors and similes used by Hunt are appropriately Egyptian, and all aspects of the book have an Egyptian flavour - an altogether remarkable achievement! Should you buy or read this book? Do not expect a faithful representation of Joseph's life. If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of Biblical fiction, then reading this book will leave you with a nagging dissatisfaction. But if you are prepared to try to overlook the fact that this book is based on a Biblical story-line and read it as an entirely fictional work, you will find it a most thrilling and enjoyable read. I am not eager to rush out and read the other books of this series, but Hunt's story-telling abilities have whetted my appetite for sampling some of her other contributions to the Christian fiction genre. I am optimistic that these other efforts will be more satisfying than the Biblical fiction of "Dreamers."
Rating: Summary: Great book and great series! Review: "Dreamers" is the first volume of a trilogy of books based on the life of Joseph. But the Biblical story-line is only a starting-point for Hunt, as she weaves the Scriptural account with various fictional characters and events to make a wonderful story. "Dreamers" describes Joseph being brought to Egypt as a slave, his rise to power in Potiphar's household, his imprisonment after being unjustly accused of adultery, and his subsequent rise to the second-highest in command in Egypt. The book can also be read as the story of the fictional Tuya, Joseph's fellow slave and lover. What can you expect from this book? Weaknesses - the Biblical part. 1. The Egyptian chronology is inaccurate. Although there is little consensus concerning precise dates for Egyptian chronology, most scholars agree that the Exodus occurred some time during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. The pharaohs described by Hunt (Thutmosis III, Amenhotep II, Thutmosis IV, and Amenhotep III) are certainly historical figures, but it is more likely that these were the pharaohs from around the time of the Exodus, 400 years later. If traditional Egyptian chronology is correct, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt hundreds of years prior to the rise of the figures portrayed in "Dreamers." Hunt could at least have acknowledged that she was following a revisionist Egyptian chronology that departs from the scholarly consensus. 2. Embellishment of the Biblical narrative. No doubt Hunt would be the first to remind us that her novels are not a speculative picture of what might have happened to Joseph, but are rather a fictional account. Certain aspects of the story line are clearly inventions of the author (e.g. specific injuries suffered by Joseph in the pit, his romance with Tuya, Potiphar's impotence and suicide, other revelatory dreams). I felt distinctly uncomfortable with the idea of a fictional embellishment of Scriptural truth, and personally question the legitimacy of "Biblical fiction" a genre. 3. Weak theology. The romance between Joseph and Tuya is central to the novel, but absent from Scripture. Hunt's constant focus on romance and love as a feeling is more a reflection of our modern secular time than of Scripture. Many readers may enjoy this aspect, but I find it sad that a writer needs to borrow secular concepts from our contemporary pagan culture to make Biblical fiction effective. Hunt departs even further from the Bible by having Joseph unashamedly fall in love with and pledge to marry his fellow slave, who does at this time not share his belief in the invisible and true God. Joseph's behaviour in this regard is a sharp departure from that of his father Jacob and grandfather Isaac, who both went to great lengths to ensure that their wives were from a believing family. Hunt presents Joseph as unwavering in his desire to obey God, but she plainly ignores a clear command found throughout Scripture and plainly evident also in the life of Joseph's ancestors: that marrying an unbeliever is disobedience to God. 4. Religious pluralism. By attributing prophetic and miraculous powers to the Egyptian gods (e.g. an Egyptian god enables his pagan priestess to prophesy Joseph's rise to power p.186, and an Egyptian god speaks to the Egyptian prince and promises to make him king p.249), Hunt gives the impression that she departs from monotheism by regarding El Shaddai the invisible God as merely higher and better than other gods. Hunt's picture is different than that found in Scripture, where other gods are portrayed as useless and non-existent (Isaiah 44:6-20). Certainly the Bible does speak of demonic powers that are at work behind the powerless gods of wood and stone, but this is not the way Hunt presents it. Strengths - the fictional part. 1. Superb story-telling. Despite the fact that most readers are already familiar with the story of Joseph, the reader is not hampered by a predictable plot. Even readers familiar with the Bible (and thus know the basic outcome), will find this novel enthralling. Hunt's story-telling abilities shine through constantly, resulting in a gripping and powerful story that you will find hard to put down. 2. Magnificent setting. The Egyptian culture is portrayed in rich and vivid colours, complete with its landscape, religion, social customs and beliefs. Reading this books is a wonderful way to obtain a picture of life in Egypt, and your knowledge and understanding of ancient Egypt will grow without ever you getting the idea that you are on the receiving end of a dry lecture. Even the metaphors and similes used by Hunt are appropriately Egyptian, and all aspects of the book have an Egyptian flavour - an altogether remarkable achievement! Should you buy or read this book? Do not expect a faithful representation of Joseph's life. If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of Biblical fiction, then reading this book will leave you with a nagging dissatisfaction. But if you are prepared to try to overlook the fact that this book is based on a Biblical story-line and read it as an entirely fictional work, you will find it a most thrilling and enjoyable read. I am not eager to rush out and read the other books of this series, but Hunt's story-telling abilities have whetted my appetite for sampling some of her other contributions to the Christian fiction genre. I am optimistic that these other efforts will be more satisfying than the Biblical fiction of "Dreamers."
Rating: Summary: Biblical fiction? - more fictional than Biblical! Review: "Dreamers" is the first volume of a trilogy of books based on the life of Joseph. But the Biblical story-line is only a starting-point for Hunt, as she weaves the Scriptural account with various fictional characters and events to make a wonderful story. "Dreamers" describes Joseph being brought to Egypt as a slave, his rise to power in Potiphar's household, his imprisonment after being unjustly accused of adultery, and his subsequent rise to the second-highest in command in Egypt. The book can also be read as the story of the fictional Tuya, Joseph's fellow slave and lover. What can you expect from this book? Weaknesses - the Biblical part. 1. The Egyptian chronology is inaccurate. Although there is little consensus concerning precise dates for Egyptian chronology, most scholars agree that the Exodus occurred some time during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. The pharaohs described by Hunt (Thutmosis III, Amenhotep II, Thutmosis IV, and Amenhotep III) are certainly historical figures, but it is more likely that these were the pharaohs from around the time of the Exodus, 400 years later. If traditional Egyptian chronology is correct, Joseph rose to prominence in Egypt hundreds of years prior to the rise of the figures portrayed in "Dreamers." Hunt could at least have acknowledged that she was following a revisionist Egyptian chronology that departs from the scholarly consensus. 2. Embellishment of the Biblical narrative. No doubt Hunt would be the first to remind us that her novels are not a speculative picture of what might have happened to Joseph, but are rather a fictional account. Certain aspects of the story line are clearly inventions of the author (e.g. specific injuries suffered by Joseph in the pit, his romance with Tuya, Potiphar's impotence and suicide, other revelatory dreams). I felt distinctly uncomfortable with the idea of a fictional embellishment of Scriptural truth, and personally question the legitimacy of "Biblical fiction" a genre. 3. Weak theology. The romance between Joseph and Tuya is central to the novel, but absent from Scripture. Hunt's constant focus on romance and love as a feeling is more a reflection of our modern secular time than of Scripture. Many readers may enjoy this aspect, but I find it sad that a writer needs to borrow secular concepts from our contemporary pagan culture to make Biblical fiction effective. Hunt departs even further from the Bible by having Joseph unashamedly fall in love with and pledge to marry his fellow slave, who does at this time not share his belief in the invisible and true God. Joseph's behaviour in this regard is a sharp departure from that of his father Jacob and grandfather Isaac, who both went to great lengths to ensure that their wives were from a believing family. Hunt presents Joseph as unwavering in his desire to obey God, but she plainly ignores a clear command found throughout Scripture and plainly evident also in the life of Joseph's ancestors: that marrying an unbeliever is disobedience to God. 4. Religious pluralism. By attributing prophetic and miraculous powers to the Egyptian gods (e.g. an Egyptian god enables his pagan priestess to prophesy Joseph's rise to power p.186, and an Egyptian god speaks to the Egyptian prince and promises to make him king p.249), Hunt gives the impression that she departs from monotheism by regarding El Shaddai the invisible God as merely higher and better than other gods. Hunt's picture is different than that found in Scripture, where other gods are portrayed as useless and non-existent (Isaiah 44:6-20). Certainly the Bible does speak of demonic powers that are at work behind the powerless gods of wood and stone, but this is not the way Hunt presents it. Strengths - the fictional part. 1. Superb story-telling. Despite the fact that most readers are already familiar with the story of Joseph, the reader is not hampered by a predictable plot. Even readers familiar with the Bible (and thus know the basic outcome), will find this novel enthralling. Hunt's story-telling abilities shine through constantly, resulting in a gripping and powerful story that you will find hard to put down. 2. Magnificent setting. The Egyptian culture is portrayed in rich and vivid colours, complete with its landscape, religion, social customs and beliefs. Reading this books is a wonderful way to obtain a picture of life in Egypt, and your knowledge and understanding of ancient Egypt will grow without ever you getting the idea that you are on the receiving end of a dry lecture. Even the metaphors and similes used by Hunt are appropriately Egyptian, and all aspects of the book have an Egyptian flavour - an altogether remarkable achievement! Should you buy or read this book? Do not expect a faithful representation of Joseph's life. If you feel uncomfortable with the idea of Biblical fiction, then reading this book will leave you with a nagging dissatisfaction. But if you are prepared to try to overlook the fact that this book is based on a Biblical story-line and read it as an entirely fictional work, you will find it a most thrilling and enjoyable read. I am not eager to rush out and read the other books of this series, but Hunt's story-telling abilities have whetted my appetite for sampling some of her other contributions to the Christian fiction genre. I am optimistic that these other efforts will be more satisfying than the Biblical fiction of "Dreamers."
Rating: Summary: Dreamers was the best book I've ever read. Review: Dreamers is the story of Joseph, a young man sold into slavery by his own brothers who falls in love with Tuya, who has been a slave since birth. When another woman sets out to seduce Joseph, Tuya can't bear the thought of seeing it happen. She leaves the house of her master and marries the second son of the Pharoah , though she still yearns for Joseph. As Tuya's husband rises to power, she realizes she must stop clinging to the past and look to the future. Well written, this story will move even hearts of stone. It is a story of second chances, and second loves
Rating: Summary: Fabulous! Review: I have just read Dreamers and it was fabulous. I just could not put the book down. I took it everywhere. I am a librarian and I would recommend this to anyone. I even told my dad to read it. Some of the other Christian writers leave me cold. This book had a little suspense. I would read my Bible and then the book. I am certain that with this series I definitely will not forget the Bible story. I did some looking and I know Tuya was actually a Queen. I found myself wanting to know about the history of the people in the book other than what the Bible told me.
Rating: Summary: Fabulous, unforgettable book! Review: I have just read Dreamers and it was fabulous. I just could not put the book down. I took it everywhere. I am a librarian and I would recommend this to anyone. I even told my dad to read it. This book had a little suspense. I would read my Bible and then the book. I am certain that with this series I definitely will not forget the Bible story.
Rating: Summary: DREAMERS IS A BOOK OF PURE ADICTION Review: I have never been a heavy reader up untill I readed Dreamers. I thank the author of this book for getung me to read. By her writing I am now a heavy reader and have finished my frist thriology in my years of readung. I would Suggest to any one to read her books and I look forward to reading more of her writing.
Rating: Summary: Well researched, but bloodless Review: I like Egyptian history and the biblical story of Joseph, so I eagerly picked up this book. The author obviously did her work well, and gives a strong sense of day to day life in Ancient Egypt. I also liked how Hunt chose to link Joseph's time in Egypt to actual historical pharoahs.Still, the book read a bit like "The Ten Commandments" to me: the basic story from Genesis was there, but there were many added characters and subplots that are transparently fictional. Joseph and Tuya are so saintly and the bad guys so obviously evil that there wasn't much character development or suspense. Also I couldn't help but feel I was being preached to a bit. The book is also very simplistically written: I could certainly recommend it for children or young adults as it is quite "G" rated throughout.
Rating: Summary: Fleshes out the Biblical tale Review: I liked this book because it had more meat than the biblical tale. I know that many of the supporting characters are fictional, but everything taken in context adds so much more depth than we usually read. I thought it was interesting how Joseph, Tuya, Sagira, and the pharaohs all had lives that intertwined at various points. This book has loves stories, murderous plots, and forgiveness. I liked how the interplay of the different religions came into focus with Tutmosis. It was different, reading about a Pharaoh as a human being. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
Rating: Summary: Fleshes out the Biblical tale Review: I liked this book because it had more meat than the biblical tale. I know that many of the supporting characters are fictional, but everything taken in context adds so much more depth than we usually read. I thought it was interesting how Joseph, Tuya, Sagira, and the pharaohs all had lives that intertwined at various points. This book has loves stories, murderous plots, and forgiveness. I liked how the interplay of the different religions came into focus with Tutmosis. It was different, reading about a Pharaoh as a human being. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
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