On This Foundation

Have you read the  Bible book Nehemiah?  If not indulge me to share a brief historical note.  Jerusalem was destroyed by the Babylonian's in 586 B.C., and the captives were taken back to Babylon.  There were three groups of captives that returned to Jerusalem.  In 445 B.C. Nehemiah, a Jewish captive and later cupbearer to King Artaxerxes I of Persia, obtained permission to return to Jerusalem with a third contingent of Jews.  Their goals were to repair and rebuild the walls around the city, replace burned gates in the walls, and repopulate the city.  Along with being  fellow traveler, Nehemiah also acted as military leader for the peoples protection as the walls were rebuilt as well as a spiritual leader.  The Biblical text is the story of this event.
What are my reasons for sharing the above information?  Because Lynn Austin has written the book "On This Foundation"  which is a historical novel about the Biblical Book, Nehemiah.  If you enjoy historical fiction, than I highly recommend this book.  It is an excellent read.  The author is true to the Biblical text as well as being easy and interesting to read.
True to history the author reveals how small farmers were forced to turn over a portion of their poor yield, their livestock, farms and even members of their household who became bondservants as tax payment to the landowning Jewish nobility.  Nehemiah worked at social reforms as well as spiritual reforms.  The author ties her fictional story in well the actual Biblical text.  She interweaves three fictional families who were all involved in the rebuilding project.
Add "On This Foundation" to your fall reading list.  I give this book five stars.  I received this book free from Bethany Publishing House, and the above views are strictly my own.  See you next month on another review.