Pearl in the Sand- Tessa Afshar

What originally led me to this was the desire to read some good biblical fiction- particularly about the "bad girls" of the bible.  I love retellings and I was hoping to find another Marek Halter (Zipporah, Sarah, Fatimah). So, I set out looking for a book about Rahab. I've read her story in the bible lots of times, but wanted a new take on it.  I came to several books, but my Scribd membership brought me to "Pearl in the Sand."  I loved the cover, so I thought why not?!

The book opens by showing us the hardship and poverty Rahab's family is going through- ultimately leading her father to sell her into prostitution. So, forgive me for being gritty,  but I did wish Afshar expanded in this section. I wanted to feel Rahab's pain and hear about her first experience in prostitution. However, she quickly moved past this and into Rahab's purchase of the inn and her meeting the Hebrews. The seeds of her faith in the Hebrew God were planted early on and I realized while this was a book about Rahab, it was also a book about faith and redemption. The book follows the biblical story (Jericho destroyed, Rahab & Fam spared.) 

Then it slowly progresses to her relationship with Salmone. Again, I felt like this developed quickly and there were details that could've been added. I do like their relationship and the redemptive quality between Salmone and Rahab. I think this was my favorite aspect.  To me, their relationship and Salmone's dealing with her being a former prostitute was probably the most intriguing to me. I appreciate Afshar flushing this aspect out. How does one come to terms with a new wife that just happened to make a good living as a prostitute...and continue to love her well? Afshar explored the intricacies between both of the characters.

In the end, I would say it is a decent book. It definitely has a religious Jewish/Christian slant....so if you're not into that, I'd skip it. I think the pacing was difficult in this book. I understand why she didn't go into detail of Rahab's early prostitution years because this book was moderately long. I also feel like the ending came a little too quickly. I found myself at the last page thinking "THIS IS IT?!"  Overall, I think it's a good book for those into Christian and biblical fiction. It did satisfy me, but I would have preferred a grittier retelling of a prostitute. Often the most beautiful redemption stories come from the darkest of places (Alice, by Christina Henry, I'm looking at you!!!).

I gave this a 3 star rating.

For Fans Of:
Marek Halter
Francine Rivers
Redeeming Love
Christian Fiction
Christian Literature