The Old Testament story of Esther, Queen of Persia, has always fascinated little girls. This is a true- life princess who saved her people because the king loved her. How more romantic can a story be?Tommy Tenney has used Esther’s life as the subject for his first novel, HADASSAH; ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING. Although the author may have taken some liberties with history, the message that Esther exemplifies is clear.
In Babylon around 492 B.C., Hadassah, a very young child, witnesses her parents’ murder at the hands of the Agagites. The leaders of this militant group have felt their duty to be the elimination of all Jews in the land. She is rescued by her Uncle Mordecai and the two of them move to Persia. In Persia, Hadassah lives a very isolated life, keeping her Jewish heritage a secret.
Upon the death of the queen, King Xeres sends for the most beautiful young maidens in the land to be groomed for one night with him. From this group the new queen will be selected. Among this group of young women is Hadassah. Knowing that she has to keep the fact that she is a Jew a secret, she gives her name as “Star”, for the Star of David that her mother had given her the day before the massacre.
The rest, as they say, is history.
Every royal court must have been full of plots, intrigues, good guys and bad guys. Author Tenney has added some characters and embellished history somewhat to make a very touching story of a young girl who played a big part in the chronicles of the Jewish people.
The descriptions of life, in and out of the royal palace, were well done. The contrast between the poverty of the people and the excesses of the court was vivid. The power of the king was absolute making Esther’s act of bravery a strong statement of her faith. She literally put her life at risk.
HADASSAH; ONE NIGHT WITH THE KING is a simple story, one that we are familiar with, but Tommy Tenney has made it one of suspense and filled it with interesting characters.
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