REVIEW

REVIEW - THE SECRET CHORD, GERALDINE BROOKS

Reviewed By
Andrea Thompson

THE SECRET CHORD is a story of an ancient King in ancient times thus it absolutely demanded a magisterial narrator. Over dramatic at first, and next ominously grave and biblical, voice actor Paul Boehmer is exactly what was required to do such a grand tale justice. It only takes only a short time to become accustomed to his distinctive and commanding storytelling.

THE SECRET CHORD is a book of some length (13 hours of audio), so the reader is investing a fair deal of “reading” time here. Australian author Geraldine Brooks is a master at bringing historical figures and events to life and once again gives us a fresh look through old windows. Her diligent research here has produced another absorbing tale of past events that would perhaps be only slightly familiar to the average reader. Only what is necessary is sketched of each battle but each character is careful attention and the faith and concerns of the citizens of 1000BC are respectfully relayed.

The life and loves of a charismatic and morally ambiguous King are balanced by the observations of Natan; the trusted prophet and advisor serves as a moral compass to the dynamic ruler. You are left after finishing THE SECRET CHORD wondering what it really was that drove King David; the desire to please himself with a life lived to the fullest, or the desire to leave behind a lasting legacy in crafting a better future for his people. Any judgements are left to the reader and this is oddly satisfying in reading a book set in a time before the structure and doctrines of Christianity.

BOOK DETAILS
BOOK INFORMATION
ISBN
9780733635519
Year of Publication
BLURB

The prophet Natan of THE SECRET CHORD does not train under a master, nor does he serve at temple as a young boy in preparation for a life of service to King David. The war mongering of David as he expands his empire is what awakes the Name, and the Name demands to be heard. Natan is helplessly in thrall to the mighty and frightening higher power and also to his much loved and dynamic King. The Name speaks through Natan at times of crisis, and provides him with frightening visions of what is to come for the King of the Israelites But the Name does not always want Natan always to speak of what he hears. Sometimes Natan must stay mute, and bear witness only to the history changing events as they unfold.

Review REVIEW - THE SECRET CHORD, GERALDINE BROOKS
Andrea Thompson
Friday, May 13, 2016

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