Book Review - BUILDING BENJAMIN: NAOMI'S JOURNEY by Barbara M. Britton

I have always loved good Biblical fiction--and this one is definitely good!

The tribe of Ephraim (one of the half-tribes of Rachel's older son, Joseph) had developed a curious custom in the days following their settling in the Promised Land. The young women of marriageable age would perform a somewhat enticing dance for the eligible bachelors. Well, just a little before that, the whole of the Israelite nation declared war on the Benjaminites, killing every man, woman, and child they found in Gibeah in revenge for a brutal rape and murder of a priest's betrothed. Many men were left in the tribe, but not many women. Unless the Benjaminites could find wives, the tribe would die out. Families in Judah were forbidden to give their daughters to them. What was left for them to do? Kidnapping.

Which begins Naomi's story. She didn't like the dancing custom, but her friend Cuzbi, a less-than-beautiful girl, wanted to dance next to Naomi. Naomi's beauty might draw attention to Cuzbi. Cuzbi and Naomi were both selected, all right; just not as they hoped. Several Benjaminites raided their village, taking several of the virgins captive. Eliab took Naomi, and his brother took Cuzbi. Another brother selected Jael.

The captors with their new brides-to-be rode their mules hard for their land, east of Gibeah. Naomi was sure her father, brother, and many other men would surely follow to rescue them. Something odd happened, though. In fact, several odd things.

You might want to grab a copy. Definitely worth the price. Available from Amazon and Barnes and Noble.

I received a copy of this book from the author free in return for an honest review.