AUTHOR: Barbara M. Britton
DATE: 2017
PUBLISHER: Pelican Book Group
STARS: ****1/2
Naomi desires to dance well enough to catch the eye of a wealthy landowner. Her father needs a substantial bride price due to the deaths of her brothers who died at the hands of the tribe of Benjamin. But when Benjamites raid the Ephraimite feast and capture young girls, Naomi is bound and carried from her home by Eliab, a troubled shepherd who needs a wife. As Naomi awaits rescue, she finds Eliab has a strong faith in God and a just reason for abducting her. His reason affects all the tribes of Israel. The future of the tribe of Benjamin hangs in the balance, but if Naomi follows her heart and stays with Eliab to rebuild his lineage, she must forfeit her family and become a traitor to her own tribe.
In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes. Judges 21:25. This is the setting for Building Benjamin. Reading the final few chapters of the book of Judges helped me understand and picture the harsh realities of life for ancient Israelites. The actions described seemed terribly barbaric, but Naomi and Eliab managed to avoid capitulating to the brutality around them.
Honor, courage, and faith elevated Naomi and her captor, Eliab, as they learned to appreciate one another and fought for their families. Author Barbara M. Britton’s extensive research shines through this story, creating realistic characters that I cared about.
If you enjoy Biblical fiction, you’ll want to read Building Benjamin. It earns four and a half stars. Disclaimer: I was given this book as a gift. All opinions are my own.