Shepherd, Potter, Spy–and the Star Namer {Review}

You all know my daughter, Charlotte, loves to read.  It was natural, therefore, to ask her to write this review after she had finished Shepherd, Potter, Spy–and the Star Namer from Peggy Consolver – Author.  So without further ado I will hand you over to Charlotte.

I was in want of a good book to get my teeth into but could not find one due to an overzealous reading spree recently; that was until this book was placed into my hands. By the end of the first page I was hooked.  I literally could not put it down.

In this book of twisting roads and fearsome battles, Peggy Consolver tells the story of Keshub, a young shepherd boy, and how he witnessed the arrival of God’s people in the promised land. Based on the Gibeonites of Joshua 9 and 10, Shepherd, Potter, Spy–and the Star Namer is a gripping tale which captured my imagination and kept me busy for several hours.  The author fills the story with cliff hangers and intense moments especially leading up to the finale. As she relays the battles the Hebrew fought and won with God’s help, Peggy opens our eyes to the hardships that both the Hebrews and those around them experienced.  With great attention to detail she accurately depicts the faith the Hebrews had in God, perhaps a faith which had been lost somewhat through the years.

I fell in love with the characters, some of whom were initially just  names on paper.  But they soon became old friends as Peggy weaved their details so beautifully and crafted their personalities so intricately, I couldn’t help but fall in love with them.  I very much enjoyed Peggy’s descriptive language, which she uses to paint clear pictures in her readers’ minds, meaning that instead of just being a book, the story also became like a film playing in my imagination.  Peggy also manages to create a deep sense of sympathy and love for Keshub, whilst nurturing a deep dislike for Ra’gar and the king of the Amorites at the same time.  The brutal reality of the Gibeonites’ lives and those of the Hebrews are told in such a way there can be no doubt this was how they must have lived.

A book steeped in history, Shepherd, Potter, Spy and–the Star Namer took me on a journey to the past and did a fantastic job of it.  Telling of the falling of Jericho and the fear it struck into the hearts of the Amorites and Gibeonites from the point of view of a boy only just reaching adolescence, Peggy makes this book family friendly yet brutally honest.  I have no qualms about fully recommending this excellent read.

Note from Mum

If you wish to find out more about the inspiration behind Shepherd, Potter, Spy and–the Star Namer please do pop over to the Bible Archeology site where you will find an article written by  Peggy Consolver.  There is also an excellent study guide which goes along with the book and could easily change a simple read into a full-blown study unit:

This study guide contains extensive links which can further your knowledge in plaiting and braiding, bow making, using a sling as well exposing you a heap of extensive historical extras.  For a sample of the Study Guide click here (found top right-hand corner).

Connect with Peggy Consolver – Author of Shepherd, Potter, Spy and — the Star Namer:

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/peggy.consolver

For more reviews of Shepherd, Potter, Spy and — the Star Namer do click on the link below: