Jezebel: The Untold Story of the Bible's Harlot Queen

I really enjoyed this book and authors writing style. Also was captivated by her book Muhammad: The First Muslim.

This was a very intriguing book to read, casting new light on one of the bible’s most vilified characters, whose very name became an insult. I was raised a Christian, so the idea of questioning the Bible went against the grain, but I’m glad I read this book. I feel like it opened my eyes to new facts.There is a rich and fascinating history here; nothing dry or boring as could be found in a textbook. Throughout much of the book, the reader feels transported back through time into the ancient Middle East, experiencing what the author realistically conjectures Jezebel felt. The author has done her research and her knowledge of Hebrew pays off as she explains mistranslations and other mistakes that contributed to Jezebel’s tarnished reputation in the Bible.Jezebel was no angel, but I agree with this book: she was framed. I don’t believe she was as bad as the Bible says. Reading this book, it is simple to see why Jezebel was seen as an “evil woman.” She dared to speak her mind and seize power as she saw fit in a time when men were encouraged to do so, but women were expected to be silent and submissive. Women like her have been vilified all throughout history.I really enjoyed this book and the opportunity to learn from it. I not only give it five stars, I encourage everyone who wants to know more about Jezebel or the Bible to read it.

I loved this book. The only thing that could have made it better, would have been if it was written as fiction only. Now it's a blend of fiction and non-fiction. Also the last chapter is unnecessary. Lesley Hazelton knows her history, culture, and is a great writer. She doesn't mix her religious beliefs with her critical mind, which is refreshing. This book is recommended for anyone into historical fiction.

I didn't know very much about Jezebel when I read this book. Happy to have done so, as I now know not only about her, but about the world she lived in, how her story has influenced our culture, and how strength may be drawn from this amazing woman who braved a new world and stood her ground when threatened and attacked. Fantastic read for anyone interested in the strong, brave women of history. (Very good as a gift for young women and teenagers, I'd say.)

Really enjoyed this book, it was extremely engaging and thought provoking, I couldn't put it down! Even if you can find this perspective elsewhere, I'm willing to bet you won't find it cached in such a vivid, visceral narrative. Highly recommended reading, and worth adding to your collection!

Was Jezebel really evil? Or has she been misconstrued throughout the ages? In this retelling of the biblical woman's life Lesley Hazleton takes the position that Jezebel was not a bad woman and that her life, like that of many women of the bible, has been changed to suit those who wrote the bible centuries after the actual events. Portraying Elijah not as the savior of the Jewish people, but as a fundamentalist religious fanatic, she turns the known story topsy-turvy. Although this is fiction she uses the device of historical imagination to determine the thoughts and emotions of the characters in reaction to the events surrounding them. I found that a little distracting, thinking it was more on the lines of fiction. Though I did learn a great deal about Elijah and Elisha, I didn't really learn as much about Jezebel as I would have liked, it seemed whole decades of her life were skipped over until we got to the more tantalizing parts of her story-in particular her brutal death. While the reviews on Amazon have been raves, I found the book at times a bit boring and I think the historical imagination device led to a lot of leeway with the story.

This book really brought the historical Jezebel to life for me. It's easy to read, but fascinating at the same time. I've actually read it twice now and will probably pick it up again in a year or two. Makes me want to write a play or a movie about her.

This was one of the best researched analysis of the life of the beautiful, intelligent and commanding Jezebel I have read. The book is extremely well written and I am recommending it to my friends. A wonderful narrative and compelling reading.

Very interesting and well written insight into the life of one of the most maligned female characters of biblical history. The authors contention that misogyny and religious intolerance shaped the bible stories we know today, is a sharp one. It is a must read.

Really enjoyable book, well reasearched and easy to read. The author takes you to the middle east to witness Elijah an Jezebel

thought it was very good well written and quite easily understood. hope author has written other like books because I will certainly purchase them

Incredibly insightful book, very well written and fast delivery!! Thank you!! Highly recommend to read.

The author makes history come alive and allows the reader to disappear into the ancient worlds to connect with the characters.