Author: Joanne Williamson
Recommended Age: 12-14
Date Published: 1960
Genre: Historical Fiction, Adventure
Summary: Uriah-Tarhund is the son of a Hittite lord, proud of his heritage and of his nation. But when the Acheans overtake his country and murder his family, he makes his way to Tyre in search of Sisera of Harosheth, a friend of his father. As Uriah finds himself trapped between the warring tribes of the Israelites and Canaanites, he meets a woman named Deborah and finds himself questioning his faith in the gods and the strength of Sisera’s armies.
Notes From the Radical Reader:
- Noble Characters: Uriah has always worshipped the pagan gods of the Egyptians, Hittites, and Canaanites, but when he meets a man named Jotham and sees the horrific worship of the pagan god, Moloch, he begins to question the truth of what he has been taught. As the story progresses, we see Uriah’s struggle of believing in a god whose priests demand the torture of children and who only brings darkness and fear. After encountering the prophetess, Deborah, Uriah learns of the one true God and finds his pagan beliefs crumbling beneath him.
- Captivating Plots: Uriah the Hittite had no idea that fleeing to Tyre to protect his life would land him in the middle of the worst sacrilege he has ever heard of. When the sacrifice for Moloch is stolen, Uriah is forced to flee to Kedesh where he meets the rebel Israelites who plan to battle the Canaanites for their freedom. But loyalty to the memory of his father and for his own nation forces Uriah to betray the closest friends his knows, and the outcome of the battle will lie in a woman’s hands.
- Elaborate Worlds: From Hattusas to Tyre to Kedesh and Harosheth, from sailing on ships to Meggido and hearing warnings of scoundrels in Gaza, Joanne Williamson has told the story of Judges 4 & 5 from a completely different point of view. The world of ancient Palestine is beautiful and descriptively woven into a tale of adventure, heroism, and wavering loyalties. This story will not disappoint you!
Noteworthy Elements:
- Violence: Though not overly descriptive, a central piece of the story is the worship of the pagan god, Moloch, whose priests demand the sacrifice of a child to protect their city from danger. Though historically accurate (Leviticus 18:21, 2 Kings 23:10, Jeremiah 32:35), this element could potentially frighten younger children.
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