Author: Michelle Grover
Recommended Age: 12-14
Date Published: 2023
Genre: Historical Fiction
Summary: Gehazi is a servant of the prophet, Elisha, but is constantly plagued with jealousy and envy. Marcus is a soldier in the household of Naaman, burdened with the responsibility of caring for his master. And Cassia is a little Israelite girl who is carried away from her homeland by an Aramean raid. When their paths cross and they all are touched by the miraculous saving work of Yahweh, will they listen to His call?
Notes from The Radical Reader:
- Noble Characters: Shown through three servants’ perspectives, young readers will be faced with the terrible consequences of envy, the conflicted heart of a pagan young soldier, and the faithful yet painful path of an Israelite slave girl.
- Captivating Plots: Floating ax-heads. Dead children resurrected. Lepers cleansed in muddy waters. Voice of a Servant takes the Biblical story of Naaman and introduces young readers to an incredible time in Biblical history when Aramean forces, rebellious kings, and foreign armies battle over the small nation of Israel.
- Elaborate Worlds: Author Michelle Grover shows readers miraculous Biblical events through the eyes of an envious servant, a loyal attendant, and a brave Israelite girl. Set during the events of 2 Kings, readers will watch history come to life in this incredible story!
Noteworthy Elements:
- Violence: The prophet Elisha foretells the destruction of the Arameans and how they will dash the little children of Israel to the ground and “rip open their pregnant women”. Marcus, as a soldier in the army, foresees himself fulfilling Elisha’s prophecy and “cutting open women’s stomachs”. The story makes reference to the king of Moab sacrificing his son before a battle to beg for the gods’ favor. Cassia also recalls how her mother died while giving birth. None of these issues are graphic or vividly detailed, but they may frighten some readers.
- Sexual Tension: There is a single reference to being able to claim a wife or maidservant from the captives. No explicit details are given.
- Biblical: While sticking closely to Biblical facts, the author does take creative liberties when portraying true people like Naaman, Elisha, and Gehazi.
