If the cover of this book tickled your fancy, just wait until you get into the story. The Struggle for Courage was such a wonderful dive into the biblical era. The story adds thought-provoking layers with imaginative depth to the troubling time in Israel’s history when King Ahab and Jezebel ruled the land with oppression and fear.

Marilyn Parker’s sinewy writing style expertly fleshes out character angst and conviction in a way that has the reader fully invested in the resolution of conflicts. You will despise the villain and pant for the hero in this story, but not in a way that is predictable and overused. “The struggle for courage” becomes palpable in this book.

The story unfolds with pulses of apprehension as the main character, Obadiah, makes a heart-wrenching choice that becomes an undercurrent of the narrative. Sympathy and frustration collide with a syncopated rhythm that paces the story. Parker truly strokes the heartstrings as she creates relatable characters and masterfully details relational tension with community concerns. She takes her readers on a roller coaster of emotion packed with spiritual takeaways sure to keep you thinking even after closing the book. 

I was captivated by the storytelling adding dimensions to biblical figures such as Ahab, Jezebel, Obadiah, Naboth, and cameo appearances by the prophet Elijah. You won’t want to miss this one, especially if you are a fan of biblical fiction.

I received an advanced reader copy from the author but was not required to leave a review. All opinions expressed are my own.