The secret chord by Geraldine Brooks
Hachette, 2015. ISBN 9780733632174
(Age: 16+) Highly recommended. Historical. King David. Biblical
times. Violence. Pulitzer Prize winner author, Geraldine Brooks has
brought to life the story of the biblical King David in this
compelling tale bridging his life as a young boy, as a fighter, a
hero, a stately king and finally an old man who has been corrupted
by power. It is told in the words of the prophet Natan, who was
close to David from the time when David took him from the village
where everyone else had been slaughtered to the time of his death.
Brooks tells a violent and cruel story as the reader is taken on a
compelling and enthralling voyage through the Second Iron Age. David
was a neglected and abused shepherd boy when he faced down the giant
Goliath and won. From then he becomes a leader and soldier and
ultimately king. Brooks doesn't flinch from descriptions of the
violence of the times. Battles and murders are described in detail
and the reader is sometimes left reeling from the slaughter and
cruelty that occurred. The power that David wielded as a king was
enormous, and gradually he began to abuse it, taking what he wanted
without regard to his loyal friends or the feelings of those around
him. David is not only seen through the eyes of Natan, but through
the eyes of his wives Mikhal, Avigail, and Batsheva and their
stories leave an emotional impact.
The often beautiful and lyrical language made it a stand out read
for me. David's strengths and flaws are brought to life, by writing
of an author at the top of her game. Right from the first page
the descriptions are so vivid and graphic that even though many of
David's actions are indescribably painful, it is impossible not to
continue reading.
Brooks' has a fascinating afterword where she describes how her
son's decision to learn the harp lead to her decision to research
and write about David, and indeed she lists many scholarly works as
her inspiration as well as the Bible.
This is not always an easy read, due to the corruption, violence and
bloodshed, but ultimately it is a rewarding and unforgettable one.
Pat Pledger