Ahoti: A Story of Tamar: A Novel

Praise for Ahoti: A Story of Tamar: A Novel

“Evocative, illuminating, beautiful, tragic, and triumphant at once. Ahoti is the story of Tamar we only thought we knew—a tale of faith and hardship written in breathtaking detail.”
—Tosca Lee, New York Times bestselling author of Iscariot and The Legend of Sheba

"In Ahoti: A Story of Tamar, Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson create a gripping story of Tamar, King David’s daughter who was raped by her half-brother Amnon. The narrative stays true to the sparse details of the biblical story, and fills in the gaps by adding plausible details to the plot and realistic portrayals of the characters in the story. Today’s readers will relate to the loneliness and shame Tamar experiences because of the actions and inactions of her father, brother, and half-brother. At the same time modern readers will appreciate the support the women in the story give to Tamar. Their concern makes possible the gift of transformation Tamar experiences as the story ends." —Joan E. Cook, S.C., Ph.D., author of Hannah’s Desire, God’s Design: Early Interpetations of the Story of Hannah and articles about biblical women as teachers for today

"Our ancestors faced the same traumas and troubles that plague us in this age, and dealt with them in much the same way. That’s why Ahoti: A Story of Tamar is relevant to this generation of ordinary people trying to make sense of a world filled with violence and dishonor. Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson relate the tragedy of King David’s daughter Tamar, filling in the details from the historical reality of ancient Israel. This is a story of one whose faith in the God of Israel overcomes the epic failures of those who also serve her God, but whose humanness inevitably tarnishes His Name. The result is an uplifting account of a woman who could have allowed her circumstances to make her a perpetual victim, but who chooses to become mistress of her own destiny." —Albert J. McCarn, creator of The Barking Fox and Executive Director of B’ney Yosef North America

"As an author of biblical fiction, I know the amount of research and work that goes into crafting a story like this. Miriam Feinberg Vamosh and Eva Marie Everson comprise the perfect team." —Jerry B. Jenkins, author of The Chosen series

"In a compelling melding of Jewish history, folklore, and biblical truth, the tragic story of King David’s daughter, Tamar, leaps off the page and shouts a redemptive cry for every woman silenced by her circumstance. A masterpiece of fiction based on solid historical documentation, Ahoti: A Story of Tamar, is a biblically accurate and believable story about one of the most unfairly treated women in the Bible. The authors have successfully related Tamar’s tragic tale without villainizing David or the ancient culture in which he ruled by presenting a strong woman’s response to a lifetime of adversity. Today’s reader will find an example of hard-won redemption for the past and hope for an unexpectedly hopeful future." —Mesu Andrews, best-selling author of In Feast or Famine
 
"I was privileged to have the opportunity to discover, annotate, and publish the ancient text Words of Gad the Seer. Now I feel even more privileged, when Ms. Feinberg Vamosh and Mrs. Everson share part of the book with the whole world. This story of Tamar is for women by nature, and it is almost unbelievable that it was told thousands of years ago." —Prof. Meir Bar-Ilan, Professor Emeritus, Former chair, Talmud Department, Bar-Ilan University, Israel, Author, among many other works, of Words of Gad the Seer, Some Jewish Women in Antiquity
 
"Fans of Biblical Historical Fiction will fall in love with Vamosh and Everson’s Ahoti. This story is filled with heartache and healing in a beautifully crafted tale of pain, loss, and redemption. A compelling historical novel that answers the question, “What happened to Tamar?” The authors bring well-known historical figures to life through this familiar tale of woe with an unexpected twist. From the splendor of David’s palace in Jerusalem, to the lowly streets of Abel, to the haven and confinement of Geshur, and back again, Tamar finds herself on a journey she never knew was waiting for her. Vamosh and Everson grant Tamar not only a well-crafted story that ultimately results in a new name, but also readers a woven tapestry of God’s redemption they can wrap around their personal struggles." —Jenifer Jennings, author of biblical historical fiction

"Ahōti, a Story of Tamar, is a beautifully written novel that goes beyond Tamar’s sad ending in Scripture to a vision of hope and redemption, a story that brings Tamar full circle to healing and her rightful place in the kingdom. Miriam and her co-author Eva based their story on an anonymous manuscript purportedly by Gad the Seer, a prophet in King David’s court (1 Chronicles 29:29), which is in the Cambridge University Library, MS 00.1.20. It was copied in Cochin, India in the middle of the eighteenth century, and it consists of fourteen “chapters,” chapter thirteen of which provides the grist for Miriam and Eva’s novel.
Miriam is a brilliant and gifted writer and Ahōti, a Story of Tamar is one of her best offerings. It will be published in May of 2024, and I encourage all of you to pre-order a copy today. I have. And I hope you will, too. You will love this exquisite novel!" —Dr. Bill Creasy, “This Week at Logos” newsletter

“Vamosh (The Scroll) and Everson (The Ornament Keeper) put an empowering spin on the biblical story of Tamar, the daughter of King David…[I]t’s a welcome and often gripping portrait of the unsung courage of a biblical heroine.”—Publishers Weekly

“Over the course of Everson and Vamosh's novel, Tamar realizes her own strength and self-worth, exploring her womanhood, spirituality, ambitions, and the realities of her world. She also learns to value the wisdom and care of others as she provides care of her own. Tamar’s growth over the course of her journey is compelling and insightful, and her story will resonate with readers who enjoy women-focused historical fiction.” —Booklist