Review: "Delilah" by Angela Hunt

This is Angela Hunt’s version of the story of Samson and Delilah and it is a believable page turner, I couldn’t put it down. As true to her other books about women of the Bible, she follows the Bible story as much as possible but there is actually very little written about Delilah. Ms. Hunt chooses to treat Delilah in a completely different manner than most versions of her story. Instead of depicting her as a harlot and prostitute that deceives Samson for self-advancement and financial gain, she portrays her as a woman in love with him but who also has an unquenchable thirst for revenge. Thinking that she has complete control of the situation and this is her only way to be completely safe, and also that he will not be harmed, she betrays him only to find out how wrong she was.

I thoroughly enjoyed this portrayal. Delilah’s character is fully developed. Although I may not have agreed with her method, I completely understood why she carried out her misguided plan. I was given a glimpse inside her emotions and to feel her fear and need for revenge and also her love for Samson. Instead of reviling her, I felt pity for how misguided she was.

As I said, I loved this book and it is one of the best that I have read so far. It can be read, enjoyed and understood by teen to adult readers. Although the story is tragic, this version left me feeling uplifted because of the forgiveness that is extended. I highly recommend it.

I requested and received this book for review from NetGalley.