The Bronze Bow
by Elizabeth George Speare
The Bronze Bow is about a boy named Daniel bar Jamin joining a band of Zealots, trying to drive out the Romans from Israel. He receives help from his friend, Joel, and his shadow, a rescued slave called “Samson”. Samson acts deaf and doesn’t speak the right language, however his muscles make up for the fact that he eats too much and his “deafness”. Joel is a compassionate childhood friend who could become a rabbi, but knowing Daniel’s feelings, stays a peasant though his sister decides to become rich and popular. Meanwhile, Daniel discovers Jesus, but is angry that he is not a zealot. Despite that, Daniel seems to be drawn to him like a magnet. He cannot figure out this kind, gentle man, who says he will save people someday. So far, I would rate this book a four out of ten because the author doesn’t do the best job in explaining the plot, but I think if somebody else wrote it, it would be and eight out of ten.
