Review by Booklist Review
Tolstoy called it the most beautiful story in the world: the biblical account of Joseph, he of the many-colored coat who was the beloved son of Jacob and Rachel. Jealous of his favored status and angry at his arrogance and insensitivity, his brothers sold Joseph to a passing caravan that took him to Egypt where he was then enslaved. Thanks in part to his ability to divine the meanings of dreams, he became Viceroy of all Egypt, second only to Pharaoh in power. Now wise and compassionate, his was the way of forgiveness, for when circumstances dictated that his brothers should come to him for help, he absolved them and was reunited at last with his father. Evoking the ancient Jewish art of Midrash, Mitchell now offers a novelistic version of this timeless story, bringing to it a touch of metafiction, and a sometimes breezy and insouciant but always reverent style. Richly imagined and told in bite-size chapters, the story is compulsively readable and inspirational. It's a timeless tale retold in a timeless fashion.--Michael Cart Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
In this captivating contemporary retelling of the biblical story of Joseph, independent scholar Mitchell (The Gospel According to Jesus) delivers a strong message of forgiveness. In witty prose, he introduces the reader to Joseph, the beautiful, favored son of Jacob. Because of Jacob's favoritism and Joseph's tattling, Joseph's brothers' resentment of him intensifies to hatred when Jacob presents Joseph with the lavish gift of a multicolored coat. Meanwhile, Joseph has dreams of his brothers bowing down to him, and when he shares them with his brothers and Jacob, they are displeased. Jacob is convinced Joseph is destined for greatness, but he admonishes him to keep his dreams to himself, while the brothers contemplate how much better life would be without their spoiled younger brother. "No one, of course, wants to suffer. And yet the fortunate among us manage to learn from our suffering what can be learned nowhere else." Mitchell takes a novelistic approach as he shares Joseph's suffering through betrayal, slavery, and false accusations against him by his brothers. Also included are a helpful prologue and epilogue (as well as a section of "Notes and References") that provide context. Focusing on themes of humility, redemption, and forgiveness, Mitchell's retelling will be perfect for bible study groups and Christian readers looking for an easy point of entry into the Book of Genesis. (Sept.)
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
An imaginative retelling of the biblical story of Joseph.In his latest, Mitchell (The Frog Prince: A Parable of Love and Transformation, 1999, etc.)who has translated Beowulf, The Odyssey, Bhagavad-Gita, and the Tao Te Ching, among many other significant worksre-creates the story of Joseph into a novelistic tale of self-discovery, tragedy, love, and reconciliation. Joseph, the most beloved of Jacob's 12 sons, was sold into slavery by his jealous brothers, but he eventually became a powerful leader in Egypt and saved his family and many others through his wisdom during a major famine. Mitchell approaches this ageless tale with tact and respect, adding to it through his artistic, sensitive retelling. Whereas the Bible's language is spare and to the point, Mitchell's prose is rich with imagery and reflection. Because of his thorough understanding of the time period, the author is able to provide, or create, authentic details that flesh out the Joseph story for all readers. At the same time, he manages to slyly squeeze in anachronistic details that add to the richness of the story. In one scene, for example, Mitchell writes, "Joseph leans back in his adjustable chair and puts his feet up on the mahogany desk that was last year's birthday present from his boss." The author also draws on the understated sexual details of the biblical account and portrays scenes of lust and longing, sometimes shocking in their context yet also very human. He creates vivid psychological portraits of the characters, as well, portraying a broken-hearted Jacob, a rough yet ethical Judah, a bumbling but amiable Potiphar, and a saintlike Joseph. Mitchell presents Joseph as he is in the Bible: a man of imperfections as well as great wisdom and restraint, favored by God. In keeping to the scriptural ideal of Joseph, the author provides authenticity to a bold work of creative storytelling.Exceptionally written and scripturally loyal, this is a fine achievement. Copyright Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
