Jezebel

Barnard reimagines the biblical story of Queen Jezebel in her ambitious but muddled debut. Jezebel, daughter of Ithobaal, the king of Tyre, decides at six years old that she wants her name to be remembered for the ages. At 12, she has a priestess divine her future and learns she will be married to a foreign king, a prediction validated when Ithobaal promises her to Ahab, son of the king of Israel, to strengthen Tyre's geopolitical standing. The marriage, which exiles Jezebel from her homeland, is an unhappy one, but she finds solace in the arms of Ahab's friend and scribe, Elijah. When Elijah calls down the Israelite God's wrath on the kingdom, ostensibly because of its monarch's wickedness, a multiyear drought ensues. The details here are a bit fuzzy--it's not clear how the Israelites, including the king and queen, have enough drinkable water to survive, or why, with the royal court unable to afford fancy imported foods, merchants would travel to the country to sell them. The early sections depicting Jezebel's yearning are the strongest, though Barnard has less success with the biblical stuff. It's a provocative concept, but the author's revisionist choices don't always pan out. Agent: Jim McCarthy, Dystel, Goderich & Bourret. (Aug.)

Instantly enchanting, this is a bold retelling that uncovers the person behind the biblical archetype. Starting from Bel's unusual birthmark and remarkable power even as an infant, her story centers on her unwavering perspective. In childhood, she is a willful, tenacious, and intelligent young princess, qualities she expands and builds upon after her marriage to a foreign prince and during her reign as queen. Living by her own rules, Bel is steadfast and unwavering in her beliefs, which propel the action of the narrative. From the onset, she is determined to be remembered. The text is immersive, while giving just enough political and religious plot for readers to feel grounded without being too bogged down. Teens will be rooting for this often-maligned character as she learns to wield influence and gain power, despite her marginalized status as a woman in ancient times. For fans of Joy McCullough's Blood Water Paint, even those unfamiliar with Jezebel's original story will find her powerful voice refreshing and unique. VERDICT An illuminating addition to the canon of feminist retellings.--Hayley Morgenstern