4 out of 4 stars
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Integrating the biblical story of Deborah and Barak into this book with a twitch in the plot line was witty. Into the Hand of a Woman by Carla C. Ohse explores the political and social tragedy women are facing. It begins with a court case where a keen-sensed judge is touched and moved by the apparent appalling situation, she believed women in Israel were in. This vision for a change is also re-enforced by a God given directive to help women in Northern Israel. She embarked on her journey to Israel where she was fraught with different challenges and hiccups along the way. A rather funny moment was when she got her bike stolen (you would need to read the book to find out how). The voice of God was her primary source of direction as well as the voice of “her” Barak as she veered through the hurdles.
The story is hard to believe but not impossible. How does a well-faring judge leave the comfort of New York and subject herself to life-threatening situations? I know but a few people who will be willing to do such in our present society. A proper alternative name for this book might be “Into the Hand of Faith”. This, to me, is the best explanation on why the Judge could do what she did. There was no evident precedent that indicated she would be successful or triumphant in her quest, yet she launched out to a foreign land in quest of doing the impossible.
The book, though fictional, drew my attention to what may be the present situation of some women in certain countries, and I must say, it is alarming. Into the Hand of a Woman has a magical way of inducing hope in one’s heart and propelling one to make bold steps and decisions. We may not all be able to go to Israel, but maybe if we listen to the voice of God more, we might find our own Israel that needs saving. This is something profound I took away from reading this book.
The book wasn’t so enthralling. It took extra effort for me to read through the entire book. Though it was a good book, I believe the author could have infused some more suspense, twist and turns etc. The book would have been more enjoyable and captivating with all this included in it. Nonetheless, the book is top-notch.
I rate the book a 4 out of 4 stars because of its great story and flawless editing. The book did leave me with a question though. ‘Would God leave the faith of the world in the hand of a Woman?’
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Into the Hand of a Woman
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