The Reluctant Queen - The Story of Esther
The Reluctant Queen - The Story of Esther
Top Choice

I’m called Esther—a Persian name, and yet I’m a Hebrew. Had I been able to do so, one of the questions I would have asked my mother and father when I grew older was, “Why did you give me this name?” But now, of course, I know why.


The story of the orphaned Jewish girl who saves the Jewish nation from extinction is the stuff of fantasy and legend. 
Did such a person exist?


Could an anonymous girl have been selected to be wife of the ancient Persian king of kings?


“Esther, soldiers will soon be combing the cities and countryside to look for the most beautiful young virgins. They will take hundreds of young girls for the king’s harem. Then the king’s eunuchs and servants will spend many months preparing the women for their night with him.” His words came faster and faster, wanting to get through this.”


The author of the award-winning I, Claudia and My Name is Saul ancient novels returns with the story of Esther. Wilder’s skills at blending historical fact with vividly imagined, well-founded characters have become her trademark. The Reluctant Queen is guaranteed to captivate both her loyal fans and eager newcomers, right down to its last riveting page.

Book Details

Genre: 

  • Historical Fiction

Age Level: 

  • 12 and up

 “The Reluctant Queen” is packed with historical detailing and exquisite character development.  The author takes the reader on a journey from Esther's early childhood into her Queendom, outlining how events in this seemly average young Jewish girl’s life mold her into becoming the savior of the Jews of Persia.

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When Esther is orphaned as a young Jewish girl, she goes to live with her uncle, Mordecai, and his wife, Joanna. She grows in wisdom and stature, becoming fluent in both Hebrew and Aramaic, well-versed in the texts of her own religion, Judaism, and also knowledgeable about the religions of the neighboring peoples. By the time she is a teenager, everyone in their small Persian town knows of her stunning beauty and brilliant mind.

 

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