The Stones: A Novel of the Life of King David

by Eleanor Gustafson

Book Overview

With comprehensive detail and flowing prose, Eleanor Gustafson crafts the retelling of King David's life-from his teenaged anointing to his death-as seen through the eyes of Asaph, a Levite historian.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1603740791
• ISBN13: 9781603740791
• Release Date: November 2008
• Publisher: Whitaker Distribution
• Length: 600 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.1" x 8.0"

Customer Reviews

CAN'T PUT DOWN

This is a wonderful read on the life of David. I find myself highlighting little thoughts, quotes, and even extended passsages. It is THAT good. I find it inspires, encourages me to reflect, and best of all it really breathes color and life into the familiar story of King David. It has an easy flow that is only interupted by one's own reflection and pauses to wonder, to say "Amen," and to whisper a prayer - "There but for the grace of God." Buy this book - read it - and pass it own to all those you love.

An Incredibly Insightful "Fiction" Look At The Life of King David

Eleanor Gustafson captured the essence of the books of Samuel and Chronicles, adding the perfect amount of humanity and realism to draw the reader into her beautifully told tale, "The Stones". The story of the shepherd-boy son of Jesse who became King David is an absolute joy to read. Scripture comes to life in three dimensions and jumps off the page and into the reader's imagination as the exploits of David and Jonathan are regaled in retrospect by the Levite musician, Asaph. Following David through his faith-filled stand against the Philistine giant through every trial, failure and victory on the way to being the greatest king of Israel and a man after God's own heart, "The Stones" brilliantly portrays scripture with a bit of drama to whet the Christian fiction reader's appetite for a wonderful story. Don't let the size of this novel intimidate you. It is completely worth the effort. It may be a bit long, but I believe it would be a wonderful reading group pick for those who would like to soak up the Bible along with their fiction. This is a terrific book!

Finally, a book that gets it right

I found this book in a search for novels about the life of King David and placed my order, expecting yet another soft, doe-eyed portrait of the famous Biblical character. I was happily surprised by it. As a soldier and veteran, I can be quite frustrated when much of Christian literature contains scenes of interaction among fighting men that ring hollow. The Stones is one of the only books I have read that both accurately reflects the intensity of war and correctly portrays the bantering and (sometimes) crude teasing of warriors with one another. Some readers might be put off by Gustafson's willingness to confront these realities, but that is precisely what they are-realities. Part of what shocked me is how realistic the thoughts, conversations, and motives of the soldiers were, since the author is a woman. This might be viewed as a sexist comment, but I believe it is just as difficult for a woman to capture a man's thoughts as it is difficult for a man to capture a woman's, and Gustafson has succeeded beyond what I have read previously. If you have ever wondered what might have gone on around the campfires of David's army or in the halls of the royal palace, this is as close as you are going to get. Beyond that, the spiritual depth and devotion to historical accuracy is remarkable in this novel. It paints on a broad canvas, yet never seems to be slow-paced. The descriptions of manners, customs, and the fascinating examination of cherem (the total destruction of enemies frequently recorded in Scripture) are top-notch. An outstanding novel, and one that I am already recommending to friends. There is even a study guide, which I eagerly look forward to going through in a church Bible study.

Bringing David to life

This is a massive book, not just in size but in scope and sweep. Eleanor Gustafson takes the story of David as recorded through the eyes of Asaph and brings meat and sinew to the life of David. As you read, you see David taking on passion and emotion, you begin to understand the raw brutishness of Joab and the psychosis of Saul. And that is only in the first three chapters. It has been a long time since I have picked up a book and had difficulty putting it down; it is only the press of other obligations that prevents me from attempting to consume this work in a single sitting. Even for a lifelong compulsive bookworm such as I, the 601 pages (including the addendum) does present a challenge for a non-stop read. There is a study guide in the works which is intended to assist in using this for a book study group. There is much to be gleaned here through a group discussion of the life of David, the one who calls our Savior,his Lord in Psalm 110:1

Making King David Come Alive

I am being blessed by reading Eleanor Gustafson's THE STONES! Although I have read the Bible accounts of David all my life, and have preached on them all my adult life (I am a pastor), Eleanor Gustafson makes David's character (and those of the people who surround him) come alive for me in a wonderfully fresh way. Of course, I've known for years that she is an outstanding writer. But this book shows that she also has a vast grasp of Bible history, Holy Land geography, and, in addition, a magnificent, sanctified imagination. I heartily recommend this book.