The David Chronicles is the story of David as you have never heard it before: from the king himself, telling the unofficial version, the one he never allowed his court scribes to recount. In his mind, history is written to praise the victorious–but at the last stretch of his illustrious life, he feels an irresistible urge to tell the truth. In the first volume, Rise to Power, David gives you a … gives you a fascinating account of his early years, culminating with a tribal coronation. Rooted in ancient lore, his is a surprisingly modern memoir.
- Rise to Power
- A Peek at Bathsheba
- The Edge of Revolt
Volume I: Rise to Power
This volume starts at his coming to Saul’s court, to play before king Saul, and ends with his coronation to become king of a single tribe. How does David see himself, during this first phase of his life? With his hands stained with blood, can he find an inner balance between conflicting drives: his ambition for the crown, his determination to survive the conflict with Saul, and his longing for purity, for a touch of the divine, as expressed so lyrically in his psalms and music?
In an era of cruelty, when destroying the enemy is deemed a sacred directive, the slayer of Goliath finds a way to become larger than life. His search for a path to power leads him in ways that are, at times, scandalous. Notorious for his contradictions, David is seen by others as a gifted court entertainer, a successful captain in Saul’s army, a cunning fugitive, a traitor leading a gang of felons, and a ruthless raider of neighboring towns who leaves no witnesses behind.
Volume II: A Peek at Bathsheba
This volume starts at the civil war between the tribes, his eventual coronation over the whole nation of Israel, and his affair with Bathsheba. Against the backdrop of wars, raging within the land and without, David is growing into the mantle of leadership. Between his anointment as a tribal king and his anointment as the king of all of Israel, he uses wisdom, cunning, and his own understanding of the forces of history, aiming for high ideals: stopping the bloodshed, uniting the nation, and bringing about healing and peace.
But then, having reached his peak, David falters. He makes a serious error that threatens to undo his political success, and cost him not only the adoration of his people–but also the sense of being sustained by a divine power. That error is the most torrid tale of passion ever told: his deliciously forbidden love for Bathsheba, followed by his attempt to cover up the ensuing scandal by sending her husband–who serves him faithfully in his army–to his death.
Volume III: The Edge of Revolt
Struggling to find the right balance between loving his sons and upholding justice, David is silent when Amnon rapes his daughter, Tamar, and when Absalom lures Amnon to his death. These crimes go punished, because a mysterious change has come upon the king, which his court scribes note even before he does. In the past he had to explain his actions, such as the affair with Bathsheba, to them. Now, they want to understand the opposite thing: his lack of action.
In families other than his, such matters may be a mere matter of gossip. Yet when assault, incest, and murder occur in the king’s family, they affect matters of the state. David is toppled from his throne and must escape from the son he adores, Absalom.
Even as he finds a way to quell the revolt and come back to the City of David, the road ahead seems unclear. How will he find the right successor amongst his remaining sons, the one who will connect to him and continue his legacy?more
***** A Unique Retelling of Biblical Stories
Having been in a boxed set with this author before, I have only recently become acquainted with her writing. Here, in this three book collection, I was completely taken by several things. Firstly, to me, Ms. Poznansky’s simple, yet literary and analytical style, is truly lovely. At the same time, her occasional use of modern language creates something unique without interfering with the characters or plots. As she delves deeper and deeper into the lives and minds of her characters, she reaches far into their psyches. “I hang my head over these knuckles, over these pale, veined wrists, which I hardly recognize as mine, finding myself overcome by a new enemy, one I never expected: the chill of old age…” is just one example of many which demonstrates her literary prowess.
In her first book, THE RISE TO POWER, David, a mere musician, is waiting to perform for King Saul. We then see how his aspirations of being a important part of the court and royalty soon swells, sending him toward a destiny he realizes he has probably always desired. In A PEEK AT BATHSHEBA, King David is thrust into the complications of being a ruler, a husband, and a father. Yet all the while, he is smitten with Bathsheba. “I remember the way she guided my hand, ever so gently, so I could feel her skin, her warmness, and the faint kick of the baby inside her…then as the glow dimmed, it smoldered into darkness.” In THE EDGE OF REVOLT, we see an older, wiser King David, now in quarantine and reminiscing about his life. A life that basically included him as a young man, lying in wait for the old King Saul to decline, and how, in the end, David’s lust for power would overtake everything. A powerful and all encompassing look at Middle Eastern history, I completely recommend this set!
OMG I stayed up all night to read this trilogy with pots of coffee practically at my bedside. It was so good! The bible come to life. I love biblical stories more for the allegorical tales than any religious reasons. They are full of adventure, passion, lust, love, murder, evil, good and redemption. They take us to a time and place we will never know or experience except is these wonderful texts. The David Chronicles does just that. The author gives us a unique perspective of David and Bathsheba in the context of history. Their love that haunts David. The taking of Bathsheba. The murder of Uriah. It is history come to life in a way that is fresh and captivating! King David has done great things but he will forever be haunted by what he did to Bathsheba and Uriah. I just loved this trilogy. It feels like Shakesphere in the biblical times. I don’t doubt he was inspired by the many biblical stories. The writer makes you feel you are a fly on the wall of history watching a great man do bad things and fall from grace. I loved this trilogy and I hope there are more stories to come!
im not really sure what to believe any more . if this was the real story of david. how many other stories are really real? you must read to make your own decision.
When I began reading Rise to Power I was already reading two other books, both considered classics in the literary world. These gathered dust once I’d digested but a few lines of Uvi Poznansky’s alluring verse. I am so enamored with the sensual style and delicious delivery of this Old Testament story, that this review is a purely emotional response as I have just put it down. I feel like a devotee.
I loved the entire series of… The David Chronicles … I got seduced by the scenic ambience and delectable poetry that Uvi Poznansky dishes up. Rich and tasty, a sumptuous banquet befitting King David himself.
The power, intrigue and conflict that dominates this series is balanced in the most complimentary way. Contrasted by the use of delicate prose and absorbing passion.
I first read Uvi Poznansky to help me improve my own writing. I greatly admire her skills, so much so I’m often compelled to call refer to her as ma’am.
I would happily recommend any of her titles as I’ve read them all. I’m a bit of a fan.
Five Stars it was a great/satisfying conclusion to The David Chronicles.
This is one big book to read plan on spending time with it. The story is epic as well as a new twist on the history we only read about. It written well and the characters in the book are true to form. This book challenges you on what you think you knew and what could be the truth.