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Book Review of The Jewel of Medina (Medina, Bk 1)

The Jewel of Medina (Medina, Bk 1)
reviewed on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


I love novels based on historical events, and there are many which enable us to experience ancient and medieval times and places, through vigorous research and elegant language. This was not one. The writing was leaden, cliche ridden, and sorely in need of editing. Into the first third of the book, I stopped listing the errors of time, place, customs and language ( checking with Google, Wikopedia, God's War, A History of God, and others). Many of the events, practices, and expressions came into being long after Muhammed's time on earth and Aisha's bratty, impetuous personna seemed more suitable for a Disney heroine. As a matter of curiosity, I wonder how likely it would be for the 7th century Arab harem of Muhammed's 10 wives, one would have fiery red hair(Aisha) and another, blonde hair and blue eyes(Maryam)...in Mecca and Medina? I would not recommend this book to a serious reader.