by Mary Burns
If you would like to read the sections of the Hebrew Bible that scholars believe are attributable to the “J” author, I can point you to no finer work than Professor Harold Bloom’s “The Book of J” which presents an elegant, beautiful and highly original translation from the Hebrew by David Rosenfeld, a true poet, along with Professor Bloom’s erudite commentary about “J” and her writing. I owe a great debt of inspiration and gratitude to both of them.
Two other books which were of great use to me were William M. Schniedewind’s “How the Bible Became a Book” and Jeff A. Benner’s “The Ancient Hebrew Lexicon of the Bible.”
The books of the Hebrew Bible which cover the period of time that transpires in this novel include 1 & 2 Samuel and 1 & 2 Kings. My character of Janaia is completely fictional, and where my novel differs from what one reads in the Bible—that’s all my own imagination and inspiration. This fictional account is in no way intended to cast aspersions upon or seek to change any person’s or church’s beliefs and interpretations based on their reading of the Bible.
I’m happy to correspond with readers and answer questions; please visit my website at www.maryfburns.com and use the “contact me” page to send me an email.
Selected Chronology of the People
Pronunciation & Character Guide
Fictional Characters
Names of Characters Who Appear in the Bible/Old Testament
Major PLACE NAMES from the Bible
Special Things
Map of Israel during the time of King David ca. 1000 BCE
Acknowledgments
I am especially grateful to my excellent editor, Debra Mitchell, for her insights and assistance; my literary agent, Krista Goering, for believing in me and “J”; all the helpful folks at O-Books; my family and friends, especially Robert, and my husband Stu, who had great patience with the writer in the house, and has been a loving support through many ups and downs.
