Abraham and Sarah-Roberta Kells Dorr

Abraham and Sarah Roberta Kells Dorr Moody/River North, Mar 1 2014, $14.99 ISBN 9780802409577 Abram devoutly worships an invisible God that friends, family and servants doubt exist outside his mind as everyone else fears their deities. Especially nerve wracking to his wife Sarai is Abram’s strict obedience to Elohim’s demands, regardless of the cost to him, his loved ones and his community. Sarai also loathes her maidservant Hagar, who has given her husband his only offspring Ishmael while his wife grows old, bitter and barren. However, though decades past child-bearing, Sarai miraculously with Elohim’s intervention gives birth to Abram’s legitimate heir Isaac. As the family relocates obeying Elohim’s command, Sarai diligently protects her beloved Isaac. Abraham and Sarah is an intriguing look at the first relationship triangle starring the first founding father, the original first lady, their servant and the next generation offspring. The period and places are vividly described especially life in early biblical time. Though the three key males are less developed, Hagar and Sarai are complete with each, at times unlikable; as the matriarch is a shrew and the handmaiden flauntingly prideful. Harriet Klausner