Humble David, a hero for our times
“For example, David’s mother is not named in the Hebrew Bible. But we know she existed. So in the book, she is a source of inspiration for David. Women don’t get much of a mention in the original story, but in the book they are figures of strength and courage,” says Boorstin
His protagonist is Nara, the Philistine woman of the title. Her towering stature means she is betrothed to the giant Goliath, to bear his warrior sons, but her fate collides with that of David, forming the dramatic arc of the novel. Other biblical characters brought to life include King Saul and his daughter Michal, David’s future wife.
As one might expect, Boorstin’s eight-year task in writing David and the Philistine Woman included intensive research – both in the form of biblical study and studies of recent archaeological discoveries.
What he found was that the Philistines, an ancient nonSemitic people who lived in what is now
Israel and Gaza, did not live up to the modern meaning of their name. In fact, they were a rather advanced tribe, whose technology was superior to that of the Israelites. But “history is written by the victors” he points out.
He sees the David and Goliath story as an analogy for the adversities we all face.
“Being brave doesn’t just mean facing off with a giant. We all face Goliaths every day— it might just be going out and getting a job. We all have to identify our Goliaths and face them, and that’s what I want to encourage people to do.
“David is very much a modern type of hero, I think. As the unathletic kid at school who always got picked last for sports teams at school, I identified with him. I discovered that he was able to defeat a giant with just a sling and stones. He was my kind of hero.
“And unlike other biblical figures, he never sees a miracle. Neither does he speak with God. God does not tell him what to do. He does it because he knows it is the right thing to do.”
David and the Philistine Woman is published by Top Hat Books. Paul Boorstin and Michael Baum are speaking at Jewish Book Week on March 4 at 8pm. www.jewishbookweek.com/eventsnew/biblical-fiction SOLVE OUR Shabbat-friendly crossword. Writing is not required — just use your Scrabble board and tiles to spell out the answers to the cryptic clues. 6G He nearly committed adultery. (5) 8D She’s happy to get the stick. (3) 8M Game for any one. (6)
10A This bird might boast. (4)
11F Old party members gulp their drink. (4)
12C Take control of Katherine. (4)
12I Bone found in Hebrew alphabet. (4)
DOWN
2J Give a secret thrashing. (6)
3A Put an artist in a box of minerals. (5)
4E The scamp begins to get better. (7) 5L Lena lived down there. (4)
6F It’s partly worthless. (6)
8B I have seen this clue before. (4 ,2) 8I Meet and say hello. (5)
10A Comfortable in the USA. (4)
10G Dispute over Tiffany’s share. (4) 11J A kid who has not yet scored. (4) 12A One not related by marriage. (6) 13I One could do with shade here. (5) 14B I revert to a printer’s measure. (2)