April 10, 2017
Set in Greece during the first century C.E., Afshar’s (Land of Silence) detailed novel tells the story of Lydia and her father, Eumenes, a master at creating extraordinary purple dyes unmatched by other craftsmen. From a young age Lydia has been an integral part of her father’s business, helping with both dyeing and bookkeeping. When Eumenes is trampled by a horse, Jason, a member of the upper class, comes to his aid. After returning with Lydia’s badly injured father, Jason takes an immediate liking to Lydia, even offering to use his successful mother’s name to help the dye business to avoid paying the onerous Roman taxes. But Eumenes is thrown in jail after he is brashly betrayed and Lydia barely escapes with her life to Philippi. With only the dye formula, Lydia must try to recreate the successful business and learn the mysterious teachings of a stranger named Paul whom she encounters. Afshar has created an unforgettable story of dedication, betrayal, and redemption that culminates in a rich testament to God’s mercies and miracles.
June 1, 2017
In the town of Thyatira, Lydia and her father manufacture the purple cloth prized by wealthy Romans. When her father dies, she continues the business alone, but in the ancient Roman world a single woman with no family to protect her is vulnerable. A chance meeting in Philippi with the Apostle Paul changes Lydia's life when she converts to Christianity. Will the Gospel preached by Paul as well as Lydia's faith allow her to survive the heartbreak of all that life has taken from her? Afshar (Land of Silence) retells the New Testament (Acts 16:15) story of the first European convert to Christianity. With sublime writing and solid research, she captures the distinctive experience of living at a time when Christianity was in its fledgling stages. Ashfar is much more sympathetic than other authors in her depiction of St. Paul, characterizing him as a gentle leader who respects women. VERDICT A solid choice for readers interested in the lesser-known figures of the Bible.
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