06/01/2016
After the death of her stepfather, Delilah is imprisoned by her stepbrother and used at his whim. She escapes with her life but must rely on the kindness of strangers to survive. Determined to recoup her losses, she agrees to find out the secret of Hebrew Samson's superhuman strength in exchange for money. Unexpectedly the two fall in love, but it's too late to prevent Samson's destruction. Hunt's vivid retelling of the biblical tale of Samson and Delilah creates a plausible backstory, portraying Delilah as a surprisingly sympathetic character. Told in alternating points of view of the two protagonists, the narrative delivers both sides of this familiar story in a fresh manner. Readers will have to make up their own minds regarding Delilah's motivations. Once again, Hunt (Bathsheba) stays true to the original account in this reinterpretation. But she adds authentic historical details to present Delilah and Samson's relationship and individual personalities in a new light. VERDICT Devotees of Hunt and biblical fiction will be eager to read.