The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth Geroge Speare

Sometimes a book is astonishing simply because it takes a subject that you’ve never before considered and presents it to you as a topic quite worthy of a story. Set in first-century Israel, Elizabeth George Speare’s novel The Bronze Bow is a wonderfully unique work due to its fiery hero, whose outlook on his times gives, among other things, a fascinating impression of the historical character of Jesus.

          Daniel hates the burgeoning Roman Empire as the cause of Israel’s captivity and as the reason his family is in shambles. Chafing under its conquering hand, he joins a band of rebels who hide in the hills of Galilee and embark on raids against those whose wealth affiliates them with the Romans, until the death of his grandmother forces him to return home and care for his sister Leah. Daniel is not content to be only a village blacksmith, and he and his friends Joel and Thacia make a pact to seek out like-minded allies to work for God’s Victory. Frustratingly for the ardent Daniel, this victory turns out to be elusive. His search for a worthy commander in the struggle against the Romans leads him to an itinerate preacher named Jesus, whose compelling persona is coupled with a surprising creed. Daniel, however, must decide whether his vendetta is worth keeping despite the havoc it must necessarily wreak on those closest to him, or whether he will accept Jesus’ unusual promise of deliverance.

Speare’s novel is clearly worthy of the Newbery Medal it won in 1962 for both its beautifully clear voice and its engrossing depiction of a pivotal time period. The Jewish culture with its detailed religious heritage is a central element to the story and certainly adds to its realism; also, the picture of Jesus as he might be seen from the eyes of an “ordinary” Jew of his day is quite captivating. Daniel’s other relationships with figures such as his sister Leah, his friend Samson, and Simon the Zealot contribute to a multifaceted plot. The character of Thacia is interesting as a strong feminine character who is comfortably herself within the customs of the time. These elements culminate in a coming-of-age story that presents a hero with passions and struggles that readers will appreciate.