When I read Lew Wallace’s Ben-Hur, Anita Diamant’s The Red Tent, Francine Rivers’ Mark of the Lion, and Mesu Andrew’s Love Amid the Ashes, I got caught up in the almost fantastical world the authors created. The stories sprawled across time and shimmered with drama and danger. I loved these books but I’d never heard the term “biblical fiction.”
Truth or Myth?
Trying to write one of my own was a natural outcome. Only then did I learn their genre was biblical fiction, a subset of historical fiction. The best “biblicals” seamlessly merge general history with settings, characters, and events taken from the Bible. How much is fictionalized varies from author to author. So does the degree to which the author holds to the Bible’s account. Some authors treat miraculous events in the Bible as myth, while others consider them supernatural truth.
I’m drawn to the latter because I’m convinced the Bible is believable! Holding to that conviction still allows a wide landscape for the imagination.
Adventure! Romance! Danger!
The best biblical fiction is adventurous, riveting, and sets your feet on the dusty paths of the past. Meticulous research gives new meaning to reading the Bible. Take, for example, these three Christy-Award winning novels.
“In the Shadow of Jezebel” by Mesu Andrews spins deadly family intrigue to rival the Borgias based on biblical genealogy and a mysterious letter from the dead prophet Elijah.
“In the Shelter of the Most High,” by author Connilyn Cossette, fills the Bible’s “Cities of Refuge” with a cast of characters including Mediterranean sea marauders and the mysterious Sicani from the Bronze Age.
“Land of Silence” by Tessa Afshar relates the heartrending story of Elianna, a young girl crushed by guilt, who steals healing by touching the hem of Jesus’ garment.
My upcoming book “Rain” tells the story of Aban, a young boy scarred by the cruel demands of the god Melqart and a three-year drought. Aban’s life is radically changed by the prophet Elijah and the one true God. “Rain” ebooks can be preordered on Amazon today! If you prefer Paperbacks, they may begin shipping as early as February 25, 2021.
What about you?
If you’re new to biblical fiction, this list from FamilyFiction makes it easy to find a great read. https://www.familyfiction.com/21-novels-set-bible-times/
I enjoy reading many genres – mystery, suspense, romance, and several periods of historical fiction. How about you? Is there one genre you read most often? If you read biblical fiction, what draws you to it?
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Post originally published November 2019, updated and reposted January 2021.
Inspired by the Bible story of Elijah raising the widow’s son from the dead, author Dana McNeely wondered what became of the boy. She began research for her novel, “Rain,” which tells the story of the three-and-a-half-year drought from his perspective. No stranger to drought, Dana lives in an Arizona oasis with her hubby the constant gardener, two good dogs, an antisocial cat, and migrating butterflies.
In 2021 RAIN became a finalist in The Christy Award (use the registered mark) and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award® and was also a finalist in the 2022 ACFW Carol Award.
WHIRLWIND, the second novel in the “Whispers on the Wind” series, tells the story of a king’s downfall and a love that transcends war.
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I’ve read Mesu Andrews of Fire and Lions and loved it. I’m a fan of Biblical fiction. Can’t wait to see yours come out!!
Hi, Miralee, thanks for your kind words! I’m so excited, too. What I’m dreaming about now is the book cover!
Dana, thanks for such a great list! I remember the first Biblical fiction I ever read was “The Robe” by Lloyd C. Douglas, and that was such an amazing experience…it’s cool seeing new titles along with old favorites.
And seeing RAIN will be an even bigger treat. 🙂
Aww, thanks, Laurie!
I got hooked on biblical fiction and I really don’t enjoy reading anything else. I’m looking forward to your new book Rain.
Great, Patty! If you have joined my newsletter list, subscribers will get a free novelette in the near future. I’d love to hear what you think about it!
Wonderful post, Dana! You captured the essence of what makes biblical fiction so exciting. I write biblical fiction, too. Am at the query/book proposal stage for the first book in my series. Am a huge Mesu Andrews fan (and had a 1-on-1 coaching session with her). God’s blessings and all the best of success with your book! Looking forward to it!
Thank you, Lana. I’m a long-time friend with Mesu and I love her work also. Thank you for sharing about your work and dream! I wish you all the best. Let me know how I can support you. Dana
I appreciate the way you brought these biblical characters to life in a new and imaginative way. Your storytelling is captivating!
Thank you, Joseph. Reading the Bible’s account is magnicent.