Seventeen Spoons - (Desert Songs Trilogy) by Esther Goldenberg (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

The eagerly awaited second volume of The Desert Songs Trilogy, Seventeen Spoons, takes readers on an unforgettable journey alongside the beloved religious icon, Joseph, as he navigates the tumultuous path of gaining power and breaking away from his family's traditions.

Seventeen Spoons delves into the life of Joseph, the youngest and most favored son in the tribe of Jacob. With prophetic dreams, special treatment, a divine connection, and an unshakable confidence, his youth is marked by distinction and envy.

While his brothers exclude him, Joseph finds solace and wisdom among the women of the tribe. Instead of becoming a shepherd like his brothers, he becomes a man of the tents, devoted to prayer and study. Though he swiftly masters reading and writing, he must also navigate the complex emotions surrounding him--jealousy, anger, love, and his own feelings of curiosity, affection, and grief.

Joseph's ascension to being crowned Second-in-Command of all Egypt is fraught with dramatic power shifts. Through it all, he must balance the traditions and lessons of his childhood with the demands of ruling a mighty kingdom, fulfilling his destiny as a revered leader.

Review Quotes

A tale of fraternal resentment and the workings of fate, Seventeen Spoons is a powerful novel about Joseph's entrance into Egypt.--Michelle Anne Schingler "Foreword Reviews"

Goldenberg brings another icon of the Torah to life in her latest work of historical fiction, Seventeen Spoons. Joseph is brought into the light not only as Jacob's youngest son, tormented by his elder brothers, but also as a man whose innate wisdom, intuition, and ability to know are fostered by the women of his tribe. Goldenberg inserts detail and compassion into a well-known story previously told only in broad strokes and at a high level. Her novel answers the question: "What made Joseph extraordinary?" A truly pleasurable read for lovers of historical fiction.--Jeanne McWilliams Blasberg "author of Daughter of a Promise"

About the Author

Esther Goldenberg is an author, educator, and mother. Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in a diverse community, Goldenberg learned to appreciate art and culture at an early age. She brings her life experiences and interests to all of her storytelling and writing.