Publisher's Synopsis
Shira's Song By Beverly LaHote Schwind and Janet Camp Saunders Synopsis From the opening statement to the dramatic postlude, Shira's Song conducts the compassionate reader of Biblical fiction through an intriguing ballad depicting the tragedy and triumph of one who "had a spirit of infirmity eighteen years and was bowed together, and could in no wise lift herself up." Although the narrative revolves around the title character, delightful descriptions of everyday life and customs enrich the authenticity of the first-century Jewish setting, while each chapter is subtly underscored by the theme of Jesus Messiah. Shira (her name means song in Hebrew), who has been pitifully crippled since infancy before her mother's death, is loved and comforted by her father and extended family and by her pet goat, Jada, until heart-crushing events intervene. Bitter and self-absorbed following the loss of her beloved sister to marriage, Shira has difficulty even trusting the remarkably insightful widow Lois, who joins the supportive family between life-changing sessions of hearing the amazing teacher from Galilee. Central to Shira's Song is the Sabbath Day at the synagogue when the visiting rabbi pauses, looks at Shira, and calls her to come to him. Clumsily rising from her huddled position in the corner of the women's area where she had for eighteen years grown pitifully as a never-to-blossom flower, trapped tightly in its own petals, Shira attempted to stand upright for the first time in her life. Not only does Jesus heal her deformed body, but he gives her the fulfillment of her mother's prophecy, a song. After her healing Shira is eager to fulfill three desires: to rejoice with her brother who livesfar away, to express her devotion face-to-face with Jesus, and to participate at Passover in Jerusalem for the first time. Her pursuit of these goals leads her to astonishing discoveries about herself, her Jewish culture, and the man who healed her. Throughout the narrative, emotions range from humiliation and depression to unrestrained adoration; and from humor and misunderstanding to sublime hymns of joy, while frequent whispers of romance softly harmonize the entire story. Two men who care deeply for Shira are significant in her new life. Suspense and surprise may lure readers into making this book a one-sitting experience, but rubbing shoulders with those who walked Jesus's dusty roads will enrich Bible reading for a lifetime.