While the first few pages of this were slow, once I started reading, I didn't put it down.
Jill brought in so much detail about the culture and traditions and I really appreciated getting to see this story in a detailed manner. Just due to the nature of the story of Joseph (with it being fairly detailed in Genesis), there was not much deviation from the Bible at all. Almost everything lined up exactly. If you want a Biblical fiction novel without creative liberities, this would be one to pick up.
It was also super interesting to see part of the story from Judah's perspective. Oftentimes, he is overlooked and I learned a lot, especially about the Canaantie culture where he lived.
Overall, I would recommend this to anyone who likes Biblical fiction (and especially to those who love the animated film, Joseph: King of Dreams.)

4 Stars

Content: as true to the story in Genesis, there are some s*xual situations but none of it is much more detailed than what is found in Genesis

*I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts are my own and a positive review was not required. ( )

The Prince and the Prodigal by Jill Eileen Smith is an excellent example of Christian Historical Fiction. It tells the familiar story of Joseph in a detailed and interesting way. The author's descriptions of the geography, dialect, customs, and people of the area are very detailed and accurate. I appreciated the level of authenticity to this place and time she brought to the story. I felt like I learned a lot about everyday life in both Egypt and Goshen, and it was fascinating! I will also add that all of the information was shared as a natural part of the story, so it wasn't like reading a textbook. Very interesting.

The story itself was also enjoyable. While I've read a fair bit about Joseph before, I've never seen his story as the major focus of a full-length book. I appreciated both the way the author was absolutely true to the Biblical account and the way she used historical research to really flesh out the detail of who Joseph was as a person and what his life was probably like.

One major upside of this book for me was that the story also focused on Judah, one of Joseph's brothers who sold him into slavery. Judah is typically grouped into the "brothers other than Benjamin" category and not given any true history of his own. I liked learning more about him, and how the well-known Joseph story may have impacted and affected him.

Joseph was a strong Christian. I liked how he regularly prayed about things before making decisions, letting the reader see what it's like to actually be guided by God in your life. I found a lot of inspiration in the character of Joseph, and was happy to have had the opportunity to read his story and have new details and depth added to my understanding.

Overall, I can happily rate this book 5 stars. An excellent story with detailed characters and plenty of accurate period detail. Guaranteed to make you think more about something you thought you already knew. ( )

Another excellently written story of love, loss, faith and hope by Jill Eileen Smith!! I know I can always count on her to bring a wonderful story to the table. The story is clean, but at a mature level. Rape is mentioned more than once, but not in detail. I like seeing the story of Joseph from different authors perspectives as it helps to shine more light on different points, and what life might have been like back then. Very neat!! ( )

This was definitely outside my usual choices, but it was a pleasant enough find. I found the story and the characters engaging and interesting. I don’t know that it was interesting enough to continue this style, but it was fine. ( )

Product Description

Joseph is the pampered favorite son of the patriarch Jacob. His older brothers, deeply resentful of his status in the family, take advantage of the chance to get rid of him, selling him to slave traders and deceiving their father about his fate. It seems like their troubles are over. But for Joseph and older brother Judah, they are just beginning.

While Joseph is accused of rape and imprisoned, Judah attempts to flee the memory of his complicity in the betrayal of his younger brother. After decades apart, the brothers will come face-to-face in a stunning role reversal that sees Joseph in a position of great power while Judah begs for mercy. Will forgiveness or vengeance win the day?

Bestselling and award-winning author Jill Eileen Smith brings her considerable research and imaginative skills to bear in this vivid retelling of one of the most popular stories found in Scripture--a story of jealousy, betrayal, and a reconciliation that only God could bring about.

***

"A story of forgiveness, grace, and redemption, and Smith tells it in a creative and believable way, which is a hallmark of her writing."-- ( )