Deborah: A tale of the times of Judas Maccabaeus

"Deborah: A Tale of the Times of Judas Maccabaeus" by James M. Ludlow is a historical novel that throws us into a world of rebellion against the Seleucid Empire. We meet Deborah, a woman wrestling with her identity as she's torn between her Jewish roots and the exciting pull of Hellenistic culture, all while her family fights to survive under a cruel king. The book opens with a bang, showing off the king's extravagant lifestyle, meant to intimidate his enemies, as violence erupts in Jerusalem. Friendships are tested as we see a Greek captain and his Jewish buddy debate what's happening, while Deborah and her close-knit circle face choices that could save them or break them. With every turn, the author creates a compelling saga of identity, with themes of devotion, courage, and the fight for freedom.