Fifteen-year-old Zamri lives in the shadow of her brilliant brother Bezalel. While he crafts the gold and bronze articles for Tabernacle worship, all she can look forward to is a life of women’s work—work she finds uninteresting and confusing. But no one can keep her from dreaming. She imagines becoming a leader among women like her hero Miriam. That all changes when the dashing Pallu wins her heart.
Trek through the years of exodus with Zamri as, within the strictures of Israel’s patriarchal society, she grows into mature womanhood. Discover with her how dreams need never die, indeed can come true in the most unlikely ways.
July 7, 2021
Under the Cloud is a finalist in The Word Awards 2021, Historical Fiction category. Winner will be announced in September 2021. (Update: It did not win.)
August 24, 2020 (Update)
Under the Cloud has been out just a little over two months. In that time, I’ve distributed a box of paperbacks but another shipment is on its way, scheduled to arrive later this week.
Reader response is gratifying! Here are some comments, gathered from reviews:
“Zamri’s story explores themes that are as relevant now as they were then, for example identity, coming of age, disappointment, doubt, and faith.” – Elma Schemenauer (Amazon.ca review)
“The story was so engaging I really did not want to do anything else until it was finished” – Ed Hird (Amazon.ca review)
“Under the Cloud was an absolutely beautiful story.” – Deborah L. Kelly (reader email).
If you’d like a signed copy, I’d be delighted to send one to you
(Book: $20; Postage $5.50 all prices CAD). Contact me.
Violet Nesdoly 