What is your opinion?
An ancient story brought to life
"The strongest impression of this story is sensual: color, sound, texture, smell, movement, internal sensations. That's befitting for the first wedding and none-to-private wedding nights after disembarking from the ark. The details of the dances, the clothing, and particularly of the customs seem very real. The morning after rituals for the new bride and customs to increase the chances of a child are particularly interesting. I like the use of the original story's details - the rainbow hanging in the sky (in this case, even at night), the wine, the scavenged ark with the remnant teetering into the sea. And I like that the implications of the story are brought out in a way that's absent in the original - regret about the people they knew who were lost and Ham's acknowledgement of all the culture, knowledge, stories lost as well. And of course, that detail that is always in the back of people's minds: who did the kids all marry? First cousins will do in a pinch (and there's an implication that Livi, at least, thinks there may be more people to find if she eventually leaves the group). The characters are all individuals. The brothers are interesting. Japheth who looks like stern father Noah but is full of dirty humor is funny. Shem's a bit grasping. Ham has the emotional depth. The contrast of the twins, Egyptus and Livithia, and their different attitudes toward men and marriage are well brought out in the different sense details they notice. It's a nice twist that their closeness that makes them natural choices to both marry the same man (at a time when they had few choices at all) is resolved by these different attitudes. Livi gets Aram's protection but won't be Egyptus's rival. This is a nice interlude in the big epic of Noah and his family starting the human race anew."
Fresh and Interesting Perspective
""And They Will Become One Flesh" provides a fresh and interesting perspective to a well-worn Biblical tale. Just what happened after the Arc landed? What we enjoy here is a full and human treatment of Biblical characters which allows the reader to relate to the characters in a fashion not available in traditional texts."
Flawless research and imagination
"Sensual, descriptive, and well-written. This piece is a flawless combination of research and imagination, a retelling that leaves the reader filled with wonder and captivated enough to want to read more. Characterization, setting, and building tension kept me scrolling down the page."
Lovely
"Wow, the author of this story has such wonderful writing. She is definitely a wordsmith of the utmost quality. She evokes beautiful imagery and parts of the story are written very sensually. And the dialogue seems perfect for the time period the story takes place in."
As always
"Beautifully written, extensively researched and well thought out. Your descriptive skills are amazing, taking us into the setting fully. The stories we grew up with in Sunday School become chronicles of real people and understanding is enriched. Always a pleasure to read your work, and always thought provoking."
Sensual and Sublime
"A very interesting perspective and one that leads to added contemplation. The plot was interesting and captivating and the writing style allowed me to experience the time. Very descriptive and accurate in terms of food, surroundings, clothing and atmosphere. Thoroughly enjoyed it!"
Very interesting!
"A very interesting concept for the all-known biblical story, and it makes perfect sense that they had to marry with each other to repopulace, as canonically it's also said that the current races are coming from Noah's sons. I liked the realism of this little piece has for the times it covers, from the social status for women to the clothes, rituals, and general ambience of after the Flood. The brothers conversation was very interesting for that part, as it was also understanding how things would turn as we know how they would in the future. It was all three brothers represent a different side of humanity; Shem-- the dark side ambitious; Ham--conscience and human-heart, and Japheth passion and lightness. Liked it. That comment about made by Shem about writing the story as they fit it reminded me "history is written by winners". It was very true. The writing style was truly adopted for the narrative, too, a bit archaic, and very sensual. Especially the opening of the girls dance, as it gives the auidence a certain idea what to expect. A great historical piece. Hope you post the rest of the story, too. Thanks for sharing."
Wonderful!
"I love love love the writing style! It reads with texture and dimension. Add to that all the details, like the food they ate, and the clothes they wore, as well as their customs is refreshingly NEW, even though these bits and pieces are from the past. I truly enjoy the escapism of this story, and have fallen for these characters very quickly. More please!"
Lyrical and sensual
"The author's writing is sublime. I was transported to the sights and smells of the moment where lust was almost a tangible thing. It takes a deft hand to write so skillfully about a subject that in the wrong hands can be cringe worthy. Simply beautiful! More please :)"
Very Original
"i liked how unique and original this story is. I happen to be a fan of this time period so it was nice to read a story taking place of Noah's Ark and how mankind was living afterwards. I read your other story, but I like this one better. The mood was great, the flow amazing, the characters were so realistic, and the traditions I would say are on point and fascinating to read about. I think you did a lovely job with this one. I'm loving your writing style as well. Well done! I hope more people have chance to read this! It is truly a wonderful deed."
Biblical
"This was pretty hot and heavy. Usually not my cup of tea, but your descriptive skills are so masterful, I found myself enjoying it anyway (ironic I know). It really felt like I was there, in that tiny camp that was now the whole of the world. I read most of the Old Testament as a kid and this sounds like it would fit right in. Well done. Not sure I can give you any suggestions for improving it though, since I'm not that big on the genre itself and wouldn't really know."
