The Secret Chord

Name: The Secret Chord
Rating: 4.2 (5794 reviews)

by Geraldine Brooks

Amazon

4.2(5,794)

The Secret Chord retells the life of David through the voice of the prophet Nathan, who records the king’s rise, victories, family conflicts and political failures. The novel follows David from warrior and musician to ruler of Israel, placing his charisma beside betrayal, sexual violence, dynastic rivalry and the struggle to secure succession. It treats the biblical material as a political and psychological story about power, memory and the unstable household behind a sacred monarchy.

Historical Periods

Davidic Monarchy and the United Kingdom of Israelc. 1050–930 BCE

Historical people

David1040 BCE–970 BCE Nathanc. 11th century BCE–c. 11th century BCE Saul1081 BCE–1011 BCE Jonathanbiblical figure; exact chronology uncertain Michal Bathshebafl. 10th century BCE Uriah the Hittite Solomontraditionally 10th century BCE Absalom1010 BCE–979 BCE Amnonc. 12th century BCE–c. 11th century BCE Tamar Joabc. 12th century BCE–971 BCE Avishag