Book Review-THE CHOSEN The Youth: Historical Fiction (The Chosen Trilogy Book 1)-Shlomo Kalo (author) Philip Simpson (Translator)

This book is based on the Biblical story of Daniel. It takes you from his younger years and defines what formed his character. It continues in Babylon where he proves himself to the King--not an easy task! It ends with Daniel being pursued by a women--but he still loves his first and only love left back in Judea. There are two more books which continue this tale.

Although this is not the type book I would normally pick up I found myself intrigued with the story. I had heard of this author before--from my Mom actually, and decided--ok--go for it! Shlomo Kalo certainly knew how to write and make the novel come alive. I say knew because this awesome writer died in 2014--but his brilliance will live on forever!

About the Book: (from Amazon)

An Epic Novel Based on the Biblical story of Daniel

Separated from his family, his homeland and his childhood sweetheart, Daniel, a Judean youth of noble lineage, is exiled to Babylon, where his captors hope to use his talents at the Royal court.

What will eventually become of the youth - as he is subjected to grueling trials and tests - neither he nor his captors can even imagine...

Shlomo Kalo’s masterpiece of Biblical literature, THE CHOSEN, is being republished in three volumes. Kalo, one of the most prolific writers in Israel and a nominee for the Nobel Prize in Literature, brings to new life the themes and spirit of the Biblical story of Daniel in this lively, dramatic epic novel. His masterwork of storytelling weaves together the themes of faith, friendship, betrayal, love stronger than death, and redemption.
The first installment, Book 1 THE YOUTH, gives an account of Daniel's early years – from his childhood in Jerusalem, the cradle of his spirituality and character, to his young adulthood in Babylon, when he is sent to his first duty at Nebuchadnezzar's Royal court.

"It is indeed an epic-like novel filled with drama and passion. Mr. Kalo weaves together the political, personal and spiritual with great skill." G. Glijansky, HarperCollins, US

Read a Chapter or Two Here

Purchase the Book Here

About the Author: (from Amazon)

Prolific novelist and thinker Shlomo Kalo, one of the very few Israeli writers nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature, has published 80 titles in a variety of genres and themes.

Kalo was born in 1928 in Sofia, Bulgaria. He joined the anti-Fascist underground before reaching his teens and wound up in a concentration camp at the age of 15. After studying medicine and working as a journalist in Prague, and training as a pilot for Mahal, he immigrated to Israel in 1949. He was awarded MSc in microbiology from Tel Aviv University in 1958. For 26 years and until his retirement, he worked as regional director of medical laboratories.

In 1969, a sharp turn in his life occurred. It subsequently affected his life, his thoughts and his highly prolific literary activity.
Shlomo Kalo wrote 80 titles, some of which were translated and published in 16 countries. He wrote novels, short fiction, literature for younger readers, non-fiction (philosophy, spirituality), a thriller and more. His short stories appeared in probably all literary magazines in Israel and the media often covered his writings and thoughts. Between the years 2008-2014 he was nominated for the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Shlomo Kalo died peacefully at his home on 8.30.2014. His last words were: "Everything is excellent for he who is not subjugated".

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