Review of Bedu: Bedouin Boy, Poet King

Amina Yusuf · Post by **Amina Yusuf** » 04 Aug 2021, 06:44

[Following is a volunteer review of "Bedu: Bedouin Boy, Poet King" by David W. Sutherland and Paul McKellips.]

4 out of 4 stars

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Bedu and his family were in the middle of eating dinner, when he saw strange lights winding their way through the mountain path. They were making their way towards the direction of his father’s humble dwelling. A warrior on horseback sent by King Melchior requested for food and shelter from Abbas, Bedu’s father. Abbas ordered Bedu to round up their seven sheep and four goats to be slaughtered for the king and his army. On the arrival of the king, they saw that the guests also include Yasmin, the king’s beautiful granddaughter. After the feast, King Melchior related to his captivated audience about his journey thirty years before, when he met the young shepherd boy, Abbas.

Bedu: Bedouin Boy, Poet King by David W. Sutherland and Paul McKellips is a short but captivating historical fiction set in about 30 A.D. The story follows the adventure of Bedu, a twenty-one-year-old shepherd boy from Damascus sent on a journey along the Jordan River, Bethlehem and Hebron. After the unexpected arrival of King Melchior and his army, Bedu was unhappy with the loss of his family’s livestock. He decided to take five gold coins from the king’s coffers. Before his departure, the king requested Bedu to do two things for him. First, he should go to Bsharri and check on his granddaughter Yasmin during the winter. Second, he gave him five gold coins to buy seven of the best Jacob’s sheep and four goats, to replace his father’s livestock.

What I liked most about the book are the moral values and lessons portrayed in the tale. I was mesmerized by the simplicity of the characters and the historical setting. The story portrays the simple lives led by the people during biblical times. I was particularly inspired by these words from the book “from something we become nothing; and from nothing we become something.” I liked that there is a strong female character in the story. Yasmin embodied the idea of the modern woman, who knows what she wants and lives by her own rules. This is something that was uncommon during those times. This beautifully crafted story also made reference to historical and biblical figures, events and locations.

Bedu experienced life lessons that made him transcend his own expectations. During his journey, he learned the meaning of these core principles: Collaborate, Understanding, Leadership, Treat, Unleash, Respect, and Evolve.

There is nothing that I disliked about the book. It is a simple and endearing story that conveys moral lessons for readers of all ages. There were no profanities, violence or sexual content in the book.

I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars for the captivating storytelling and moral values it contained. It appeared to be professionally edited as I noted only two minor errors.

I will recommend this book to readers who enjoy a short, simple and insightful tale. It will also appeal to those who liked a historical fiction infused with biblical references, humor and romance.

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Bedu: Bedouin Boy, Poet King
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MsH2k · Post by **MsH2k** » 21 Aug 2021, 19:35

This sounds like a lovely story. I think I will add this book to my list. I wonder what Bedu did with the five coins he took since the king repaid him the same. I guess I will have to read and find out.
Thank you for your review and your recommendation.

Victor Jerry I · Post by **Victor Jerry I** » 21 Aug 2021, 23:37

Sounds like an interesting story. Books with moral lessons to be learnt just like Bedu should be encouraged .

Amina Yusuf · Post by **Amina Yusuf** » 02 Oct 2021, 00:09

MsH2k wrote: ↑21 Aug 2021, 19:35 This sounds like a lovely story. I think I will add this book to my list. I wonder what Bedu did with the five coins he took since the king repaid him the same. I guess I will have to read and find out.
Thank you for your review and your recommendation.

It is a charming story. Thank you for commenting. Definitely do that. You will enjoy it.