Review of Bethlehem's Brothers

[Chinemezu Okafor]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Bethlehem's Brothers" by Ronald W Hera.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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Bethlehem's Brothers by Ronald Hera is a historical-fiction book. This book tells the story of different people living in Jerusalem during Roman rule. It is centered on Esther, who had her son and husband slain because of Herod's insecurities. After the tragic incident, Esther had to fend for herself and her children. She came up with the idea of sending her children to people who could teach them a trade. Simeon fell into good hands, while Enoch did not. They, together with other people, had their stories and challenges, but their lives became connected in unexpected ways. As they deal with personal struggles and relationships, they also face larger issues like politics and religion. 

I appreciate the author's proficiency in maintaining the narrative flow throughout the entirety of the book. With elegance, he guides me through the diverse neighborhoods inhabited by the two sons, ensuring that their respective journeys are intricately woven together without leaving any narrative gaps. From the presence of Roman soldiers to the mode of travel involving horses and camels, lifestyle, and occupation, every aspect of the environment mirrors the historical context, immersing me in the authenticity of the Roman era. Notably, the author's commitment to aligning the characters' traits with those depicted in the Bible, such as the portrayal of Zebedee, further enhances the originality of the storytelling. The inciting incidents that drive the plot forward are deftly introduced after the first five chapters, effectively piquing my curiosity and making the storyline unpredictable. On the narrative side, the author does excellently well in storytelling.

However, there are instances where the prose becomes unnecessarily verbose, detracting from the overall pacing of the story. Furthermore, while the plot is engaging, there are moments when the pacing lags. There are instances where the dialogue between them feels truncated; the brevity of these interactions hinders the exploration of characters' motivations and relationships, prompting me to take away a star. 

I rate this book 4 out of 5 stars due to its unique perspective on Christianity. It fills in gaps in history that are often ignored, making it a valuable read. The exceptional editing is evident throughout, and the author's ability to express emotions without using profanity makes it suitable for readers of all ages. Although Christian-themed, I think this book would be a great read for any reader, regardless of their religious affiliations. This book has some violent content worth mentioning for potential readers.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the engaging content and gain new insight. Readers who enjoy historical-fiction books would enjoy this book.

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Bethlehem's Brothers
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[Jason Ortega 1]

The book show the challenges face by mother who had lost husband and had to provide for her children.But to impact knowledge to her children she gives them out to learn a trade.

[Mark M Maxwell]

Ronald Hera's 'Bethlehem's Brothers' offers a compelling glimpse into the lives of diverse characters living under Roman rule in Jerusalem. Centered around Esther's harrowing journey after the tragic loss of her husband and son, the novel delves into the intricacies of survival, resilience, and interconnectedness

[williams Emerald]

I am impressed by the seamless narrative flow and attention to historical detail in ‘Bethlehem’s Brothers”. An interesting read for filling historical gaps with a Christian-themed perspective.