Some will be surprised that I took a book of the Bible that never once mentions God (though it clearly demonstrates faith) and created a story of vivid spirituality. I
didn’t really plan to, but that was how it came to me as I debated how to integrate the odd events the Persians experienced during the war. Most of my spiritual references
were taken from the book of Daniel, which would have taken place about 60-100 years before Esther, in another city of the same empire. That Mordecai was a descendent of one
of the three thrown into the fiery furnace is a product of my imagination.
Xerxes I, a man of passion and temper who was loved like a god by his people, was assassinated in the twentieth year of his reign, eight years after the events of Esther, in
465 B.C. He was 54 years old. The killer was the head of the palace guards, but it’s said that the conspiracy originated in the harem. I read that as “it was all Amestris
’s idea.” Not shocking—history paints her as a cruel, power-hungry woman. What was shocking was when I realized it was the youngest of her sons that took the crown.
Figuring out why she would cast her loyalty with her youngest son instead of her eldest provided me with much of my characterization.
Artaxerxes I was around 17 when he became king, and he’s credited with killing his two older brothers. I find it interesting to note that most of the information we have on
him is in the Bible, when he helped the Jews rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Who’s to say he wasn’t softened toward them because of his affection for a certain Jewish
queen that would have ruled when he was a boy?
I hope you enjoyed seeing some of the most beloved, familiar events of the Bible woven into obscure, oft-forgotten history brought to us by the Ancient Greeks. I had so much
fun putting the stories together.
For more information on the history, characters, and just some fun facts I came across, please visit my website at www.RoseannaMWhite.com.
Discussion Questions
1.) Kasia’s chance encounter at the beginning of the book leaves her with what Esther calls “a romantic story.” How would you have reacted if in that romantic story? Have
you ever had an “at first sight” moment, whether it be love, infatuation, or instant connection with a friend?
2.) Have you ever paused to consider what Esther would have been like as a girl? Did anything about this fictional approach to her surprise you?
3.) Is Mordecai what you expected him to be?
4.) Do you like Xerxes? Why or why not?
5.) What would you do if you found yourself part of harem life?
6.) Prayer plays a crucial part in the lives of Kasia and Mordecai. Have you ever seen the Lord respond to prayer like they did?
7.) Is Amestris justified in her response to Kasia and the situation with the torc?
8.) Is there a special object that has great meaning to you and your spouse? Or perhaps an heirloom in your family with a story attached?
9.) Kasia’s headstrong outspokenness is both a blessing and a curse. What character trait do you have that leads you both into trouble and out of it?
10.) Do bursts of temper and passion amuse you or appall you?
11.) If you were Xerxes, how would you have reacted to the events during the Day of Darkness in Sardis?
12.) Which deity the characters put their faith in plays a big role in how they interpret the events that transpire. Do you believe things like this can still happen today?
And if they did, would you attribute them to God or another power?
13.) As part of the New Testament church, we have certain views and understandings of the Holy Spirit. How did this portrayal of the Old Testament Spirit challenge or line
up with your beliefs?
14.) Have you ever chosen not to pray for someone? What happened?
15.) Zechariah makes a series of poor decisions that nevertheless play into the plan of God. How has the Lord turned your mistakes into victories for His cause?
16.) Is your faith stronger when all is going well, or when the storms are raging around you?
17.) The affair that rips apart the royal family is a documented fact of Persian history, though the motivation is fictional. Why do you think Xerxes would have done such a
thing? How far-reaching do you think the consequences would have been?
18.) How has Esther grown throughout the book? By the time she joins the harem, is she the Esther you expect from the Bible? Does she grow more while there?
19.) Kasia makes a decision to forgive for the sakes of Esther and Xerxes. Could you have done the same in that situation?
20.) Though before the time of Christ, salvation plays a key role in the theme of this book. How do the ideas of it differ from or strengthen the New Testament realization
of salvation?