This historical novel has been much praised by English critics, though it is not easy to see quite what the fuss ha been about. Modern self consciousness makes it hard to treat biblical themes convincingly even Thomas Man tried it unsuccessfully and heavy handedly in Joseph and, his Brethren, which is almost, unreadable today. A Flaubert, or a Merimee might just bring it off with brio, but Alan. Massie is not that his dialogue is flat and "literary" and his narrative lacks sweep or even real imagination. In short, an honourable try but a rather limp result.