Matt McAvoy Book Review

A great fictional story, in some ways stunning and beautiful in others, for those of a religious persuasion – or maybe just lovers of good writing.  And Bruce Hampson is certainly a very good writer – as well as, quite clearly, an authority on the Old Testament.  This book expands in greater detail, with full creative licence, an event only very briefly touched on in the Bible: that of the twelve spies Moses sent ahead of the refugee Israelites into the Promised Land, in defiance of God.  And, it is intriguing, utterly engrossing and perfectly crafted.  Hampson knows his subject and, what’s more, he can write. 

I am by no means a student or practitioner of religion, but I found this take on the Bible fascinating.  As well as creating his own unique tale, in hugely articulate style, the author deftly manages to interweave the most well-known stories and parables – and he does them justice; his iterations of these ancient, epic stories are respectful, detailed and provide a human side to them, which is perhaps conspicuously absent in the Good Book itself.  We see and hear accounts from real (and fictional) people about how the major events of the Old Testament affected them and their way of life.  No doubt, this is a wonderful book, and interesting on so many levels.  The settings are colourful and bold, simple yet vivid; it feels that you are there with them, watching the world go, all by those thousands of years ago.  The characters – many of whom you will already be acquainted with – are suitably in context for their time.  Indeed, there are some brutal moments in this book, including shockingly violent ones, but Hampson lingers on nothing but the stories, and their relation to the bigger picture, to which he is notably loyal.

He is top quality, his writing well informed and eloquent, the book itself a professional, well presented composition; Hampson’s style is accomplished and clear.  This book will simplify the Bible for some, and articulate some of the stories about which they might learn more.  Perhaps more importantly, though, I am sure that it will also earn the respect of Hampson’s more theistic peers alike.  It’s hard to imagine anyone or group who won’t appreciate The Twelve Spies of Moses, whether they consider it respectful homage to the Bible, or simply a very well worked, superior piece of fiction.