Catholic Times, UK  

SEVEN DAYS TO THE SEA by Rebecca Kohn

Review by Tom Lomax

IN an imaginative follow-up to her debut novel, The Gilded Chamber, Rebecca Kohn retells the Old Testament story of Moses, narrated by the women closest to him.

Seven Days To The Sea is the story of the Exodus, from before the birth of Moses through the first two years of life in the wilderness.

It is told from the point of view of Moses' sister, Miryam, and his wife, Tzipporah.

Though alternating narratives, these two women offer different perspectives of the critical episodes --- including the plagues, the crossing of the Red Sea, and the Golden Calf - as well as their own difficult, but ultimately close relationship.

As a child, Miryam foretells the birth of a leader who will save their people from oppression --- a vision so vivid that she dedicates her life to seeing it fulfilled in her brother.

But after many years, Miryam wonders in the deepest confines of her heart if her sacrifices mean anything, if her calling is real. Tzipporah is simply a desert shepherdess who knows nothing of her husband's divine purpose.

And she suffers as a strange god, a foreign people, and an unforgiving sister tear her husband away from her.

In her heart, Tzipporah really harbours terrible secrets that haunt the love she shares with Moses and threaten her tenuous peace with Miryam.

Together, Miryam and Tzipporah weave a narrative that gives voice to the women of the Exodus --- their lives, their community, and ultimately, their sisterhood.

In Seven Days To The Sea Rebecca Kohn offers an imaginative alternative take on such a well known Old Testament tale.