Samson

In this excellent movie novelization—releasing concurrently with the motion picture—Wilson (Fireproof) expands and embellishes the Biblical exploits of the legendarily strong Samson. In 11th-century B.C. Gaza, an angel of the Lord comes to Samson’s parents to tell them of his upcoming birth and to make them promise to raise him as a Nazirite, one consecrated to God. Years later, after Samson has grown into the strongest Nazirite, the Hebrew people, treated harshly by their Philistine leaders, turn to Samson in the hope that he will lead a rebellion. All Samson wants is to marry Taren, the Philistine woman he loves, but she is a servant of the conniving Prince Rallah and is forced to betray him, a decision that will have harsh consequences for all involved. Over the years, Samson continues to elude the vengeful Rallah until the prince finally resorts to using Samson’s lover, Delilah, to find the source of his strength. Wilson uses multiple characters to tell the story; the chapters from Samson’s perspective are the most lively and vivid. Though the story has a simple premise, the characters are well developed, the hero is flawed, and the villains have complex motivations. Wilson’s adaptation is an outstanding faith-filled adventure. (Jan.)