Michelle Cameron’s Babylon: A Novel of Jewish Captivity is a compelling historical fiction that delves into the Judean exile in Babylon during the 6th century BCE. The narrative follows Sarah, a young Judean woman whose life is irrevocably altered when Nebuchadnezzar’s army conquers Jerusalem, leading to her enslavement and forced march to Babylon. The novel spans multiple generations, exploring the challenges Sarah and her descendants face in preserving their faith and identity amidst a foreign culture.

Cameron’s meticulous research brings to life the ancient world, vividly depicting the opulence of Babylonian society and the complexities of palace intrigues. The characters are richly developed, each grappling with themes of assimilation, faith, and resilience. The portrayal of Sarah’s son, Uri, as a scribe transcribing foundational stories of the Hebrew faith, adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the importance of storytelling in cultural preservation.

Critics have lauded the novel for its immersive storytelling and historical accuracy. The Historical Novel Society describes it as a “beautifully crafted masterpiece” that offers a Judean perspective on exile, enriched with detailed descriptions of ancient customs and politics.

Our book club enjoyed this novel. First, the story is truly captivating. You find hours have gone by and you’ve forgetten to get dinner ready. We talked about Sarah’s struggle to maintain her faith and the broader challenges of exile and assimilation. We talked about what choices we’d make if we were in Sarah’s situation. And then we discussed how we’d might try to preserve our cultural traditions and adapt to a foreign society. We certainly had a lively discussion.

Rating: 8.5