Book Review by ReadyReaderOne

The Bronze Bow

By Elizabeth George Spear

5 Stars

5 out of 5 stars 

He trains my hands for war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. –from the Song of David (2 Samuel 22:35)
The Bronze Bow, written by Elizabeth George Speare (author of The Witch of Blackbird Pond) won the Newbery Medal in 1962. This gripping, action-packed novel tells the story of eighteen-year-old Daniel bar Jamin—a fierce, hotheaded young man bent on revenging his father’s death by forcing the Romans from his land of Israel. Daniel’s palpable hatred for Romans wanes only when he starts to hear the gentle lessons of the traveling carpenter, Jesus of Nazareth. A fast-paced, suspenseful, vividly wrought tale of friendship, loyalty, the idea of home, community . . . and ultimately, as Jesus says to Daniel on page 224: “Can’t you see, Daniel, it is hate that is the enemy? Not men. Hate does not die with killing. It only springs up a hundredfold. The only thing stronger than hate is love.” A powerful, relevant read in turbulent times.

The Bronze Bow by Elizabeth George Speare was very thought provoking.  

I highly recommend this book for readers who can dig deeper than just the surface story.

A Jewish boy, name Daniel, has a hatred for the Romans because of an incident that happened to his parents. This hatred leads to him making selfish decisions. He meets two people who become great friends and make a vow to defeat the Romans who have infiltrated their town.

Daniel later meets a man who preaches in the synagogue about love and this makes Daniel confused. Daniel has to learn that fighting is not the solution to his problems. 

This story teaches that getting even isn’t the way to become free. Love is more powerful than hate. My favorite character, Daniel, has an anger problem like me and he overcomes his problems which helped me see mine.