Do
you remember the biblical tale of Noah's ark? What comes to mind?
Do you picture a bearded old man, surrounded by sheep, cattle,
horses, and dogs? Do you imagine the man floating in a sea of
water, protected from the rains in the shelter of a wooden
ark?

In her new book, IN THE SHADOW OF THE ARK, Flemish author Anne
Provoost shatters the traditional image of Noah and his ark.
Provoost provides a clever spin for the biblical tale by
re-imagining this time-told story through the eyes of a young woman
named Re Jana.

Powerfully written in beautiful prose, the story transforms readers
into Re Jana's world. Re Jana and her family have lived on the
waters of the marshes for years amongst skilled fishermen and
shipbuilders. After a terrible accident that leaves her mother
crippled, the family decides to travel to a city in the middle of
the desert. They have heard rumors about a builder, named Noah, who
is creating a massive ship. Re Jana's father, an expert boatmaker,
seeks work from these desert peoples who are curiously constructing
the huge boat. These people, however, are not like Re Jana and her
family. Called "Rattika" they are wanderers and are accustomed to a
life very different from the marsh people.

In an effort to find her place among these new people, Re Jana
offers her skill to find "good water" for the Builder's family.
Along with her water, Re Jana washes the Builder's sons with her
sponges and oils. A relationship develops with Re Jana and the
youngest son, Ham. Reality breaks the intensity of their love.
Through Ham, Re Jana finds out the true purpose of the massive ark.
The Builder's god has chosen the Builder and his family to collect
all the animals on earth. A massive flood will wash away everything
and everyone but the "chosen." Another woman has been selected to
be Ham's wife. The future for Re Jana and her family looks
bleak.

Provoost does an amazing job transporting the reader into this
apocalyptic biblical world. The strength of the character Re Jana
is clear. She is a true heroine and we are rooting for her on every
step of her challenging journey. Through the use of beautiful
language and powerful emotions, Provoost creates a masterpiece.
Along with the characters and their struggles, the reader is also
confronted with the philosophical questions of the biblical tale.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE ARK is an impressive novel that both teenagers
and adults will enjoy. It also wouldn't be surprising if this book
serves as the basis for a majestic Hollywood epic.

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