Moses: A Memoir

by Joel Cohen

Book Overview

A fresh and intriguing fictional retelling of Moses' life "I am about to die. I suffer no illness nor frailty other than age. Yet, I walk in an unyielding, undeviating destiny." So speaks Moses from Mount Nebo, the place he finally went to and where he reflected on his life, before he died. In this deeply passionate and personal tale, a very human Moses unfolds, a man of destiny who often quailed at what was required of him by God, argued with God, and questioned God's plan for his life. We see through his eyes, we feel through his heart, we understand his doubts and fears as he guides his people, receives the Ten Commandments and always remains human in the midst of his awesome responsibilities and unfolding destiny. In poetic prose, enhanced by biblical commentaries and passages from both the Old and the New Testaments, we see Moses' life revealed in a way that has not been done before. This is a man's life, not just an account of his works. Unique, intensely moving, and resonating with the emotional struggles of a leader of men, this Moses is alive Recommended for: - readers of all faiths who enjoy inspirational reading. - lovers of memoir who enjoy an accessible view of a wise leader's life. - historians intrigued by a fresh one-of-a-kind retelling of Moses the man and his leadership. - biblical scholars in the Judeo-Christian tradition. +

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0809105586
• ISBN13: 9780809105588
• Release Date: July 2003
• Publisher: Paulist Press
• Length: 155 Pages
• Weight: 0.04 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.5" x 7.7"

Customer Reviews

Moses Brought to Life

Joel Cohen has written a special book that personalizes Moses and brings him to life. Cohen's account forces the reader to reflect on our everyday challenges and to realize that they are part of life. Cohen weaves historical and biblical context in a very modern treatment of Moses. If you think your pack is heavy, Moses and Cohen make it seem much lighter. Terrific piece of work. This is one author that should consider quitting his day job.

Excellent presentation of a complex leader

Although I am not an expert in the field of bible study and while my writing is mostly confined to trade journals, this work provided tremendous insight for me into the inner thoughts of this complex individual who led the Jewish People during a monumental period in their history. No doubt an expert in Bible Studies would also benefit from this structured, well written book. It certainly encouraged me to get my bible off the bookshelf.

From Lay Person to Biblical Scholar: A Must Read

Although not a biblical scholar, I was intrigued by Ralph Blumenthal of the New York Times' glorious review of Joel Cohen's interpretation of the inner thoughts of Moses. Unable to discern from the review whether "Moses: A Memoir" was a scholarly work, a novel, or a psychological treatise I was fascinated enough by the concept to put the book on the top of my reading list. Needless to say, as anyone who is fortunate enough to have read the book, it is all three. Mr. Cohen brilliantly weaves biblical passages in and out of stunningly written prose, leaving the bilblical neophyte, such as myself, wanting to go back and re-read the bible, and the biblical scholar with much to ponder and debate. This book is a gem.