The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith

The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith
Series: A Standalone
Publisher: Revell (February 27, 2024)

Review by Mae Clair

I pre-ordered this book the moment I saw it become available. I’m a huge fan of the author and was delighted she undertook the story of Noah. I have longed to read a novel on his life, with roots in scripture.

The Ark and the Dove is told from multiple characters in third person POV. Noah’s wife, Zara, provides the central/strongest voice as the story unfolds. The reader follows Noah’s family—he and his wife, their three sons, and their sons’ wives—from the time God tells Noah to build the ark, through the flood, to time spent on the ark, and many years afterward. That sounds like a lot to fit into a single book, but Smith handles it with finesse.

There is so much thought that goes into the progression, including the basics of life on the ark, care of the animals, and the long days without sun.

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Noah grabbed the latch and pulled, but the door would not budge. “I cannot open the door.”

“Let me try.” Shem took his turn, and each of his brothers did the same, but no one could open the door.

“God has shut us in. We won’t be able to leave the ark until he opens it again.”

The Ark and the Dove by Jill Eileen Smith

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Can you imagine knowing you were only one of eight people left on the planet? My emotions rode many waves as I experienced the foolishness and hardness of heart from people pre-flood and the prayers of Noah’s family for their loved ones. Once on the ark, the interactions among Noah’s family members kept me flipping pages. I was particularly moved by the relationships between Zara and the wives of her three sons.

I shouldn’t have been surprised by the depth poured into the characters, as Smith always does an excellent job of emotional engagement. Family dynamics unfold on the ark through several plot threads. More than once I felt sorry for Sedeq and Adanteses, even Keziah. I waffled back and forth with Ham, sometimes annoyed with him, other times I felt sorry for him. Needless to say, I was engaged!

All characters from Noah on down, are excellently portrayed, and spiritual elements are present throughout the book amid its multiple time periods.

I have always loved Genesis 9:13­—I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth (ESB). What a beautiful promise toward the end of this novel! Although the story doesn’t conclude there, I found comfort in God’s steadfast promise for the future of mankind.

I highly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys Biblical fiction and stories with strong family dynamics.

I give The Ark and the Dove five joyful fish!

I purchased a Kindle copy of The Ark and the Dove from Amazon.