The Bronze Bow

The story concerns Daniel, a young Jew at the time of Christ. He has an intense hatred of the Romans and lives with in an outlaw band in the hills. When his grandmother dies, he must move to the village to take care of his sister while trying to continue his life's mission of driving the Romans back to Rome. He is drawn to the miracle worker, but just doesn't know what he truly thinks about him. Is he the Messiah sent to free them from the Romans? And will his sister ever recover?

Ms. Speare was able to create a complex plot that is simple enough for her target age to understand, but still captivating to adults. I got so caught up in the events when I was rereading that I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend this children's novel to readers of all ages.


Thought provoking, excellent historical perspective   November 11, 2001
A reader in Texas
60 out of 63 found this review helpful

I am an adult godfather always looking for good books for my young friends. This is one of my three best finds in years. (The others were The Witch of Blackbird Pond, also by Elizabeth Speare, and A Line In The Sand, the Alamo diary in the Dear America series.)

The story is told in the time of Jesus in a village near where Jesus teaches those who come to hear him. Daniel, a young outcast, is sworn to fight the Romans with the goal of throwing them out of the land altogether. There are many other young men who want to do the same thing, but they need a leader. What they do, how they prepare, their speculation whether the new teacher Jesus may be that leader, and most of all, Daniel's struggles between his oath and what Jesus has said to him, are the story.

This is not a religious book, though its end point is the second great commandment Jesus gave (Matthew 22:39). It is a book about life in the time, the unrest and resistance of many Jews to Roman rule, the confusion of many Jews looking for a military messiah trying to decide if Jesus could be that man. But more than that, it is like any other moral tale of any other time, a story of a man trying to decide what is the right thing for him to do.

It is not simplistic, I'm 57 and I read it entirely, but neither is it difficult reading. I strongly recommend it for anyone from 9 years on.


It started out as a school project, but my view changed.....   November 29, 1999
32 out of 35 found this review helpful

When I first received the book in my grade eight class, I thought, oh man, another book that will have no affect on me whatsover, etc etc. I was wrong. Though it took quite a few chapters to find out what the bronze bow was, I definitely feel that it's one of the best books I've read. The author, Elizabeth George Speare, portrayed the characters, especially Daniel, very, very well. I couldn't put the book down! Soon it didn't become just a reading homework assignment. While reviewing the book and making up questions, I found it very interesting, the way love was shown. Jesus' love was quite evident and I loved the way Daniel was drawn to Him. As a Christian, I belive Jesus was portrayed very well. The plot was good, new problems peaking around every corner, and Samson really touched my heart :). I recommend it for anyone my age to 90! Also, in the book it shows that love can overcome war and hate that Daniel has towards the Romans. Hate can try to bend a bow of bronze (taken from a psalm of David, this was there "password"), but love does a much better job. :)


Excellent!   January 13, 2000
Lois (USA)
26 out of 28 found this review helpful

I thought The Bronze Bow was a great book! It might take a few pages to get into the story and writing, but after that, I could not put it down! I stayed up late one night because I kept wanting to read 'just one more chapter' and see what was going to happen next.

The book was very historically accurate, and I could picture everything in my mind as I was reading. The characters are fantastic; all unique and 3-dimensional, instead of the cardboard stereotypes that often pop up in historical fiction. The author also vividly caught the emotion and spirit of the times. You could feel Daniel's burning hatred of the Romans, as well as his struggle to treat his sister gently, so different from the rough way he was used to from living on the mountain. His varying--and sometimes grudging--forms of friendship with Joel, Thacia, Simon, Samson, were all as interesting to read about as the exciting adventures of the band of young Zealots. I also thought that Jesus was protrayed very realistically and accurately.

I'd say that this book is well worth reading, especially for the wonderful, hopeful ending.


Captivating story   August 18, 2002
Michael Hayworth (Fort Worth, TX USA)
19 out of 21 found this review helpful

I previewed this book before providing it to my son, and found it really captivating. Many other reviews describe the plot, so I'll simply say that the characters are truly human and that the setting is truly brought to life. Even though I have read and studied the Bible for years, this novel brought to life things I had never understood. It truly gave context to the hatred the Jews held for their Roman oppressors, and gave me new insights - all in the midst of a great story - into Jesus' ministry being centered around Galilee, where the hatred of Rome ran deepest and the Zealot movement had its greatest sway.

As to age-appropriateness, I would say this is best for kids 10-11 and up, and would also be enjoyable for adults. Younger readers would need some guidance through parts of it.

For adults who enjoy this sort of book, I would highly recommend Fishers of Men (Kingdom and the Crown I) by Gerald Lund. Lund's story is excellently told, thoroughly captivating and provides insights on Jesus' ministry that'll really make you think.