The Bronze Bow

By Elizabeth George Speare

A young man seeks revenge against Rome but encounters a message that challenges his hatred.

4.0/5 Goodreads · 28,872 ratings

254 pages· 69,027 words· Est. 7.5 hour read

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Bookroo's summary

Daniel bar Jamin is consumed by vengeance after his father's death at Roman hands. As he plots to drive the Romans from Israel, he meets Jesus of Nazareth, whose teachings of love and forgiveness challenge Daniel's burning hatred. Torn between his thirst for revenge and the possibility of peace, Daniel must confront his true enemy. Will he choose the path of destruction or embrace a new way of life? In a land torn by conflict, Daniel's journey reveals the power of love over hate, testing his beliefs and reshaping his destiny.

From the publisher

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.