Uriah can remember the time when life was prosperous for his people, the Hittites. They trusted that their gods would protect them. In spite of their devotion to all gods and their great tradition as warriors, the Sea People from the west were able to conquer the Hittites' land. When Uriah's father defies one of these Greek captains he pays with his life. Uriah then begins a journey that will take him along the coastal lands of the eastern Mediterranean. There he meets Canaanites from the corrupt cities of Tyre and Sidon.
Uriah promised his dying father to seek out an old friend. An unexpected turn of events, however, aligns him with a young man named Jotham. Jotham rescues a young boy about to be sacrificed to the god Moloch. For reasons Uriah does not know, he risks life and limb to help the two fugitives. Jotham leads them into the desert to reconnect with his own tribe. This is Uriah's first encounter with the Hebrews, a strange people that believes in only one God.
Uriah's adventures assemble a variety of ancient civilizations into one suspenseful and engaging story. Joanne Williamson demonstrates to readers the differences between these peoples by weaving together their daily life, work habits and religious practices. Her presentation of their relationship is fascinating and highlights the uniqueness of the Hebrew's monotheism. Young history students will undoubtedly find Uriah's tale a means to better understanding ancient cultures. Jennifer Minicus is a mother and teacher currently living in Ridgewood, NJ.