I was aware of the tale of Sampson having grown up a catholic. He was one of the stories

where I felt (when I was a very young child) a real superhero of the times. Super human strength and someone of moral character looking to help his people from the Philistines who mocked him. Poe used to use that kind of a slur in his work (which I so loved). Anyway, the story of Sampson told by the author Buckel is done in a very cleaver way. The author stays straight to the biblical story, but through their interpretation, gives Sampson a more human, but intrinsic persona which we as 'sinners born from original sin' can relate to. Yes, he makes a mistake, but through the story telling of the author, repents. Thus, in repenting he is redeemed in the eyes of the Lord. It makes complete sense if you truly try and put yourself in Sampson's shoes. Real life is like a larger than life super hero in the movies. In the time of Sampson, he couldn't just roll up, kill all the Philistines and ride off in the sunset. It wasn't practical or even logical. He used subterfuge, wits, courage, strength, and words. It doesn't seem very appealing to a story teller who wishes for lots of wonderous acts of larger than life stories, but the author does a fine job relating the telling of the story to a very logical albeit entertaining tale. Judge Sampson, God's great Riddle is nicely done, easy to read, and flows well. It would be a great book to read to people of all ages. Recommend.
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