by Michel Strutin

“It will certainly help a prospective reader to be familiar with the plot of the Book of Exodus, at least in vague terms. That said, there’s a great deal of interpersonal drama and intrigue that will keep even nonreligious readers engaged in the tale of Noa’s sheepherding family. A good choice for readers who love historical tales of strong-willed women.” — Kirkus Review

“Strutin authored a nonfiction book on the flora and fauna of Israel and succeeds very well in depicting both the Biblical landscape and women’s lives in this novel. Noa, her sisters, and even minor figures are well-rounded characters. I enjoyed experiencing the Bible stories about the Exodus from a different, female point of view. Fans of Biblical-themed fiction and those interested in women’s history will enjoy this book.” — Review by B. J. Sedlock, Historical Novels Review

“Judging Noa is an impeccably researched and richly detailed story of one woman’s struggle against a patriarchal system that threatens not only her freedom but her life. Noa’s courage and determination make for an empowering and thought-provoking read.”— Rebecca Kanner, award-winning author of Esther: A Novel and Sinners and the Sea: the untold story of Noah’s Wife

“Combining the brief biblical story of Zelophechad and his five daughters, Judging Noa, with its double-entendre, is a perfect title for this intriguing novel. With creative imagination, as well as her immense knowledge of flora and fauna, Michal Strutin took me on a journey in this multi-layered sensual and sense-laden technicolor story.” — Peninnah Schram is an internationally known storyteller and author of, most recently, Jewish Stories of Love and Marriage: Folktales, Legends & Letters, co-authored with Sandy Eisenberg Sasso

​

“Michal Strutin’s debut novel, Judging Noa, brings these lost years to life in language that is by turns spare and uncomfortably direct, and lyrically poetic. Noa, the main heroine, seeks a new kind of justice from a patriarchal society that is loath to change anything in the midst of the wrenching cultural upheaval that is turning them from slaves to a free people. Strutin combines well-researched details of desert life with enchanting story-telling that rivals the tales of the Bible itself. Highly recommended!” — Mary F. Burns, author of J – The Woman Who Wrote the Bible