The Virgin and The Kings

It was believed by King David's closest advisors that a virgin would be able to warm Israel's aging King David. They search for the most beautiful virgin in Israel and discover Abishag. After verifying that the fourteen-year old is a virgin, the searchers bribe her family into allowing them to take her to the king. The frightened young girl first is taken to Jerusalem where she is placed under the care of a woman who teaches her the art of seduction. After completing her lessons, Abishag is presented to King David, who wisely chooses to protect the girl and her virginity, even as he keeps her within the confines of his private chambers. In David's bedroom, Solomon, David's son, sees and falls in love with Abishag. This work of fiction tells of the passionate love of Solomon and Abishag. Solomon's mother, Bathsheba, is also a major figure in the narrative that begins with the adulterous relationship she had with King David. The role of women during a time when men considered their wives and daughters as nothing more than personal property also is part of the story. The novel includes political intrigue, violence, murder, abuse, the most tender feelings and great romantic love.

In the first few chapters of the biblical book of 1 Kings, there are a few references to a young virgin named Abishag. She was the virgin that the aged King David's councilors sought for the king, so that she could "warm" his bed. The search for a virgin was done without David's knowledge. It was in the village of Shunam that the searchers found Abishag. Solomon's mother, Bathsheba, is one of the major figures in the narrative that begins with the adulterous relationship she had with King David. The role of women during a time when men considered their wives and daughters as nothing more than personal property also is part of the story. In the novel, after verifying that the fourteen year Shunamite was a virgin, the King's councilors bribe her family into allowing them to take her to Jerusalem to serve the king. The frightened young girl is first placed under the care of a woman who teaches her the healing arts and that of seduction. After completing her lessons, Abishag is presented to King David, who wisely chooses to protect the girl and her virginity; though he does keep her with him as his nurse. It is within David's royal quarters that Solomon and Abishag meet and fall in love. Just prior to his death, David gives the young couple permission to marry. Their plans are thwarted by Bathsheba, who wants no person in her son's life who might usurp the power she has over him. Each chapter in the novel is titled from the verses in the biblical book of Ecclesiastes that tell of the times in a person's life, such as A time to be born, which is the first chapter in the novel. This story includes political intrigue, violence, murder, abuse, the most tender feelings and great romantic love.

Patricia Looper is currently serving as a pastor at two United Methodist Churches in the mountains of Western North Carolina. She has a BA in Arts, Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry, in which she translated the book of Job into English from the ancient Hebrew. She wrote a three act play based on the trials and triumphs of Job. She has been a life-long story teller, where during her young adult years she entertained adults and children in libraries and nursing homes. She was a volunteer docent at Gilgrease Museum (Western Art) in Tulsa, and at Keeler Tavern (Revolutionary War - Boston Post Road stage coach stop) in Connecticut. She has taught communication Continuing Education Courses for professionals, including a course on the Art of Story telling. She served as a book reviewer for a major newspaper. She also did presentations of multiple books before literary groups. Many times she has performed one-person dramas on the biblical women, Eve and Sarah. Director of Drama at several churches and both acting or directing plays in community theaters prior to entering full-time ministry, Dr. Looper also has written and had produced in community theater and churches several plays and has three other books which have been published. Married to Daniel, Patricia has four sons and two step-daughters, eighteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren.