The Anointed

Description

Michal, Abigail and Bathsheba: three women trapped by circumstance. They are the property of husbands, fathers and grandfathers; their own lives are out of their control. When they meet David, he seems to offer each of them an escape - but life with the king is far from what they had imagined. In a society dominated by men, The Anointed gives a voice to three formidable women. Overshadowed by King David, the biblical hero who defeated Goliath, cured King Saul and wrote the poetic book of Psalms, his wives must fight to make themselves heard. Behind the image of their lauded husband lies a dark and troubled man, capable of shocking cruelty. Their courage, determination and cunning have the power to change history forever. Michael Arditti's eye-opening new novel presents this ancient tale of brutality, lust and manipulation in a startling new light. A stark and timely reminder of the corrupting influence of power, The Anointed is, above all, a testament to the enduring power of love. 'Arditti is a master storyteller who uses his theological literacy sparingly to deliver a challenging but enthralling read.' - The Guardian 'Our best chronicler of the rewards and pitfalls of present day faith.' - Philip Pullman 'Anyone who is afraid that the English novel is sliding into a backwater of domestic anecdote should find their anxieties assuaged by the writing of Michael Arditti.' - The Times

Michael Arditti is a novelist, short story writer and critic. His novels are The Celibate (1993), Pagan and her Parents (Pagan's Father in the USA) (1996), Easter (2000), Unity (2005), A Sea Change (2006), The Enemy of the Good (2009), Jubilate (2011), The Breath of Night (2013), Widows and Orphans (2016), Of Men and Angels (2018) and The Anointed (2020). His short story collection, Good Clean Fun, was published in 2004. He was awarded a Harold Hyam Wingate scholarship in 2000, a Royal Literary Fund fellowship in 2001, an Oppenheim-John Downes memorial award in 2003 and Arts Council awards in 2004 and 2007. He was the Leverhulme artist in residence at the Freud museum in 2008. His novels have been short- and long-listed for several literary awards and Easter won the inaugural Waterstone's Mardi Gras award. In 2012 he was awarded an Honorary DLitt by the University of Chester. He is currently theatre critic of the Sunday Express.