Pursuing a Dream: Local Couple Writes Historical Novel Based on Biblical Event
Local authors Norman and Lynn Reed will be speaking and leading a discussion about their novel on Tuesday, July 8 at 2:00 p.m. at the Gary Byker Memorial Library in Hudsonville. Their novel, “The Black Angel of the Lord,” is an intriguing fictional account of the events surrounding the death of the entire Assyrian army in II Kings 19:35.
The book explores themes of culture, politics, love, and religion between three main characters based on historical figures. The idea for the book first came to Norman while watching a program on the History Channel. The program was about some arrows found around Jerusalem dating back to the era the Assyrians would have been attacking the city. The program said the existence of the arrows was still a mystery, but Norman came up with a possible solution. “My mind was clear, I could write page after page” of material on the event Norman says.
And so the beginnings of a book were formed. Norman would write down pages of material, and Lynn would decipher and type up the chapters. Countless days were spent in the library, researching the characters and culture of the time by reading accounts from ancient historians and scribes. “The research makes the story,” the Reeds say, “the three main characters are real people, and we gave them life. The life we gave them is the life we found in history.”
“I want a million people to read the book” Norman says, and not for the money. Both Norman and Lynn want people to “expand their idea of what a miracle is.” Their book explores a possible explanation for the seemingly unexplainable death of the Assyrian army, a miracle that changed the course of history. Their explanation doesn’t negate the awe-inspiring miracle, it presents a scenario that is just as amazing. “It is so easy to just say ‘its a miracle,’ but there is so much that has to happen for that miracle to occur. And who is behind all those details? Jehovah God!” The Reeds want people to read their book and “grasp the awesomeness behind God’s miracles.”
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When asked about the rewards gained while writing the book, both Reeds agree that fulfilling a dream is top on the list. “Every human being has a dream, has something in their lives they want to do,” says Norman, “in my case it was writing a book. The drive and will to fulfill that dream only grew because I let it grow. I didn’t let it go.” Lynn adds, “don’t put your dreams away in a drawer and tuck them away. Let them live, and only then will they become a reality.”
The Reeds are excited to share their book and encourage discussion and dialog about Biblical miracles. They post blogs on their website www.normanandlynnreed.com about their research to promote discussion and give a better understanding of the world the book takes place in.
“The Black Angel of Death” can be purchased on amazon.com.
Quick Facts
What: Speaking and Discussion about “The Black Angel of the Lord”
When: Tuesday, July 8, at 2:00 p.m.
Where: the Gary Byker Memorial Library in Hudsonville
