The Secret Chord: A Novel by Geraldine Brooks | Summary & Analysis

By IRB Media

Inside this Instaread Summary & Analysis of The Secret Chord

• Summary of book

• Introduction to the Important People in the book

• Analysis of the Themes and Author’s Style

• Language: English
• Publisher: IRB Media
• Release date: Nov 4, 2015
• ISBN: 9781944195212

IRB Media

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Book preview

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Reviews for The Secret Chord

[dickmanikowski · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I wouldn't be surprised if this turns out to be the best novel I'll read during this newly birthed year. Geraldine Brooks does a splendid job of portraying both the life of and the world of David. I'm far from being an Old Testament scholar, but it appears to me that she's taken the narrative as it appears scattered through multiple OT books and fleshed it out with a complex but believable human being.

[chasidar_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

I LOVED this book. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator was wonderful, really bringing the book alive. Geraldine Brooks does not disappoint and she does an excellent job bringing King David to life, his strengths, his flaws, his kingdom.

[olivermagnus · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A decade after winning the Pulitzer prize, Geraldine Brooks writes the story of history’s most famous harpist, poet, and warrior, David. The story is narrated by prophet, Natan (Nathan), who we first meet when David slays his father for his refusal to give the band supplies. David is ready to kill Natan as well, until his vision shows that David will win a throne, as well as a generational line that will last for centuries. Natan continues his service to David and is always there to be his conscience. This author portrays David as both hero and villain. He was a man who rose to power and maintained it according to his motto of doing whatever is necessary. He became a powerful king who excelled at political machinations, but wrote poems and played the harp with incredible sensitivity.

I initially had a bit of a problem with the translation of the names but there is a handy guide at the beginning of the book that helped. For example, Plishtim are the Philistines and God is referred to as “The Name”. This isn't a Sunday School retelling of the happy shepherd boy who slayed Goliath. It's an incredibly violent book, filled with rapes, murders, betrayal and destruction. David is complicit in many horribly distasteful acts, including the murder of Bathsheba's husband, Uriah, so he wouldn't know that David had impregnated her.

The book started very slowly for me but once I got about a quarter of the way through, the story became much more compelling. Geraldine Brooks does a magnificent job of transforming history into fascinating fiction.

[hemlokgang · Rating: 2 out of 5 stars]

Just not interested in the story of King David.

[amylee39 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Way better than anything I learned in Sunday School or religious ed.

[bookfest_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love Geraldine Brooks' grasp of history. She brings alive, in vivid detail, stories we thought we knew. The story of King David is not a flattering one. He was a soldier, his life filled with violence and, shall we say, strong appetites. Yes, he united the tribes. But often by violent means. And he often acted in selfish self-interest. The story is told through the eyes of a prophet who foretold his success and sorrows. Well done!

[deltaqueen50 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I always look forward to reading a book by author Geraldine Brooks, and The Secret Chord was another story where this author breathed life into history by telling an ancient biblical legend, the story of David. Told through the eyes of his profit, Natan, we see a young shepherd’s boy rise to be the chosen one of God. He has style, charisma and a savvy knowledge of people and their desires. He is able to gather men to him, bind the various tribes and city states of Judah together into the country of Israel.Unfortunately David’s downfall turns out to be his family. He had been an unloved child of a drunkard, so when he had sons of own from his various wives, he pampered them and allowed no one to cross them. This in turn yielded a group of princes who were spoiled and jealous of one another. Like many great men, David could not see the weaknesses in his sons and this in turn lead to fratricide, treason and betrayal.This story of a magnetic yet flawed warrior king is exciting, interesting and a very good read given the author’s restraints of having to follow what the bible has laid out as key points in David’s life. The Secret Chord served to remind me why I remain a huge fan of both historical fiction in general and Geraldine Brooks in particular.

[sleahey_3 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This novel looks at the Biblical story of King David in considerable detail, based on Brooks's extensive research and imagination. Told from the point of view of Natan, David's seer and right hand man, the intricate relationships and politics and warfare of the time are described at sometimes numbing length. The characters names are in transliterated Hebrew, and a guide would have been helpful for this non-Biblical scholar reader. Since I read the galley, I can only hope the finished copy includes a glossary and map. Most interesting to me was the dilemma of Natan serving a king with whom he did not always agree, but for whom he felt extreme loyalty.

[nivramkoorb · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the 2nd novel I have read by Brooks. I enjoyed this book because it dealt with a specific time frame(1000 BC) and the legendary character of King David. The book is told through the eyes of Nathan the prophet who was along side David for the key parts of his life. We see David's positive and negative characteristics. The brutality of the time is brought out by Brooks and reminds us of the difficulty of life during those times. The book was a little bumpy in its narrative but I found it a good read and it has caused me to delve more deeply into King David and those times. Read " March" by her. It won the Pulitzer prize and was an excellent book.

[dreesie-1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I have absolutely loved 3 of Geraldine Brooks' novels, but this one I found disappointing.

I found Natan's voice to be--awkward? Dry? I believe he tried to keep his emotions so in check that the dry narration may be a reflection of that, but that doesn't make it more interesting.

I was also very frustrated with the endpaper maps--so many places mentioned in the text are not shown. How far are these places? And so many tribes named are not shown either. How do they all fit together? So many people mentioned do not appear in the list of characters. I am familiar with very few of the individuals or peoples, so was constantly referencing the list and the map, only to find no help.

[smik_3 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Note - this book is not crime fiction, although without doubt crimes are committed.Reading it is part of my quest to widen what I read: to go beyond crime fiction.I have already read the Pulitzer Prize winning PEOPLE OF THE BOOK by the same author.When I was a child I had a jigsaw puzzle that showed a young, handsome David slaying Goliath of Gath with his slingshot. That image of David, son of Jesse of Bethlehem, ancestor of Jesus Christ and the reason why he was born in Bethlehem, has stayed with me for well over 60 years. But the picture of David in THE SECRET CHORD is a long way from the sanitised image of my jigsaw puzzle.The description and account of David in THE SECRET CHORD is seen through the eyes of Natan, David's courtier who at times has prophesied events in David's life, and been at his side for decades. David has commissioned Natan to interview his mother and other family members to learn about the early events of David's life. The king will decide how much of what Natan writes down will be revealed. Natan is well aware that he is treading a dangerous line: the king is volatile and could well turn against him, and his family are not going to be willing to reveal deep secrets willingly.Eventually we learn David's life history, taking us right through to the declaration of his heir. According to the author "David is the first man in literature whose story is told in detail from early childhood to extreme old age." I was staggered at how violent his life was, how much time was spent in waging war, and how his family almost self-combusted.A fascinating read.

[ameise1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

What a great story. King David has already been written a great deal, and much is known about him. Brooks is now packing his life in the form of memoirs of his seer Natan. It shows the life of David from the perspective of his mother, brothers, women, nephews and sons. Everyone puts a jigsaw puzzle to the whole. Depending on whoever thinks about David, he sees him as a great man without fault and blame, or his weaknesses, which have often led him and his family into misfortune.The story is written with love. It captivated me from the beginning.

[rosalita_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

One of my favorite authors comes through again. This fictionalized account of the life of David (slewer of Goliath, king of Israel) presents a beautifully nuanced portrait of a man imbued with the power to do great good and also great evil. David's story is told through the voice of Nathan, the prophet who first foretold that God had anointed David to unite and lead the tribes of Israel. Nathan loves David deeply but is not blinded to his weaknesses. Brooks did a superb job of letting the readers feel Nathan's love and his pain for David, as well as his sense of helplessness to prevent the tragedies that informed the latter part of David's life. The secret chord of the title refers to David's tremendous musical talents, as a singer, lyricist, and harpist. Music and excerpts from what I presume are Psalms written by David fill the narrative, giving Brooks another language to help her readers understand David's power.I was familiar only with the barest sketch of the story of David, so I'm not qualified to judge how much or in what ways Brooks took fictional liberties with the accepted narrative from the Old Testament. And I suspect there are elements here that someone who believes in the infallibility of the Bible would find troubling, if not blasphemous. But for me, it was an extraordinary story of an extraordinary man, told in the most lyrical way possible.I read this book for the Reading Through Time group's themed read for the second quarter of 2016: Ancient and Biblical Times.

[johnwbeha · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A very fine retelling of the story of David, one of those characters most of us from a Judeo-Christian background know a bit about, but would find difficulty in putting it all together. With her usual writing skill and gift for storytelling, Geraldine Brooks does this for us and uses the device of telling the story through the eyes and voice(s) of the prophet Natan. It is very easy to empathise with Natan (it must be very hard not knowing what you have prophesied until someone else tells you) and the story flows well. Like another reviewer I had some difficulty when there were several timelines moving at once, but this soon worked itself out. The characters throughout are memorable. Overall a really good read from which I learnt quite a bit. Recommended.

[c.archer · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a historical fiction account of the life of David. The biblical story has been fleshed out to give the author's take on David's life and kingship. While Geraldine Brooks takes much literary license and reflects her own view, she fleshes out the story in a way that is fascinating and highly readable. For those who might be offended by the embellishment of this story, I would recommend they take a pass. I very much enjoyed it as a work of fiction that is filled with supercharged action and intrigue.

[rdra1962 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I love Brooks, but for me this is not her best work. I never felt engaged with the characters and would have preferred a different narrator. Worth reading, but usually Brooks transports me, this time it was not happening.

[tangledthread · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

a retelling of the story of King David from the bible, in the voice of his prophet, Natan. The author elucidates the perspective of women with a modern sensibility. And David is presented as a very flawed hero.....but that is true in the bible as well.

[citizenjoyce · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The story of David is important to all three major monotheist, patriarchal religions. In retelling this story Brooks maintains the biblical traditional emphasis on ego, violence, and misogyny. There's no more emotional connection with the characters than there is in the bible, also there's no explanation of why god, or the name, would choose this very flawed man to be the leader of his chosen people. Or is it just that absollute power corrupts absolutely? People who like and are familiar with biblical stories will probably find this very interesting.

[thejohnsmith · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another good story told by Geraldine Brooks. She brings the people and places of history to life with her excellent writing and storytelling skills.

[brangwinn · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Whoa, this wasn’t a story of the Biblical King David I was expecting! He’s wildly successful in the battle to become king, but he also is arrogant and his low points are spectacular, too. Brooks has chosen his prophet, Natan, to tell the story—a much more reliable historian than David. Battling family, claiming wives he desires, outsmarting foes describe David as does his remarkable ability to play the harp and sing. If I were to use one word to describe David, it would be “contradiction”. I love books that take the “holy” out of holy people and show them to be people with faults as well as strengths. I’ll be interested in hearing how this book is received among conservative Christians who see the Bible as literal. I’m not looking at reviews until finish writing my one. I wish I had read this book in traditional format rather than on the Kindle. There is such a cast of characters to keep track of, it would have been easier to page back to the list of characters in book form.

[unioncongucc · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Talented historical novelist, Geraldine Brooks, brings the Biblical story of David into vivid relief by putting flesh on minor characters and providing character and political motivation for the David's sometimes incomprehensible actions. Narrated by prophet and kingly advisor Nathan (rendered as Natan in the book) the story falters only because the author is tethered to the ruthless realities of maintaining power in rivalrous times. White this assaults our democratic sensibilities, Brooks's well researched tale illuminates the conundrum when political and divinely sanctioned powers are joined.

[karenherndon · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love historic fiction so really looked forward to reading this book. It was very well written, beautifully as a matter of fact- I have read some of her previous works so looked forward to this one too. I can't actually say I didn't like the book and if I said I was disappointed that wouldn't be totally correct either. I can't put my finger on how, exactly, I found it lacking except to say that I found myself eager and wanting to end it and get on to another book.

[kakadoo202 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Starting a bit slow a repetitive but picks up 1/3 in and is an engaging report of the life of King David

[suzecate · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I had the hardest time getting into this at first, but chapter by chapter it grew on me until I was outright enthralled for the last half.

[katevane · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is the story of the Biblical King David, as told by his seer and adviser Natan. The author, through Natan, offers a shrewd dissection of the nature of power. David is charismatic, driven and courageous. He manages the competing factions around him with charm and guile. He builds alliances based on friendship and marriage, but he is also brutal and ruthless.The story is told with immediacy, energy and rich characterisation. It is unflinching in its portrayal of both military and political conflict and so has relevance well beyond its beautifully realised setting.*I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley.

[thewanderingjew_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The Secret Chord, Geraldine Brooks, author; Paul Boehmer, narratorThis is a book that may not have universal appeal, but anyone interested in Jewish history will find it an admirable and rich re-imagination of King David’s life, authentically presented as it is written in the style and language popular in the days of King David’s reign. The lyrical texture of the prose is magnetic, drawing the reader into the narrative. It lent itself well to the narrator of the audio whose most resonant voice assumed the appropriate tone for each character as he expertly spoke as Natan as Natan related and wrote about David’s rise to the throne and beyond, in an effort to preserve the memory of the man he was, for the world to come. In this retelling, there may be some who may not like the man he was or came to be.David had been rejected by his own father, Yishai, who never claimed him as a son, believing he was the product of his wife’s adultery. Even when he learned the truth, he refused to accept him until circumstances forced his hand. In addition to the rejection of his father, he was tormented by his brothers. Finally, at the age of six, he was sent to live alone, as a shepherd in the mountains. He was a child who appeared to acclimate to his situation happily. One day, when he impressed King Shaul with his fighting prowess, even slaying Goliath, he was taken to live with him as his son and his days as a shepherd ended. Saul’s own son, Yonatan fell in love with David. His daughter, Mikhal, who was Yonaton’s double, also loved David. All went well until Saul began to have mental problems and he turned against David. David, in turn, formed his own band of men to overthrow Saul.David is portrayed as a man with an abundant sexual appetite for both sexes, a man with the voice of an angel and magic fingers when he played the harp. The psalms he composed were sung at court and survive today. He had many consorts and many children. Some he loved more than others. He was a study in contrasts, both kind and cruel. A violent warrior, he committed murder with abandon, sacked cities because “it was necessary”, and took women at will. A proud, arrogant man, he found it hard to forgive someone he felt had wronged him, but in spite of that, he often found ways to amend his errors and provide justice. Although he was much loved by his subjects and his wives, he was also much feared and disrespected by some. He was often at risk from family who wished to overthrow him and assume the throne.Natan was a shepherd. One day, he came upon David and was asked to have his father send provisions to him and his men. When David killed Natan’s father because he had refused to provide him with provisions, Natan had a vision. He spoke in a strange voice and then passed out. He announced that David would ascend to the throne. From that time, beginning, when he was a mere nine years old, he was at David’s side. He was not a seer who could always tell what was about to happen, but he would have visions that put him into a trance-like state, a state in which he sometimes remained incapacitated and unable to speak which prevented him from interfering and altering the future he saw in his visions. To David, he became the prophet G-d chose to speak through. To some, Natan seemed a charlatan, but to David he had the gift of prophecy, and he relied on him often for advice and counsel. It was Natan who chronicled his life for posterity so that he would not be forgotten, but would be remembered for the kind of man he was, remembered as a person, not just remembered for his deeds.The novel (and I caution the reader to remember that it is a novel, a fictional rendering of the history of the famous Jewish King), takes the reader through the arc of his life until the anointing of his son Solomon as King. Solomon was conceived in sin with Batsheva who was married to David’s most devoted and accomplished soldier, Uriah. David was smitten with her and he called her to his chambers, bedding her although she was married. When her pregnancy was discovered, he did what he had to do to preserve her reputation, and he married her after Uriah’s death. He paid dearly for that transgression for years to come, as it was prophesied.

[michigantrumpet_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Geraldine Brooks hits another out of the park with her King David brought to life in [The Secret Chord]. Through sources at the Harvard Divinity School Library, I happen to know her books are incredibly well researched. Brooks takes the bones of present scholarship on King David and, using glorious prose, adds sinew and flesh. One can almost smell the meat roasting on the spit, hear the blast of the war trumpets, and see the throngs in happy procession. Told through the voice of Natan, confidante and seer whom David has asked to write the history of his life. David decrees Natan shall speak with his mother, first wife and brother, who supply details of his early life: young goatherd ignored by his father and brothers, recognized by prophet Shmuel, killer of the giant, and beloved, by Shaul. From there Natan picks up the story himself, carrying us through many battles, rise to glory and accompanying tragedies. Brooks David’ is a large personality, full of life, charisma, faults and vainglory.Some have said the use of Hebrew names and places are off putting. I felt this gave the tale even more verisimilitude. Many biblical women get short shrift. Brooks provides context and allows their stories to be told – the horror of Tamal’s rape by her brother, Amnon; Batsheva’s terror at the impossible position David had placed her; the countless women’s positions as mere political pawns to be married off and used. Hearing their stories anew and more fully was worth the effort alone. I found this a memorable book and recommend highly.

[maryreinert · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

The fictionalized story of King David. A truly flawed individual, yet an outstanding leader the story follows the Biblical story told in I Samuel. The setting is not modernized, but reflects the Iron Age when these event actually took place. Natum, the prophet, is the narrator.

[rglossne · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

As always from Geraldine Brooks, well researched historical fiction, engaging characters, and a story that keeps you turning pages.

[jpsnow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I'm always enjoy the pleasant surprise of a historical fiction book that all at once takes me to a new place, does well with the characters, and is still true enough to the real events. The Secret Chord is such a combination. It was a gift, so I didn't know what to expect. I ended up reading most of it in just a couple sittings, because I enjoyed the story. David's rise and fall is well known. Brooks makes the story that much more alive, telling it primarily through the lens of the prophet Nathan.