Curious Characters
Old Testament Figures Who Still Speak to Us Today
- Biblical Studies & Commentaries
- Arts & Literature
- Publisher: Fortress Press (Augsburg Fortress)
- Published: 2026
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Publisher's Description
The Bible contains hundreds of stories. They depict how God walks with people through times of war and peace, hardship and well-being, and they testify to how the people of Israel act toward each other. These stories evoke strong emotions in us: We feel with the people when they go through trials and temptations, and we rejoice with them in times of plenty. Curious Characters helps us get to know Noah, Sarah, Joseph, Ruth, Naomi, Saul, Jonathan, Michal, and Jonah. By setting their stories in dialogue with Jewish, Christian, and secular novels, poems, and plays, the author leads us to a deeper understanding of the biblical stories. The literary works Tiemeyer has chosen illuminate, question, challenge, and criticize the biblical texts from a deeply human point of view. Although we may not agree with all of them, they can help us realize and perhaps work through our preconceptions. Sometimes the retellings even depart from the explicit meaning of the biblical text and allow the characters to act in alternative ways. These literary works help us become more nuanced Bible readers, gain an enriched understanding of Scripture, and simply enjoy the privilege of entering the narrative world of the Old Testament.
Endorsements (3)
“Praise for Curious Characters In this thought-provoking book, Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer leads the reader on a journey among ambiguous biblical characters and encourages us to question these ambiguities—and our responses to them. This book is highly relevant for the current world, perhaps more than ever: Rather than applying a binary judgment of good vs. bad, Tiemeyer acknowledges the Bible’s complexities and then carefully engages them.”
“new ways of reading familiar stories and invite us to ponder new questions as we read. Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer is not afraid of questions and of leaving the answers open, which makes Curious Characters a very refreshing book.”
“With an international reputation and a wide range of publications, Professor Lena-Sofia Tiemeyer now brings her wealth of insight to a wider audience. Anyone curious about figures like the prophet Jonah (Is he an annoying grouch?), the princess Michal (Is she a hapless pawn?), or Noah (Why on earth does he get so drunk?) will appreciate this introduction to some surprisingly complicated biblical characters.”
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