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(More customer reviews)Orson Scott Card first presented his interpretation of Moses in the 1973 musical drama "Stone Tables" (the title comes from Exodus 24:12). This 1997 novel expands that story and reflects not only the book of Exodus, but the Mormon Book of Moses, and works of both history and speculation. As Card points out in his Preface, the account in Exodus says nothing of the life and achievements of Moses as a prince of Egypt and barely touches on his private life. Indeed, most scripture tends to be long on narrative and short on characterization. Card uses his formidable writing talents to make not only Moses, but his brother Aaron, sister Miriam, wife Zeforah, father-in-law Jethro, and the Pharaoh Tuthmose come alive as characters.
"Stone Tables" is speculation. The genesis for this speculation is Card's questions about the convoluted relationship between Moses and Aaron. In thinking over the life of Aaron, who watched his younger brother lead his people out of bondage, witnesses first hand the miracles of the plagues upon Egypt, and made a golden calf for the Israelites while Moses was up on Mount Sinai receiving the 10 Commandments from God, Card believed he saw a pattern of envy. However, "Stone Tables" goes well beyond providing a rationale for Aaron's actions.
For non-Mormon readers, such as myself, there are two major differences between the stories of Moses told in "Stone Tables" and that related by the book of Exodus (and the movies "The Ten Commandments" and "Prince of Egypt"). The first is that characters in the novel refer to their foreknowledge of Christ, which Card clearly states is part of the worldview of the Latter-day Saints. I have no problems with the idea that God let Moses and other member of the faithful know that a greater savior was going to redeem the people down the road. If God would let Moses stand in his presence and watch the passing of his glory, then sharing a glimpse of the greater design seems a small leap of faith to take.
The second and more interesting difference is that the fact Moses is the adopted son of the daughter of Pharaoh is never hidden. When Hatshepsut takes the baby from the Nile, she knows the child is the son of a Hebrew slave and that the little girl who knows of someone who can nurse the infant is the sister of Moses taking the boy to his mother. The river brought her a son and with the support of Pharaoh that story is taken as gospel by the people of Egypt. Consequently, Moses knows his "real" family from early in life and rejects his Hebrew heritage by conscious choice rather than out of ignorance. Aaron and Miriam assail him at every opportunity to free his people, but Moses will have none of it. Clearly in this novel the second element is the most significant and it provides the context for reexamining how Moses came to know God and why Pharaoh hardened his heart. In the case of the latter the emphasis is on making the power known to not only Pharaoh but the Israelites as well. Card also works out the cold logic of the escalating plagues visited upon the land of Egypt.
Ultimately, the most fascinating parts of Card's novel are the dialogues between the characters, which only makes sense. Such dialogues are at a minimum in scripture and they comprise the part of the story that will be seen as "new" by many readers. Many of the characters are capable of great humor, not to mention biting wit and caustic insights, and not only the dialogues but also the internal reflections of the characters are well thought out by Card. I was particularly fond of Jethro and Zeforah, who exhibit such great joy in expressing their faith, and appreciated the flaws that were both the strengths and weaknesses of Aaron and Miriam. The sibling rivalries, both in Egypt and in the land of Midian, are particularly fun as well, although reflecting clearly modern sensibilities.
Card's speculations hold together pretty well, although it is his characterization of Moses that makes or breaks the book. The transformation from a questioning creature of doubt into a true servant of God is captivating and well motivated. However, when Card includes the conversation between Moses and God in the presence of the burning bush the scene does not ring true. Card has presented Moses as fully willing to embrace God's plan for him, which makes him trying to get out of his destiny and arguing for a place for his brother seem a step backwards. That is the part of Moses that always confused me: if God makes a personal appearance and tells you he is going to be right by your side, arguing with him seems somewhat inappropriate. In Card's story the Moses who confronts Pharaoh is so supremely confident that it is hard to believe he showed such doubts in God's presence. Consequently, I of course find myself agreeing more with Card's speculations.
I would think that you would know before you pick up "Stone Tables" if religious fiction in general or this story of Moses in particular is going to offend your sensibilities. Card has amply demonstrated over the years that he is not only an excellent writer but a person of faith. The latter is the primary requirement for any author of religious fiction; the former is simply a big plus.
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