The Stone Cutter: A Novel of Petra In Ancient Arabia (Waters in the Desert)
Meier’s enchanting prose opens with an old man and two shepherds who cross paths. In return for sharing a meal, the old man shares a story. From there, the tale of Nahor, a young man training to become a master sculptor and his chance encounter with a wandering rabbi that will be remembered throughout history unfolds. After losing his livelihood to a tragic accident, Nahor travels to the farthest reaches of the world searching for a mythical treasure that can restore his future. Despite earning different types of treasures along the way, his vision is locked on restoring what’s been lost. Desperate for answers, Nahor provokes a demon for answers and instead finds himself beset upon by great evil.
Meier sets the stage well, from caravans calculating their distance across the desert, by the chanting of epic poems, to assessing the quality of pearls in Gwongjau. Meier’s research provides a solid foundation, and his figurative language evokes emotion and sparks drama. It’s easy to root for Nahor, hoping he finds what he’s looking for while also feeling your heart break when he pushes himself too far, still wounded by his losses. My only disappointment is the story of Yeshua’s resurrection and how he “appeared first to Kepha” (aka Peter), brushing aside the women who followed Yeshua and his appearance first to Mary Magdalene prior to the other disciples.
Styled in epic fashion, the story deftly travels through early AD cultures. There is adventure, romance, meticulous historical detail, and a journey of faith which will entertain and intrigue a multitude of readers.
