logo

62 pages 2 hours read

The Secret Chord

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015

A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.

Book Brief

logo
Geraldine Brooks

The Secret Chord

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2015
Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Israel • Iron Age

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Roundup icon

Super Short Summary

The Secret Chord by Geraldine Brooks follows the prophet Natan as he chronicles the life of biblical King David, exploring his rise from humble beginnings to establishing a prosperous kingdom, while portraying his deeply flawed character through relationships and pivotal events—including his adultery with Batsheva and the resulting familial and political turmoil. The book depicts multiple instances of rape, including graphic accounts of nonconsensual sex and humiliation.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Bittersweet

Emotional

Dark

Reviews & Readership

3.9

25,579 ratings

64%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Geraldine Brooks' The Secret Chord masterfully reimagines the life of King David, blending historical fiction with lyrical prose. Critics applaud Brooks' evocative storytelling and extensive research. However, some feel the narrative pace falters, making parts sluggish. Overall, the novel is a compelling exploration of a legendary figure's complexities.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Secret Chord?

Readers who enjoy richly detailed historical fiction, biblical narratives, and character-driven stories will be captivated by Geraldine Brooks' The Secret Chord. Fans of Anita Diamant's The Red Tent and Madeline Miller's Circe will appreciate Brooks' meticulous research and vivid storytelling.

3.9

25,579 ratings

64%

Loved it

25%

Mixed feelings

11%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

352

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Israel • Iron Age

Publication Year

2015

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Continue your reading experience

Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.