In writing this novel, I have taken advantage (perhaps unfairly) of the confusion that exists among Biblical scholars about leprosy. The Hebrew word Tsara’ath, which has been rendered “leprosy” in the King James and other versions of the Bible, seems to be a sort of catchall phrase for a variety of skin diseases. Today when we think of leprosy, we generally think of the terribly disfiguring condition known as Hansen’s disease. Although anciently, someone with Hansen’s disease would most certainly have been considered leprous, so would someone with psoriasis, vitiligo, or any number of other more benign skin disorders.
Leprosy (again, not specifically Hansen’s disease) is as old as mankind. Records from as early as 4300 BC have been found describing it, and it was not an uncommon ailment. In fact, many notable Biblical figures suffered from leprosy, including Moses, his sister Miriam, King Uzziah, and of course, one of the main characters in this book, the Syrian nobleman Naaman. Likewise, we can’t forget those from the New Testament, especially those Christ healed, who were said to have leprosy. Did all these people suffer from Hansen’s disease? While some may have, my personal belief is that not all of them did.
This is a novel, and because of that, Naaman’s version of leprosy is unlike any other. At best it would have to be considered a combination of Hansen’s disease and other skin disorders. There are details in the book that accurately depict how he might have contracted the disease as well as its progression and effect, but I have also taken some small literary licenses.
To any who suffer with Hansen’s disease, I apologize for enhancing the myths. The reality is that although approximately 100 people in the United States and 250,000 worldwide are diagnosed with it every year, 95 percent of the world’s population has a natural immunity. The disease is curable with a drug regimen, and those who are treated can lead normal, productive lives. Anciently, and even in more recent times, those with leprosy were shunned and ostracized. While some of that still occurs, there is no justification for doing so in today’s world.
During the era in which this novel takes place, the world was a cruel, brutal, and harsh place. Wars and the complete annihilation of cities or towns—including women and children—were widespread and common. Historical records reveal instances of people committing suicide as attacking armies swept down on their village rather than face the atrocities they knew awaited them. While I have included some of that gritty reality in this novel, I have purposely chosen not to depict the extent of the horrific nature that historians tell us existed. As for the repulsive practice of slavery, it has been with us for millennia, and it is an ugly reality that continues today. Unfortunately, as I write this, in some African and Middle Eastern countries, humans can be bought and sold for as little as a few hundred dollars.
Finally, although some of the people and places in this novel actually existed, others were invented by me. Also, I’ve taken the liberty of making some changes—occasionally sweeping—in the earth’s geography to make everything fit.
Enjoy!
E. James Harrison