Every
story must have a beginning.
If mine were to be told, it would begin two lifetimes ago,
before a queen gave me my freedom and I moved from land to
land looking for a place where I belonged. It would begin
before death ripped out my heart. But it would not be my
story alone. It would tell of a proud people brought low
and of a low people exalted, because my tale is only a
thread that has somehow become entwined in the tapestry
that has unfolded around me.
And so begins the intensely emotional, richly spiritual
odyssey of Abish, whose significant contribution to Book
of Mormon history is creatively depicted in this finely
crafted story of love, loss, and redemption.
This is a story of one woman’s courage in the face
of life-threatening dangers, of faith that triumphs over
fear, and of an all-encompassing love that changes the
lives and spiritual destiny of thousands—Nephites
and Lamanites alike.
Gifted LDS author K.C. Grant demonstrates a profound
understanding of the time, setting, and people that
provide the backdrop to this compelling and inspiring
narrative—an intricate tale of suspense, romance,
intrigue, and spiritual triumphs.
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1.
What were the two reasons why Abish found herself living
in King Lamoni’s palace?
2. Who was often Abish’s “accomplice”
when it came to seeing Jared?
3. What did Abish wear around her neck as a token from her
father?
4. In what condition did Abish find her childhood home
upon her return as an adult?
5. Who became Abish’s trusted friend when she
returned to the palace as a healer?
Trivia Answers:
1. As a childhood playmate
to Princess Anrah and as a healer to the queen
2. Neti, her childhood nursemaid
3. A jade necklace
4. It was abandoned and uncared for
5. Teara
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1.
What caused you to begin writing this book?
I’ve always been fascinated with the story of Abish.
There is such a brief mention of her in the Book of Mormon
and yet her actions were so influential that I couldn’t
help but want to give her a larger voice.
2. Did you have any interesting experiences while
writing this book?
I was pleasantly surprised by how many other people were
curious about her as well. It was nice to know that I wasn’t
the only one who felt she hadn’t received her fair
dues.
3. What do you hope people come away with after
reading your book?
Above all, my hope is that readers will relate to
the character of Abish and get a sense of how strong women
had to be during that time. No matter what her life was
really like, she was inspirational.
4. What kind of research did you do for this book,
and how long did it take?
Since I had already traveled through the actual geography
in which my book took place, I felt as if I had a basic
grasp of what would be the setting. But I wanted to plant
the novel firmly in reality and so I studied extensively
what is known about the Preclassic Maya. The research of
Joseph L. Allen and John L. Sorenson was indispensable. I
also appreciated the photography of Scot and Maurine
Proctor in refreshing my memory as to the rugged beauty of
the highlands of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula and
central Guatemala. It took months, but I was glad I did
it.
5. What is the next project you are working on?
I’ve been fortunate enough to have another work
accepted by Covenant which, strangely enough, also takes
place in Mexico—but with a modern twist! And, of
course, I couldn’t just let the character of Abish
fade away. I would love to do a sequel that shows the
progression of her life among the people of Ammon and
focuses on how the women of her generation became the
mothers to the stripling warriors.
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1.
In the scriptural account, it says that Abish was
converted on account of a remarkable vision of her father.
What are some of the ways that this could be interpreted?
2. Why do you think Abish is one of the few women called
by name in The Book of Mormon?
3. What were some of the differences between the
relationships that Abish had with each of her parents?
4. How does the theme of forgiveness run throughout the
book?
5. Did your perceptions about Saranhi change at the end of
the book? In what way?
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Ingredients:
2 heaping tablespoons of your usual hot chocolate mix
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
2 drops of almond extract
Directions: Heat a cup of water and stir
in all of the ingredients. It’s like your usual cup
of hot chocolate on a cold winter’s day—but
with an ancient twist!
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