⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Jill Eileen Smith’s The Prince and the Prodigal is a faithful retelling of one of the most beloved Old Testament stories. Joseph’s journey—from his brothers’ betrayal to his rise in Egypt—is familiar to many of us, but Smith keeps it fresh by adding depth and humanity without straying from Scripture.
I especially appreciated how she balanced Joseph’s story with Judah’s, showing both men’s struggles and growth. The family dynamics feel real: the jealousy, guilt, and eventual forgiveness strike an emotional chord.
Smith doesn’t reinvent the story (thankfully), but she does make these biblical figures relatable. Joseph’s resilience and trust in God are woven through every chapter, reminding readers that divine providence is at work even in betrayal and suffering. It’s a story of forgiveness, grace, and redemption that still speaks to us today.
If you know Joseph’s story by heart, this novel will feel like visiting an old friend—familiar, but with a little more light shining on the details.