Sarah

Sarah, by Marek Halter

This was a quick read for me (I enjoyed it immensely, and it was rather shorter than the other books I've attempted lately).  The first book in the Canaan Trilogy, by French-Jewish author Marek Halter, is an imaginative retelling of the story of Sarah, wife of Abraham.  Though it departs somewhat from the biblical tale (he paints a picture of Sarah as a princess from a neighboring kingdom to Abraham, rather than Abraham's half-sister, as the Bible indicates), the perspective of early civilization, idol worship, and the thorough torment of barrenness put flesh to the story I've heard untold times.  Cliche, I know, but the Genesis story comes to life.  Sarah is given a personality.  Abraham, too.  And he's not perfect.  

Read this if you're interested in historical fiction, if you enjoy retellings of biblical stories with biblical characters, and are just in the mood for a light read with a slightly feminist edge.