Hadassah
Historical Fiction
Three women. Six young leaders. One vision of peace that spans from India through Shushan and Jerusalem to Ethiopia.
Shalom · Salaam · Peace
In the year 486 BCE, King Ahasuerus ascended to power in Persia at the age of 33. He ruled a vast empire stretching from India through Shushan, Jerusalem, Egypt, and south to Ethiopia. But this novel is not the king's story.
This narrative belongs to Hadassah, Vashti, and Makeda. Some of the people and events can be found in The Bible. Others can be found in other historical sources. But some of the people and some of the events can only be found in this narrative.
This allegory of historical fiction re-tells the story told in The Book of Esther, but it then picks up where that narrative left off. With help from new characters not found in The Book of Esther, we experience three women not just one as strong leaders, and also six young people as visionaries for peace.
Hadassah: A Story That Could Be True poses a creative answer to the question: "What might have happened after the Esther story ended?"
A narrative woven from scripture, history, and imagination a story that could be true.
Jewish, Persian, and Ethiopian traditions unite in a vision of harmony across empires.
Where the biblical narrative ends, this story begins with courage, wisdom, and hope.
Palace intrigue and the hidden star who would become Queen Esther yet never forget her name: Hadassah.
The Temple glows at dawn. The Shema rises from stone walls to bind distant peoples in one unbroken prayer.
Queen Makeda and King Anbessa the Solomonic line carries Torah across deserts with strength and welcome.
Leaders who choose connection over revenge, courage over decree, and peace over empire.
Born Hadassah, crowned Esther. A daughter of exiled people who walks the halls of power with a covenant older than any palace. When her people face annihilation, she chooses courage "If I perish, I perish."
"I am no animal to be paraded on a leash." Exiled to Ethiopia for protecting her dignity, Vashti transforms exile into beginning choosing covenant over crown, faith over spectacle, and learning that honor is a foundation, not a performance.
Named for the Queen of Sheba, Makeda rules Ethiopia with wisdom and tradition. She welcomes the stranger, carries Torah across generations, and brings the strategy of The Constrictor ending insurrection without a drop of blood shed.
Six stones together cannot be easily scattered. The Council of Youngers covenant for shared wisdom, moral accountability, and leadership across lands, tribes, and histories birthing the Harmony Council.
Cousin and guardian of Hadassah. The quiet man at the gate whose loyalty saves a king and a people.
Ruler of the Persian Empire from India to Ethiopia a king who learns that too much power rested in one hand.
Guardian of Ethiopia's southern throne. Strength increased by sharing it.
The antagonist whose pride and decree threaten an entire people and whose fall sets the stage for Purim.
Virtues woven through Persia, Jerusalem, and Ethiopia
"Courage is not the absence of fear. It is obedience." The path from hidden identity to public revelation.
Hebrew, Aramaic, and Ge'ez words for unity. The Harmony Council replaces decree with deliberation.
Jewish, Zoroastrian, and Ethiopian traditions interwoven a wedding under a chuppah, kosher feasts, and shared Shema.
"May dignity never again cause exile." From Vashti's refusal to the Youngers' unarmed walk into Anshan.
From generation to generation. Elders and Youngers, hands on shoulders, wisdom shared across difference.
A very small contribution to the idea that peace is possible three languages, one hope, woven through every chapter.
36 chapters spanning palace intrigue, exile, revelation, and the birth of a new council.
Shushan erupts in celebration. Queen Vashti refuses to be displayed and is exiled to Ethiopia beginning a journey through Jerusalem to Yeha.
Mordecai guides his cousin to the palace. Hadassah, hidden star of Persia, is chosen as queen. A plot against the king is uncovered and justice arrives with swift finality.
Vashti arrives at Yeha Palace. Queen Makeda welcomes the stranger. Vashti chooses covenant over crown "Then you already are" a Jew.
Haman's decree threatens all Jews. Hadassah fasts three days, then reveals her identity: "I am a Jew. By birth. And by covenant." Haman falls.
Ethiopia travels north warriors, elephants, camels. Three sisters in covenant reunite in the palace: Hadassah, Vashti, and Makeda.
The General's rebellion is encircled without bloodshed. The Youngers walk unarmed into Anshan. Harmony Council is born Yachad, Shlama, Seme.
"Let every year, in every generation, Jews recall this deliverance, and call it Purim, after the lots that were cast to bring our destruction but instead brought our salvation."
From this moment, the festival of Purim lives on to celebrate courage, faith, wisdom, and kindness.
This novel is dedicated to all humans who pray and who work for world peace. We especially dedicate this book to Rabbi Aaron Krauss, who read an earlier version in December of 2023 and said, "You should publish it!"
Rabbi Krauss, a founder of The Bridge of Faith alongside Kaleem Shabazz and the Rev. Colin Davies, continues to be a model of interfaith prayer and work for peace.
Published works by Donald P. Cassidy, available on Amazon.
Author & Clinical Psychologist
Explore the complete collection of Dr. Donald Cassidy’s published works, designed to inspire, educate, and empower your growth.
Conversion Immersion: We Choose to Be Chosen
Secure checkout via Amazon
Editor, inspiration, and partner in this work since 2023.
Trusted consultant and advisor since the earliest drafts.
Of blessed memory "Not in God's Name" and "Morality" inspired this novel.
Nicholas, Ana, and Ratchet vision and editorial excellence in publishing.
Experience a story of three women, six young leaders, and a vision of peace that spans empires and generations. Available in paperback, hardcover, and Kindle on Amazon.