Abraham, whose life is briefly told in Genesis, is regarded not only as the ancestor of the Jewish and Arab people, but above all as the father of monotheism and of the early religion of the Hebrews. In the biblical story, when Abraham was 75 God told him to go to the Land of Canaan, which God promised to give to Abraham's descendants. When Abraham was 99, God spoke to him again, and announced that Sarah, his wife, would give birth to a son called Isaac, who would be circumcised as a sign of the Alliance between his people and God. Later, the Alliance would be further strengthened with the trial of Isaac's near-sacrifice.

Eric Nataf has chosen to recount these ancient times, to explain, in a sense, how Abraham became Abraham, Judaism's tutelary figure. Reconstructing the political and religious atmosphere of those legendary times, the author traces the invention of monotheism from the point of view of its “inventor” and hero. It is Abraham — the political leader, religious founder and communications expert ahead of his time — who speaks to us through Nataf's vivid writing.

• A critical moment in the invention of monotheism and in religious history in general is experienced here from within.

• A historical novel presented as a remarkable tale about ancient Judaism.

• Intense, troubling, dramatic, this work brings to life the battle waged by an extraordinary hero, as he confides his most intimate thoughts, reveals the burning ambition that drives him and recounts his doubts and hesitations.

Eric Nataf is the author of three thrillers, including Le Mal par le mal. A physician, radiologist and sonogram specialist, he teaches at Hôpital Cochin, in Paris.