A vividly realised and beautifully crafted novel woven around the fabled meeting between Sheba and Solomon. Makeda, daughter of an obscure African chieftain, is unexpectedly chosen as Queen of all Sheba. Revolted by her nation's widespread corruption and deep-rooted social injustice, she resolves to visit and learn from the legendary Solomon, King of Israel. She is astonished by Israel's prosperity, by the wisdom and integrity with which Solomon rules, and by the Hebrews' all-encompassing convictions. Solomon too is entranced, by the beautiful and intelligent African queen. But when she returns to her homeland, determined to put into practice what she has learned, the once-splendid King of Israel starts to lose his way.