The Book of Esther tells the story of an orphan.

The Book of Esther is included in the Hebrew Bible following Lamentations & is read on the Festival of Purim. In the Roman Catholic tradition, the Book of Esther is between Nehemiah & Hob. In the Protestant canon, Esther is between Nehemiah & Job.

Esther is an orphan & has been raised by her cousin Mordecai. When she becomes the wife of the Persian king Ahasuerus, she doesn’t initially tell him that she is Jewish and an orphan.

Later, when Ahasuerus’ chief minister, Haman, orders the death of Jews in Persia, Esther persuades Ahasuerus to rescind the order. Instead of being killed on the day planned for their annihilation, the Jews kill their enemies.

The Book of Esther has been adapted for stage & film several times, including the 2013 film starring Jen Lilley as Queen Esther.