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I am deeply impressed with the research that went into this book as well as Anton's ability to compile an enjoyable story from her research.Unfortunately, it is clear that Anton does not know enough about living the type of authentically observant life that Rashi and his family enjoyed to write about these people without over-laying them with a 21st century mentality.Those of us who follow the traditions given down from parent to child over the generations know that Rashi's daughters did not wear tefillin and learn Talmud because they were rebels. But so were most of the Jewish men. I am an Orthodox Jew who happens to deeply enjoy history and well-written historic fiction. E.g., the prohibition against mature, unmarried men and women touching at all (not to mention "making out" or "snogging" or what have you), along with the observance of the laws of married life, create an intense, passionate bond between husband and wife. Unfortunately, books which do not portray Torah true Judaism accurately tend to do more harm than good. On the contrary, they were very holy women who followed the law to the letter. - basically all of the accumulated studies) would be foolish enough to put themselves in a position such as the female characters in this book found themselves with their "beaux."To clarify what one of the other reviewers stated, yes, Jewish women at that time were mostly illiterate - especially as regards to Judaic studies.
And learning more than that was even harder to accomplish.On the other hand, Anton's portrayal of Rashi's mother as an active, educated intelligent woman who ran her own business is strikingly accurate. I have strongly mixed feelings about this book. Only the special few - those with outstanding mental abilities or those with the finances to pay for an education - were able to learn enough to read and/or write Hebrew. Judaism is, at its authentic pure level, NOT a sexist religion.Further, those of us who live the observant lifestyle are aware at a bone-deep level the benefits of abstaining from prohibited activites. No intelligent woman (or man) who has lived this lifestyle and learned significant amounts of Torah (the term Torah is often used to include the Talmud, Mishnah, Midrashim, etc. Plus, I enjoyed learning about the lifestyle and history of Jews living during the time of Rashi.I really would have preferred to give the book 3 1/2 stars or even 3.75 stars, because I do think it is very well-written and interesting. From the other reviews I have read, this already seems to be the case.
What a disgrace that this book ever saw the light of day.I have bought the book, and have thrown it into the bin. His daughters were known for their piety and generous natures. Rashi was one of the Jewish religion's holiest men of the Middle Ages. Even that was being kind on it. They are held up in many places as the prime example of how a Jewish woman should live.The disgusting distortion of the truth that appears in this book portrays them as sexual perverts and low-lives. The author admits that she made up most of the book, and only based it loosely on historical fact.Why on earth did anyone see fit to publish such an insult to these inspiring women. Don't waste your money on this rubbish.If you want cheap sexual stimulation, buy yourself some pulp fiction. If you want a historically accurate account of great women, but something based on the truth.On no account buy this appalling book.
I liked this book because it gives a picture of the way Jews lived, thought, worshiped and celebrated in 11th century France. I knew nothing about medieval French Jews, but having recently read about medieval Spanish Jews, and Byzantine Jews, the subject was of particular interest to me. What's more, for people who know little about Jewish thought and the Talmud it provides a glimpse of the logic of this kind of thinking, which to me was interesting, because it represents a long period of Jewish life which is now over. Of course I imagine that one should have some interest in the subject in order to find this book entertaining.
An excellent historical fiction novel. The author gives the reader a real feel for the time period in which Rashi and his daughters and family lived.
I loved this book. When I teach about Rashi, I've often wished for a way to make him seem more accessible. After suggesting this book to students, they were eager to learn more Talmud and even tackle Rashi script.-Rabbi Jamie Korngold, the Adventure Rabbi, author God in the Wilderness: Rediscovering the Spirituality of the Great Outdoors with the Adventure Rabbi
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