Rashi's Daughters, Book I: Joheved: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France

by Maggie Anton

Book Overview

The first novel in a dramatic trilogy set in eleventh-century France about the lives and loves of three daughters of the great Talmud scholar In 1068, the scholar Salomon ben Isaac returns home to Troyes, France, to take over the family winemaking business and embark on a path that will indelibly influence the Jewish world, writing the first Talmud commentary, and secretly teaching Talmud to his daughters. Joheved, the eldest of his three girls, finds...

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0452288622
• ISBN13: 9780452288621
• Release Date: July 2007
• Publisher: Penguin Publishing Group
• Length: 384 Pages
• Weight: 0.78 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.0" x 5.4" x 8.3"
• Age Range: 18 years and up
• Grade Range: Postsecondary and higher

Customer Reviews

A wonderful book

This is an interesting and compelling book. I have enjoyed reading it very much. It could almost act as a text book for the Jewish year of festivals and how they were celebrated in medieval France. The characters are alive and clear, none of them too black none of them too white - but realistic, even poor Rivka whose attributes still live amongst us today i am afraid. I loved this book, it is the best book I have read since the Kite Runner. It opens a door into the past and into Jewish culture which is not going to fade from my mind. I can't wait to read Miriam especially after the tantalizing glimpse of the first chapter. An unfair tidbit ! When will it be done ?

no matter your faith, this is our history

I became interested in this book through a friend. I was fascinated by how the author made these medieval times come alive. Her discussions of medical care, herbology, and most important Talmud and studying were a wonderful backdrop for this entrancing tale. Not being Jewish, I don't really understand the discussions of Talmud; I have not studied them. But, I do, through this book, understand their importance and meaning to Johoved. The author has somehow shared that in her book. I look forward to her next book. If it is as well-written as this, it should be a "best-seller".

Allbooks Reviews highly recommends this book

Genre: Historical Fiction Rashi's Daughters- Book One Joheved AUTHOR: Maggie Anton Rabbi Shlomo Yizhaki, better known as Rashi was born in northern France in 1040 A.D. One of the greatest Talmudic scholars of all time, he is renowned for his school in Troyes, France where students from far and wide flocked to learn from this well respected master. The author has taken an historic figure and woven a tale of romance, the history of the French Jewish community and the intriguing lessons of the Talmud into a most entertaining and educational tapestry of delight. Rashi's daughters, Joheved, Miriam and Rachel lived in a time when most women were illiterate and forbidden to study the sacred texts of the Talmud. Medieval France offered little in the way of education to the women of the time. But Rashi, who had no sons, was determined to teach his daughters in secret if necessary. Joheved, the eldest is fascinated by the idea and is willing to risk not finding a husband in order to study with her Father. However one of Rashi's students, Meir ben Samuel, is not only tolerant of Joheved's education, he encourages it and the two soon become betrothed. This novel is the story of their love and marriage and the difficulties they face. The author's research and didactic style, take the reader back in time to the 11th Century and directly into the hearts and minds of her characters. Authentic Talmud passages are included throughout as are vivid descriptions of the vineyard, the Fairs and the everyday lives of the people of Troyes. Author Maggie Anton discovered Judaism as an adult when her husband, David Parkhurst came into her life. Intrigued by the great scholars of Judaism, including Rashi, her intense interest and love of history shines through in her writing. After 7 years of exhaustive research, 10 years of Talmud study, she celebrates the 900th anniversary of Rashi's death with the release of Rashi's Daughters, Book One Joheved. Highly Recommended for historical fiction lovers-Reviewer Shirley Roe, Allbooks Reviews.

Brilliantly Written History, Timeless issues, Fascinating Details in Colorful Novel Form

Rashi's Daughters quickly draws the reader into a well- researched, brilliantly-nuanced medieval world rich with timely details that are fascinating to us today. Hygiene and herbal remedies of the time -- remedies that could well be relevant to our needs today -- share space with subtle treatments of timeless life issues such as sexist and non-sexist traditions, premarital sex, respect for others, and details of viticulture and winemaking, all with a Jewish perspective. We REALLY care about the characters, both because Maggie Anton is a marvelous writer, and also because we know that many were real people who were important to Jewish history, law, letters and culture. I loved reading this book out loud with my 86 year old mother, who loved it! If I had a daughter over the age of perhaps 15, I'd read it out loud with her, too! This book could well be appropriate, as well -- and a great "ice-breaker"-- for groups discussing Jewish orthodox sex issues. While certain explicit sexual descriptions may not be appropriate for younger children under the age of 15, other chapters and sections of the book are perfect for reading out loud to children of any age, and may well initiate interest in Talmudic study, history, and current events. This book is a true tour de force of historical fiction, and I can't wait to read the next books of the trilogy and bury my nose in Maggie Anton's words and worlds. Mazal Tov to writer and readers alike! This book is a major gift to the greater Jewish library, although non-Jews will also love it and find it fascinating. Parental discretion is advised for chidren under 15 reading certain parts of the book. The rest of us can dig in and relish it all!

The power of learning, faith, and the two sides of love

Set in 1068, Rashi's Daughters: A Novel of Life, Love and Talmud in Medieval France is a novel about a winemaker and Talmud scholar, who undertakes an action that would be viewed negatively by the community if it became known - he dares to teach the Talmud to his three daughters. The eldest daughter finds her mind and spirit awakened with her learning, yet knows she must keep her knowledge hidden, even from her betrothed. Yet when she and her husband encounter their first crisis, the eldest daughter must make the fateful choice between marital happiness and her true self. A forceful novel of the power of learning, faith, and the two sides of love.