RASHI’S DAUGHTER, BOOK 2: MIRIAM by Maggie Anton

Publisher Plume Paperbacks
Date published September 2007
ISBN 978-0-452-28863-8
Historical fiction
Mass market paperback
Reviewed by Dawn


Meet Miriam, the middle daughter of the Great Talmud Scholar, Rashi. It is year 1078in France and Rashi is determined to educate his daughters in the Talmud at a time when educating women in the way of Jewish Scholarship was unheard of and condemned. When Miriam finds herself empowered by her new knowledge, heartbreak hits her hard and soon Miriam finds herself on a path that will test her faith and her newfound knowledge.

To start, this reviewer has never read any of Ms. Anton’s books and this was truly an interesting story though I have to warn you that you should read the first book, Joheved, to get an idea of what and who all the characters are. After you begin to read MIRIAM, you find yourself rooting for this courageous and independent woman who opens doors that have been closed to her gender in a time where women where considered second class citizens and property.

Meet Miriam, a woman who finds love and loss in this second book in the RASHI’S DAUGHTERS trilogy. At a time when women were not educated in Jewish scholarship, she finds a world ripped apart when her betrothed dies. Determined to bring new life into the community, Miriam finds herself tested in ways that challenge her faith, her love and how much she will either gain or lose in the process. A multidimensional character, Ms. Anton delves deep into her psyche and captures the spirit of Miriam to perfection. It made this reviewer want to know more on all three daughters after reading MIRIAM.

Ms. Anton crafts a tightly woven story that delves into eleventh century France with aplomb and intrigue as one strong, independent woman finds herself tested beyond her comprehension and finds that her faith will be tested as well as her heart. RASHI’S DAUGHTERS: MIRIAM is an exquisite told story that will have you searching for the other two books to enjoy after you are done with MIRIAM. This reviewer was intrigued by Ms. Anton’s strong female protagonist and the many people she touches. If you like intriguing characters and an intricate storyline, then run to grab MIRIAM as well as the first one, Joheved and find yourself lost in eleventh century France in a time where being educated and a woman is not safe nor welcome.