Product Description

The dramatic final book in the epic historical trilogy about the lives and loves of the three daughters of the great Talmud scholar Rashi

Rachel is the youngest and most beautiful daughter of medieval Jewish scholar Salomon ben Isaac, or "Rashi." Her father's favorite and adored by her new husband, Eliezer, Rachel's life looks to be one of peaceful scholarship, laughter, and love. But events beyond her control will soon threaten everything she holds dear. Marauders of the First Crusade massacre nearly the entire Jewish population of Germany, and her beloved father suffers a stroke. Eliezer wants their family to move to the safety of Spain, but Rachel is determined to stay in France and help her family save the Troyes yeshiva, the only remnant of the great centers of Jewish learning in Europe.

As she did so effectively in Joheved and Miriam, Maggie Anton vividly brings to life the world of eleventh-century France and a remarkable Jewish woman of dignity, passion, and strength.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #7147 in Books
• Published on: 2009-08-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 448 pages

Features

• ISBN13: 9780452295681
• Condition: NEW
• Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
• Click here to view our Condition Guide and Shipping Prices

About the Author
Maggie Anton is an award-winning writer who studies Talmud and medieval history. She is the author of Joheved and Miriam in the Rashi's Daughters trilogy.

Customer Reviews

Bittersweet, brilliant third act
I'm not a reader of romance novels, but I am a fan of historical fiction -- if the work at hand is well-researched, imaginative and believable. The first two books in Maggie Anton's "Rashi Daughters" trilogy fit those criteria and I'm happy to report so does the finale. The opening hostage scene of "Book III: Rachel" is a good example. The historic details of this kidnapping seem true to its time-period; the scene proves an exciting teaser without any foreseeable conclusion; and its unique ransom dilemma fits what we know or are about to find out about the victim's way of life.

Author Maggie Anton's analysis of source materials from the predominately Christian culture of medieval France is paired with her passion for Jewish Talmud as a spiritual life source worthy of study today. The story of the latter's leading scholar ends as it began in Book I. It continues in the timeless familial tradition of both faiths -- through the memories of the next generation.

Reading the last volume of a great trilogy provides a bittersweet experience. It allows us to follow the characters and plot to a fitting conclusion in a now familiar past one can virtually see and taste. But that very end point leaves us frozen in time on a much-loved and long-traveled road, wanting to go further. Clearly, "Rashi's Daughters, Book III: Rachel," is above leaving any obvious openings for sequels or prequels. This underscores the artistry of an author ready to lead us into different cultures from other centuries past. After promoting this great read, Ms. Anton can get back to work, re-applying her research skills and writing gifts without any need to repeat herself. We don't know where she'll take us next, but my hunch is Ms. Anton already does.
Rashi's Daughters, Book 1: JohevedRashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France

Expectations met solidly
I had no doubt that this book would be as excellent as the first two - I ordered as quickly as I could when I realized it was available. And! I am recommending it to people as a "must read". As most of us who study Torah know, it is a never-ending learning/education - and these books are a perfect example. I always, always learn something within these books. The historical side smacks us in the face with the horrors that Jewish communities went through and it is so hard to comprehend the terror those people had to have felt. I know that I felt suffocated when reading about those trapped in the bishop's home - and their slaughter. It's interesting to see their reactions to eclipses or star showers - and what they think it must portend. To see a continuation of the families and their joys and heartaches was fulfilment - I'll miss them, but I look forward to whatever Maggie Anton has to offer us down the road in future books and future travels. Something about Babylon was mentioned - that should be very interesting.

Rashi's Daughters
I have learned to love each of Rashi's daughters thanks to the skillful writing of Maggie Anton. I loved the stories about their lives and I loved learning a bit of Talmud and what life was like in Medieval France at the time that Rashi lived.

I wish that Rashi had had another daughter for her to write about and I anxiously await Maggie Anton's next book.