Elvina's Mirror

Elvina, whom readers first met in My Guardian Angel, once again draws us into her life in late 11th-century France. When a German Jewish family arrives in Troyes, the townspeople are quick to shun them, as they had submitted to forced Baptism under the Crusaders. Elvina befriends Columba, even as most of the townspeople suspect that the new arrivals in town are to blame for everything that goes wrong. Columba's cousin, Ephraim, has been deeply scarred by the horrors of the Crusades, believing that when he looks into his mirror he can see his deceased parents and siblings burning in the fire that killed them. With her characteristic perseverance and cheerful demeanor, Elvina eventually introduces Ephraim to her grandfather, the great scholar, Rashi, and is able to bring Ephraim some comfort. Elvina is as determined as ever to get an education, and shares her knowledge with others, teaching her friends to read. She has matured, assuming more responsibility for household chores, and eyeing one of her grandfather's students with interest. Weil's vivid description of Ephraim's psychological crises is harrowing to read, and may be disturbing to some young readers. Descriptions of the family's observance of holidays, as well as glimpses into one family's daily life nearly 1000 years ago help to make this a fascinating novel, and a worthy sequel. This novel was originally published in French and translated by the author. Ages 11 and up. Marci Bloch