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

Maggie Anton has done an outstanding job of allowing us into the house of Rashi. Her dialog flows beautifully and her discriptions color the time and place so that the reader has a vivid mental image of the life and surroundings of the characters. Without giving too much away, let me add that the specific issues that the characters face are treated with compassion and sensitivity. I would recommend the novel to anyone who loves historical fiction. I would recommend reading book one first.

What is so wonderful about this series is how the reader can feel as if they're experiencing life during the 11th century. Maggie Anton has the ability to write in such a manner that I felt "a part of" what was going on - I could smell, hear, feel the anquish and joy of all of the characters. Through her words we are given a view into the life of one of our most important sages - even if it is fictional in a lot of ways. Whatever struggles the characters are going through are the same struggles that people are experiencing to this very day. To me, that is just one thing that made this book even more real - you experienced their struggles, their questioning of themselves - just as we all do every day of our own lives. Maggie - excellent book! I have no doubt that the third book will be just as wonderful. L'Shanah Tovah!

I am immensly thankful for these wonderful novels that Ms. Anton writes, they are well researched and incredibly heart touching. I feel as if I was there in France during the time of Rashi, she really brings the characters to life. So not only is it a great historical novel in general but it pulls in actual Talmudic knowledge/quotes as well as Rashi's ideas and reasons for teaching his daughters Jewish law. GREAT GREAT GREAT books and I look foward to the next one, Rachael. Thank you!

Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam Miriam: Excellent Social History and the Talmudic Process in One Good Read Rashi's Daughters: Miriam Maggie Anton Review by Art Finkle This second historical novel of a trilogy continues with Rashi's (a 10th century Jewish commentator on scared writings in what is now the Champaign region of France) second daughter, Miriam. The author brings realism of the 10th century social history, no small feat and places the emphasis on women in a patriarchal society. Although many may consider this book targeted to females, it should be read by all. Males should know that sacrifices their wives and mothers made for t heir education, a highly prized commodity during these times. That merchants, vineyard supervisors, jewelers and other what was thought to be traditionally male activities comes as a surprise. Moreover, not only is midwifery involved with the delivery of babies but they also had the very best of medical knowledge. Miriam, as the second daughter of the great thinker continues to involve herself in the study of Talmud, a Jewish process of learning insights (from the Sages' writings from the 1st century onward), and making rulings on real-life situations. Such study was a male's role but since Rashi, a born teacher, only had daughters, he taught this arduous process to all of his daughters. There were also vignettes that bespoke the unique personality of Rashi, who collaborated with the Cardinal from the Christian community to interpret difficult passages from the original Hebrew; the role of semi-annual Fairs that promoted commerce and communication of all kinds; and the large role of superstition. Overall, this novel captures social history and the Talmudic process in an extraordinary way. Plus the book is a great read.

I have just completed reading this best seller and once again Maggie Anton has written just that, another best seller. This book was educational, encompassing the back drop of medieval France and the writings of Rabbi Rashi's commentaries of the Talmud. Being a continuation of the first book, Joheved, this novel was well worth the read. There was additional Talmud information and several new characters. It was an easy read, with more diversified issues. I am anxiously awaiting to hear about Rachael. Thank you, Maggie.