Celia Gurevitch Jewish Community Library

Did you know that Rashi (Rabbi Shlomo Yitzhaqi, the famous 11th century scholar) had three daughters, but no sons? When Maggie Anton learned of this, she started to research them. She already wrote a novel about two of them and the third one is coming up too. The first, about Joheved, won the Benjamin Franklin Award’s “Best New Voice” category. The library had that volume since it came out. When Ruth Risenberg, our volunteer noticed that we do not have the second volume, about Miriam, she brought in her own copy. Thank you, Ruth.

Below is the official description from the series’ website. The site has a sample chapter, further information and the author’s oft-updated blog.

Miriam, emboldened by her knowledge and mourning the death of her betrothed, is determined to become not only the community’s midwife, but also their mohel—performing circumcisions. As devoted as she is to her chosen path, she cannot foresee the ways in which she will be tested and how heavily she will need to rely on her faith. And when a shadowy new suitor arrives in Troyes, an exceptionally learned and handsome young scholar who struggles with a secret that, if revealed, would expose them both to ruin. Somehow the formidable and independent Miriam must decide if they can forge a life together.