Miriam

Starred review from June 1, 2007
After opening her trilogy on renowned Talmud scholar Rashi's three daughters with the successful debut novel "Rashi's Daughters, Book 1: Johevev", Anton delivers a tour de force with this second book. Here, the headstrong determination of middle daughter Miriam enables her to face head-on the many challenges endured by women of the 11th century, even if it does pose a problem for her father. Anton draws readers into life, love, and Talmud in medieval France, and her extensive research into this time period shows in her deft portrait of what life might have been like for the young daughter of a Jewish scholar. Readers will be fascinated as Miriam is appointed the community's midwife and will grimace as she decides to become a "mohel", or ritual circumciser. They will fly through the nearly 500 pages and come away wishing for more. This fresh approach to historical fiction is recommended for all public libraries, especially those serving a large Jewish population; a study guide is available online. [Anton's third novel in the trilogy will center on Rashi's youngest daughter, Rachel.Ed.]Marika Zemke, Commerce Twp. Community Lib., MI

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