miraclemarg's review against another edition
emotional
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
lucy_qhuay's review against another edition
2.0
This is a tricky book to rate.
The writing is actually not bad, the problem is entirely with the plot and its consequences on the characters.
'Joheved' is a book about (extremely young) women having sex, getting pregnant, having abortions or dying in child birth, with a bit of Jewish wisdom in the middle.
A lot of what I read of the Jewish wisdom, was completely ridiculous. I wonder whether Jews really believe in all that stuff. If they do, I can only see three reactions when you read this book:
1. believe and wholeheartedly agree
2. laugh and laugh some more
3. roll of the eyes
Plus, I didn't like the light the author put on Christianity.
I've never heard about us Christians believing non baptized babies would go to hell. Absolutely ridiculous!
So, you see, I don't feel that I have a greater understanding of the Jewish religion and their teachings. On the contrary.
And I didn't much care about the life of Salomon aka Rashi and his daughters.
Long story short, Anton didn't know how to present the information, so as to make the entire experience to her readers.
likeyoustoleit's review against another edition
2.0
Anton has clearly done amazing research on the time period, but the book lacks depth (or anything much of interest tbh) in its characters, plot, and prose. As an aside, I believe the book would have benefited greatly from being about completely fictional people somewhat inspired by the historical details of Rashi's life instead. That's frankly the only bearable way to read the book, although it's still discomforting. TLDR; Anton is not a skilled enough writer to pull off this borderline heretical fanfiction. (why is this my second review in a row with the phrase "borderline heresy"??)
lgiunta's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
molli526's review against another edition
4.0
This was a surprisingly good book. People interested in Judaica and Medieval times would like this a lot.
veryperi22's review against another edition
4.0
I loved this book. I was recently asked - where are the women who declare their right to share in the religious experience so central to our lives? I know the answer now! In Rashi's daughters! Joheved pursued the interest despite running the risk of losing the respect of her female peers of her time. Despite running the risk of being seen as audacious by the males of her generation.
I hate being referred to as a feminist. The word that has come to be associated with bra-burning and victimization. Of femi-nazis and obnoxious behaviour.
Yet so often we see opportunity for pursuit of knowledge, interest, developing talent, etc being discouraged.
Be that as it may, I will steal a quote from a wise friend of mine that has stuck-
Talent doesn't discriminate. It's opportunity that does.
A worthy read.
(I'm aware that the book is a novel and much of it is the figment of the author's imagination. Yet the accurate period setting and sources from Rashi causes the storyline to ring true.)
I hate being referred to as a feminist. The word that has come to be associated with bra-burning and victimization. Of femi-nazis and obnoxious behaviour.
Yet so often we see opportunity for pursuit of knowledge, interest, developing talent, etc being discouraged.
Be that as it may, I will steal a quote from a wise friend of mine that has stuck-
Talent doesn't discriminate. It's opportunity that does.
A worthy read.
(I'm aware that the book is a novel and much of it is the figment of the author's imagination. Yet the accurate period setting and sources from Rashi causes the storyline to ring true.)
quasibee's review
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jnowal's review against another edition
3.0
This is not masterful literature, but I really enjoyed reading it. I wish more historical fiction books were like this - not overly dramatized, with the emphasis on "historical".
orchisailsa's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed the historical context and the women's points of view (a lot like The Red Tent), but I found the story a bit slow. Still, an enjoyable read overall.
gpg's review against another edition
5.0
I loved all three of Anton's "Rashi's Daughters" novels. The writing wasn't always perfect but I was swept into the story from beginning to end.