HISTORICAL
FICTION
|
|
|
|
Tombs of Meir of Rothenburg and Alexander ben Salomon Wimpfen in the
Jewish cemetery in Worms, Germany
|
Moses Maimonides, also known as Rabbi Moshe ben Maimon,
the preeminent medieval Jewish philosopher and one of the greatest
Torah scholars of the Middle Ages.
Although his copious works on Jewish law and ethics were initially met
with opposition during his lifetime, he was posthumously acknowledged
to be one of the foremost rabbinical arbiters and philosophers in
Jewish history. Today, his works and his views are considered a
cornerstone of Jewish thought and study.
|
|
BOOK
ILLUMINATIONS
From Medieval Book Reviews
HOME
ROMANCE
FICTION SUSPENSE & THRILLERS
MYSTERY
URBAN FANTASY
AUTHORS
REVIEWER
PROFILES
|
The Fruit of Her Hands:
The Story of Shira of Ashkenaz
by Michelle Cameron
The voice of a
rabbi's
wife in the medieval world
As the daughter of
widowed thirteenth century rabbi and Talmudic scholar Shmuel ben
Solomon, Shira's early childhood seems charmed. A father's love
for his daughter brings her into the classroom where she has the
privilege of learning not usually available to women. Although
her family maidservant Jeanne and Shira do not share the same religion,
Shira adores Jeanne and the warmth she brings. Not until Jeanne
leaves and marries does Shira begin to see the uneasy relationship
between Judaism and Christianity in the world outside her home.
Shira forms a connection with Nicholas Donin, a student in her father's
school, a connection that will change over time as his position
changes. As Shira marries Rabbi Meir ben Baruch, a man
who will become widely known for his responsa to Talmudic questions,
has children and ages, her life moves from Normandy to Paris, England
and Germany. As she seeks to raise her family, Shira witnesses
the growing hatred and pogroms against European Jews. Amid the
hardships she experiences, she is a woman devoted to her family and to
the spirit of her religion.
In her first person narrative of the life of Shira of Ashkenaz,
Michelle Cameron illuminates a lesser known corner of Medieval history
yet a period known as the silver age of Jewish scholarship through the
eyes of a woman who might have lived in this time. Combining
meticulous historical research with fictional imagination, Michell
Cameron gives voice to the struggles and hopes of Jewish women whose
stories we do not know through historical records. Most of the
male figures from Shira's father, husband and Nicholas Donin are real
historical figures whereas, as mentioned in the author's notes, Shira's
life is wholly imagined. The concept of b'shert, predestined soul
mates, informs Shira's life as well as the emotional imagery within the
novel. Shira is intellectually astute, compassionate towards
others, devoted to her religion not only in terms of her actions but
also in her heart. Though she may fear some of the tasks before
her, she is a woman who stands strong in the face of adversity and
unthinkable horrors. Her internalization of the psalms and other
religious texts inspires. Michelle Cameron does an excellent job
at detailing the sacred respect for Jewish texts and scholarship while
also allowing the reader to experience medieval Judaism on an everyday
practical and emotional level.
THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS unfolds with suspenseful atmosphere as one feels
trouble brewing and alongside Shira hopes somehow the threats facing
her will somehow dissolve. I find it easy to identify with her
emotionally despite many differences. I simply could not put this
book down and eagerly awaited the moments when I could pick it up
again. Readers fascinated with the medieval period will
appreciate Michelle Cameron's attention to detail not only to the
history but also in her incorporation of medieval literature into the
plot. Most of all, Medieval enthusiasts will relish the
opportunity to view medieval history through a new lens. As a
modern reader, later history cannot help but inform one's reading of
THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS, giving it even more power and meaning.
While clearly placing her story within a specific thoroughly researched
historical moment of time, Michelle Cameron also captures timeless
themes that makes THE FRUIT OF HER
HANDS resonate with modern readers. Whether your interest
is in the time period itself, Jewish history, or the spirituality of
women, THE FRUIT OF HER HANDS
is a treasure.
Publisher: Pocket (September
2009)
Reviewed by Merrimon,
Medieval Book Reviews
Review
Courtesy of Amazon Vine
|
|
|
