Enchantress: A Novel of Rav Hisda's Daughter
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Enchantress: A Novel of Rav Hisda's Daughter Paperback – September 2, 2014
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Editorial Reviews
Review
Praise for Rav Hisda's Daughter: Book I
“A lushly detailed look into a fascinatingly unknown time and culture—a tale of Talmud, sorcery, and a most engaging heroine!” —Diana Gabaldon, author of the bestselling Outlander series
Anton, the author of the acclaimed “Rashi’s Daughters” trilogy, has penned her best book to date. Using her extensive knowledge of the Talmud and other historical Jewish writings, she immersed herself in the tractates to uncover a marvelous heroine for this historical novel… Complex discussions of Jewish law and tradition as well as detailed description of the culture and customs of the times enhance truly wonderful storytelling. VERDICT This absorbing novel should be on everyone’s historical fiction reading list." —Library Journal (starred review)
“Fascinating reading await those who dive into the vividly depicted world of Babylonian Jewry … Anton succeeds brilliantly in drawing us into the formative period leading up to the Talmud … what we have is the work of a master craftswoman set upon repairing a major gap in Jewish literature —Philadelphia Jewish Voice
“A lushly detailed look into a fascinatingly unknown time and culture—a tale of Talmud, sorcery, and a most engaging heroine!” —Diana Gabaldon, author of the bestselling Outlander series
Anton, the author of the acclaimed “Rashi’s Daughters” trilogy, has penned her best book to date. Using her extensive knowledge of the Talmud and other historical Jewish writings, she immersed herself in the tractates to uncover a marvelous heroine for this historical novel… Complex discussions of Jewish law and tradition as well as detailed description of the culture and customs of the times enhance truly wonderful storytelling. VERDICT This absorbing novel should be on everyone’s historical fiction reading list." —Library Journal (starred review)
“Fascinating reading await those who dive into the vividly depicted world of Babylonian Jewry … Anton succeeds brilliantly in drawing us into the formative period leading up to the Talmud … what we have is the work of a master craftswoman set upon repairing a major gap in Jewish literature —Philadelphia Jewish Voice
“Rav Hisda’s Daughter provides a wealth of historical detail about Jewish life in Babylon and Israel in the 3rd century CE. It depicts the daily life and coming of age of a prominent rabbi’s daughter rather than propelling its reader through a traditional arc of action with a crisis and resolution. Its interest lies in its portrayal of the sorcery, incantations, and women’s customs in this exotic, faraway period of time and place, sometimes against the backdrop of war.” —Historical Novel Society
Praise for the Rashi's Daughters trilogy:
Praise for the Rashi's Daughters trilogy:
“Anton delivers a tour de force . . . [Readers] will fly through the pages and come away wishing for more.” –Library Journal (starred review)
“A compelling combination of drama, suspense, and romance.” –Lilith magazine
About the Author
Maggie Anton is a writer and scholar of the Talmud and ancient texts. She lives in Los Angeles.
More About the Author
Maggie Anton is the award-winning author of "Rashi's Daughters," historical novels set in the household of the great medieval Jewish scholar, whose daughters studied Talmud when these sacred texts were forbidden to women. The first book of her new series, "Rav Hisda's Daughter: A Novel of Love, The Talmud and Sorcery," which takes place in 3rd-century Babylonia as the Talmud is being created, was selected for 2012 National Jewish Book Award in Fiction and Library Journal's choice for Best 2012 Historical Fiction.
A native of Los Angeles, Maggie worked for over 30 years as a clinical chemist for Kaiser Permanente before becoming an author. Raised in a secular, socialist household, she reached adulthood with little knowledge of her Jewish religion. All that changed when David Parkhurst, who was to become her husband, entered her life, and they both discovered Judaism as adults. That was the start of a lifetime of Jewish education, synagogue involvement, and ritual observance.
In 1992 Anton learned about a women's Talmud class taught by Rachel Adler, now a professor at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. To her surprise, she fell in love with Talmud, a passion that has continued unabated for twenty years. Intrigued that the great Talmudic scholar Rashi had no sons, only daughters, Anton researched the family and decided to write novels about them. Thus the award-winning trilogy, Rashi's Daughters, was born.
Still studying women and Talmud, Anton has lectured throughout North America and Israel about the history behind her novels. You can follow her blog and contact her at her website, www.maggieanton.com.
"Rashi's Daughters:Book I - JOHEVED" was published in 2005, in honor of the 900th anniversary of Rashi's death, "Book II-MIRIAM" in 2007, and "Book III - RACHEL" in August 2009 by Plume. A YA version for ages 9-14, "Rashi's Daughter: Secret Scholar" was published in 2008 by JPS. Volume 1 of "Rav Hisda's Daughter" was published by Plume in Aug 2012 and it's sequel is due out in 2014.
A native of Los Angeles, Maggie worked for over 30 years as a clinical chemist for Kaiser Permanente before becoming an author. Raised in a secular, socialist household, she reached adulthood with little knowledge of her Jewish religion. All that changed when David Parkhurst, who was to become her husband, entered her life, and they both discovered Judaism as adults. That was the start of a lifetime of Jewish education, synagogue involvement, and ritual observance.
In 1992 Anton learned about a women's Talmud class taught by Rachel Adler, now a professor at Hebrew Union College in Los Angeles. To her surprise, she fell in love with Talmud, a passion that has continued unabated for twenty years. Intrigued that the great Talmudic scholar Rashi had no sons, only daughters, Anton researched the family and decided to write novels about them. Thus the award-winning trilogy, Rashi's Daughters, was born.
Still studying women and Talmud, Anton has lectured throughout North America and Israel about the history behind her novels. You can follow her blog and contact her at her website, www.maggieanton.com.
"Rashi's Daughters:Book I - JOHEVED" was published in 2005, in honor of the 900th anniversary of Rashi's death, "Book II-MIRIAM" in 2007, and "Book III - RACHEL" in August 2009 by Plume. A YA version for ages 9-14, "Rashi's Daughter: Secret Scholar" was published in 2008 by JPS. Volume 1 of "Rav Hisda's Daughter" was published by Plume in Aug 2012 and it's sequel is due out in 2014.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By
L. Frankel
on September 3, 2014
Format: Paperback
Comment
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I received this book from Net Galley and this is my review.
Maggie Anton's second book about the Jewish scholar and magical practitioner who she calls Hisdadukh, is far more fantasy oriented than the first volume. Demons appear and a mysterious magical artifact surfaces as Hisdadukh ascends through the hierarchy of sorceresses in the Jewish communities of ancient Persia. We learn that a number of eminent women were sorceresses and that they were as integral to the Judaism of the time as the Rabbis who also had a secret tradition of magical practices.
Anton's protagonists, Hisdadukh and Rava, are portrayed as human beings who grow and change during their lifetimes.
As I was reading the book, I questioned the development of Hisdadukh into a woman who prioritized status and power. Yet she still maintained the pursuit of knowledge as a main goal as well as the strength of her family and community. Status and power were intended to serve those goals. She didn't become distracted or corrupted by her increased status and power as some other characters did. I found that very admirable.
Rava had a dark side to his character. His enduring failings were arrogance and rage in response to any challenge. Since I have little tolerance for people who refuse to admit that they can make mistakes, I originally thought that he couldn't have any successful relationships. On the other hand, I admit that he did have some commendable traits. His brilliant mind, heroism and loyalty do go a long way to compensate for a rampant ego. He also eventually showed some regret over the results of his own bad behavior which demonstrates growth. The revelations about the difficult past that formed his character also made him more sympathetic.
I recommend this book to readers who want to see a fully realized Jewish society where building the Talmud and practicing magic were both considered Jewish activities.
Maggie Anton's second book about the Jewish scholar and magical practitioner who she calls Hisdadukh, is far more fantasy oriented than the first volume. Demons appear and a mysterious magical artifact surfaces as Hisdadukh ascends through the hierarchy of sorceresses in the Jewish communities of ancient Persia. We learn that a number of eminent women were sorceresses and that they were as integral to the Judaism of the time as the Rabbis who also had a secret tradition of magical practices.
Anton's protagonists, Hisdadukh and Rava, are portrayed as human beings who grow and change during their lifetimes.
As I was reading the book, I questioned the development of Hisdadukh into a woman who prioritized status and power. Yet she still maintained the pursuit of knowledge as a main goal as well as the strength of her family and community. Status and power were intended to serve those goals. She didn't become distracted or corrupted by her increased status and power as some other characters did. I found that very admirable.
Rava had a dark side to his character. His enduring failings were arrogance and rage in response to any challenge. Since I have little tolerance for people who refuse to admit that they can make mistakes, I originally thought that he couldn't have any successful relationships. On the other hand, I admit that he did have some commendable traits. His brilliant mind, heroism and loyalty do go a long way to compensate for a rampant ego. He also eventually showed some regret over the results of his own bad behavior which demonstrates growth. The revelations about the difficult past that formed his character also made him more sympathetic.
I recommend this book to readers who want to see a fully realized Jewish society where building the Talmud and practicing magic were both considered Jewish activities.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
By
larry nathenson
on September 3, 2014
Format: Paperback
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I love it. The author's extensive research brings to light a little known period in Jewish (or world) history. In a part of the world that is now in such turmoil, we see a more stable and diverse society a millennium and a half ago. The characters are well-developed and do many unexpected things. See for yourself.
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By
RIVKA
on September 3, 2014
Format: Paperback
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I found Enchantress to be a difficult but worthwhile read. I was drawn into this book time-and-time again. I enjoyed This book thoroughly. It was indeed a 'Literary Jewel'. I enjoyed Ms. Anton's use of Torah, Talmud and Historical knowledge interwoven throughout this book. I found her character development (especially of Hisdadukh, her main character and Charasheta) was beautifully illustrated despite Hisdakukh's many struggles.
Hisdadukh's relationship with her second husband, Rava, her development as a woman, and an Enchantress, was cleverly interwoven within this story. Rava, as her first husband(Rami), always encouraged her studies in Mishna and Torah, as in her studies as a Charasheta.
This book is yet another illustration of Maggie Anton's talent's as a writer.
Hisdadukh's relationship with her second husband, Rava, her development as a woman, and an Enchantress, was cleverly interwoven within this story. Rava, as her first husband(Rami), always encouraged her studies in Mishna and Torah, as in her studies as a Charasheta.
This book is yet another illustration of Maggie Anton's talent's as a writer.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By
Mama Doc
on September 3, 2014
Format: Paperback
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I was able to get an advance copy of Enchantress and it was a page turner--full of surprises and suspense! I like historical fiction because I learn about life in another time and place. I'm so disappointed there aren't any more of her books I haven't read. I'm hoping she'll find another topic and write on it.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By
Israel Drazin
TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE VOICE on October 2, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
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Maggie Anton is justly praised for the drama, suspense, and romance in her splendid three volumes about Rashi’s daughters and the first book in this series on Rav Hisda’s Daughter. This book continues the story in book one, which was subtitled “Apprentice.” In Book one, as a young girl, Rav Hisda’s daughter Hisdadukh was asked which of two of her father’s preeminent students she would want to marry Rami bar Chama or Rava. She answers both. Her first husband, Rami, died and she began her studies of enchantments. We read how the famed scholar Rava, who is also knowledgeable of the secret arts and sometimes uses it, began to pursue her, wanting to marry her after Rami’s death. We read also of her conflict with other women who practiced the magical arts and who are jealous of her skills. In this second book, we read how she is seeking to improve her skill, her relationship with Rava, how she uses her new skills, and how she and Rava fight an evil sorceress.
Anton’s novel brings talmudic society to life and is an excellent and enjoyable introduction to aspects of that life, especially the superstitious beliefs of the period that most people do not know. She draws her tale from many talmudic and historical sources - the story of Hisdadukh’s marriage preference, for example, is in the Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 12b - which she embellishes with poetic license.
Rav Hisda lived in Babylon and died there in 320 CE at age 92. Many Jews had been exiled to Babylon after the temple was destroyed by Rome in 70 CE and their descendants remained there until the present time. Hisda was a leading teacher of Judaism. He had at least seven sons and two daughters.Read more ›
Anton’s novel brings talmudic society to life and is an excellent and enjoyable introduction to aspects of that life, especially the superstitious beliefs of the period that most people do not know. She draws her tale from many talmudic and historical sources - the story of Hisdadukh’s marriage preference, for example, is in the Babylonian Talmud, Bava Batra 12b - which she embellishes with poetic license.
Rav Hisda lived in Babylon and died there in 320 CE at age 92. Many Jews had been exiled to Babylon after the temple was destroyed by Rome in 70 CE and their descendants remained there until the present time. Hisda was a leading teacher of Judaism. He had at least seven sons and two daughters.Read more ›
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By
Amazon Customer
on September 3, 2014
Format: Kindle Edition
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I found Enchantress to be a fascinating book. Maggie Anton has created a story that provides insight into the lives and customs of the Jews and Persians living in 4th century Babylonia (Persia). The heroine, Hisdadukh, is the daughter of Rav Hisda, a Talmudic sage. I knew very little about this period of history and was surprised to learn about the role magic played in the lives of the people at that time. The characters were well-developed and I found myself caring deeply about what happened to them.
I plan to read other books by Maggie Anton. Her writing style is compelling. In my mind, she included just the right amount of romance along with vivid descriptions of daily life.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction. I received a free electronic copy of this book via Penguin's First to Read program.
I plan to read other books by Maggie Anton. Her writing style is compelling. In my mind, she included just the right amount of romance along with vivid descriptions of daily life.
I recommend this book to readers who enjoy historical fiction. I received a free electronic copy of this book via Penguin's First to Read program.
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