This is an Online Internet Book Club on Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France by Maggie Anton. Discuss this book, share your thoughts, make comments, ask questions, offer responses...
Description
The engrossing historical series of three sisters in eleventh-century France continues with the tale of Miriam, the lively and daring middle child of Salomon Ben Isaac, today known as "Rashi". Having no sons, he continues to teach his daughters the intricacies of the Talmud in an era when educating women in Jewish scholarship was unheard of.
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.
Author Maggie Anton brings the 11th century to vivid life with MIRIAM, which poignantly captures the struggles and triumphs of this strong Jewish woman.
Book Club Questions for Rashi's Daughters, Book II (Fiction)
Suggested Book Club Questions for Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France (Fiction)
The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on Rashi's Daughters, Book II:
- Did Maggie Anton emphasize any specific themes throughout Rashi's Daughters, Book II? What do you think Maggie Anton is trying to explain with this theme?
- What was unique about the setting of Rashi's Daughters, Book II and how did it affect the storyline?
- Could you relate to any of the characters? If so, which ones and why?
- How do characters change or learn throughout Rashi's Daughters, Book II? What events caused these changes? Have you or someone you know experienced the same thing?
- How does Rashi's Daughters, Book II reveal Maggie Anton's own perspectives about people and the world? For a lively discussion, describe why you think Maggie Anton is liberal or conservative.
- Did certain parts of Rashi's Daughters, Book II affect you emotionally? Why did it evoke those emotions?
- Did Maggie Anton's point of view on things lend new perspective to your own view of the world?
Book Club Questions for Rashi's Daughters, Book II (for Non-Fiction)
Suggested Book Club Questions for Rashi's Daughters, Book II: Miriam: A Novel of Love and the Talmud in Medieval France (Non-fiction)
The following book club questions provide a starting point for creating a reading group discussion on Rashi's Daughters, Book II:
- Did Maggie Anton make persuasive arguments in Rashi's Daughters, Book II? Did Rashi's Daughters, Book II change or reinforce your opinion on the subject?
- What did you learn from Rashi's Daughters, Book II?
- How does Maggie Anton present the information and did you enjoy it?
- How is Maggie Anton biased within Rashi's Daughters, Book II? Is there a political slant to what is being discussed and how does it impact the book?
- What, if anything, does Rashi's Daughters, Book II make you want to read next? Why?
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