In praise of women
02/27/2020 10:23:14 AM
Purim is but days away. Central to the story, of course, is the beautiful, young Jewish woman Esther. She uses both her beauty and her wits to outsmart the villainous Haman and save her people.
Jewish history is filled with strong, smart, heroic women, often unsung.
As a tribute to Esther and the March, Women’s History Month, here is a short selection of books -fiction and non-fiction- featuring Jewish women who used their strength of mind and character to overcome problems, fulfill their dreams, or make a mark in the world.
The books are listed in order of publication.
FIC Barenbaum, Rachel A Bend in the Stars (2019) . A romantic adventure featuring a brilliant young scientist in perilous pre World War I Russia.
FIC Carner, Talia Third Daughter (2019) Russian immigrant Batya is tricked into prostitution in Buenos Aires. Based on true events.
FIC Jio, Sarah All the Flowers in Paris: a novel (2019) An emotional, romantic story of love and loss set during WWII.
NFIC Nadell, Pamela America’s Jewish Women: a history from colonial times to today (2019) A fast-paced, extensively researched, and well-written narrative.
BIO Ortiz, Victoria Dissenter on the Bench (2019) Dramatically narrated case histories from Justice Ginsburg's stellar career are interwoven with an account of RBG's life.
BIO Shapiro, Dani Inheritance: a memoir of genealogy, paternity and love (2019) The writer discovers the secrets of her family and her heritage.
JBIO Sasso, Sandy Regina Persisted: an untold story (2018) The story of the first woman rabbi and her fate.
JBIO Sherman, Jill Gal Gadot: soldier, model, wonder woman (2018)
FIC Kadish, Rachel The Weight of Ink (2017) The interwoven tale of two women of remarkable intellect, set in 1660s and 21st century London.
JFIC Krawitz, Susan Viva, Rose! (2017) Thirteen-year-old Rose takes on the wild west, outlaws, and the strict rules of the early 1900s Texas.
YAFIC Locke, Katherine The Girl with the Red Balloon (2017) When sixteen-year-old Ellie Baum accidentally time-travels via red balloon to 1988 East Berlin, she's caught up in a conspiracy of history and magic.
YAFIC Wiviott, Meg Paper hearts (2015) In this verse novel based on real events, women in Auschwitz survive in part due to their great friendship and support of one another.
FIC Rich, Roberta Midwife of Venice (2012); Harem Midwife: a novel (2014) Set in 16th century Venice, the novel captures the complex lives of women including Jewish midwife Hannah Levi.
FIC Cameron, Michelle The Fruit of Her Hands: the story of Shira of Ashkenaz (2009) A thirteenth-century historical novel about a rabbi's wife whose love of learning, family and religion perseveres amid rising anti-Semitism in Europe.
J741.5 Deutsch, Barry Hereville: how Mirka got her sword (2010); How Mirka met a meteorite (2012) The only thing Mirka wants to do is fight dragons and have adventures.
304.1 Ruttenberg, Danya Surprised by God: how I learned to stop worrying and love religion (2008) A look at what it takes to develop a spiritual practice.
BIO Brooks, Andree The Woman Who Defied Kings: the life and times of Dona Gracia Nasi (2002)Often called the most important woman since Biblical times, 16th century businesswoman Dona Gracia Nasi saved hundreds of fellow Jews from the Inquisition.
BIO Calof, Rachel Rachel Calof’s Story: Jewish homesteader on the Northern Plains (1995) An immigrant from Russia, Rachel Calof lived the quintessential American pioneer story with a Jewish twist.
