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Rebecca of Salerno: A Novel of Rogue Crusaders, a Jewish Female Physician, and a Murder
This book continues the story of Rebecca from Walter Scott’s 1820 novel Ivanhoe.
The Ivanhoe backstory: Jewish women in medieval England do not fall in love with Christian knights like Ivanhoe. Neither do they heal knights from battle wounds. But Rebecca does both—and nearly pays with her life. Rescued by Ivanhoe from being burnt at the stake as a sorceress, she flees from England and the man she loves.
Rebecca of Salerno: In Salerno, Kingdom of Sicily, Rebecca pursues her dreams by attending medical school. Practicing her profession, she defies family pressure to marry Rafael, the man who loves her. But more pressing is the conquest of Sicily by the Hohenstaufens and the arrival of rogue crusaders, both of which threaten Salerno’s long-standing atmosphere of tolerance. When a rabbi is falsely accused of murdering a crusader, Rebecca and Rafael commit to pursuing justice and protecting the Jewish community.
This story provides fascinating history, as of the medical school in Salerno, where women and men—Christians, Muslims, and Jews—studied together. It also exemplifies the recurring Jewish experience of persecution, search for refuge, and resilience to remake lives. Also, Rebecca struggles to balance community expectations and traditions with her desire for fulfillment—one of the great challenges facing women throughout the ages.
The Ivanhoe backstory: Jewish women in medieval England do not fall in love with Christian knights like Ivanhoe. Neither do they heal knights from battle wounds. But Rebecca does both—and nearly pays with her life. Rescued by Ivanhoe from being burnt at the stake as a sorceress, she flees from England and the man she loves.
Rebecca of Salerno: In Salerno, Kingdom of Sicily, Rebecca pursues her dreams by attending medical school. Practicing her profession, she defies family pressure to marry Rafael, the man who loves her. But more pressing is the conquest of Sicily by the Hohenstaufens and the arrival of rogue crusaders, both of which threaten Salerno’s long-standing atmosphere of tolerance. When a rabbi is falsely accused of murdering a crusader, Rebecca and Rafael commit to pursuing justice and protecting the Jewish community.
This story provides fascinating history, as of the medical school in Salerno, where women and men—Christians, Muslims, and Jews—studied together. It also exemplifies the recurring Jewish experience of persecution, search for refuge, and resilience to remake lives. Also, Rebecca struggles to balance community expectations and traditions with her desire for fulfillment—one of the great challenges facing women throughout the ages.
264 pages, Paperback
Published August 2, 2022
15 people are currently reading
2510 people want to read
About the author
Esther Erman
1 book33 followersLike her heroine, Rebecca, Esther Erman was a refugee. A naturalized citizen, she early developed a passion for language, which led to her earning a doctorate in language education, writing her dissertation about the Yiddish language, and working with international students on many levels. A multi-published author, Esther now lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband. When they’re not traveling—especially to be with family in other parts of the US and in England—she loves to bake, quilt, and add to her monumental book collection. Find out more about them at www.EstherErman.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews
July 13, 2022
Rebecca is a Jewish woman who lived in England during the 1200s, until she fell in love with an English knight and was almost killed after being accused of being a witch. Now in Salerno, she practices medicine and does her best to care for those around her. A rabbi comes to town and enflames people with his preaching and is accused of murdering a crusader soon after. Rebecca and a good friend decide he was falsely accused and seek justice for the rabbi while attempting to protect their community.
This was a thoroughly researched work of historical fiction. The author included many details relating to Jewish culture and life during this time, as well as details about a medical school in Salerno that was open for people of all faiths. Details concerning Jewish persecution, traditions, and struggles were woven throughout the work in a way that brought the culture to life and created a clear picture of their culture during this time. I also enjoyed the exploration of the cultural tensions between Jewish peoples and the crusaders throughout Europe.
While I enjoyed how thorough the historical details were, I felt that the characters were lacking. There was no emotional connection to any of the characters, not even the protagonist – they were portrayed in a relatively flat way, with no development or depth and no real portrayal of emotions. I think part of the problem was that there was plenty of telling about their emotions, but no real showing, making it fall flat. It was difficult to connect with Rebecca as most of her life was skipped over. Her formative years, almost being killed, and her years at the school should have greatly influenced her character and her emotions/reactions/actions, but these events were pared down to a paragraph or two. This left her feeling flat and lacking, which was disappointing.
The formatting for this e-book was horrendous, making it difficult to read. For example, some lines would only be one or two words, the symbols that indicated a new section would sometimes be part of the last sentence rather than on a separate line, and new dialogue often didn’t begin on a new line. There were also several typos and errors I noticed throughout the work, including missing letters.
Overall, this work excelled at exploring the tensions between the Jewish people and crusaders during this time in Europe as well as the mistreatment of women, but it lacked any meaningful characters, which made it a bit of a boring read for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this work through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This work will be published August 2, 2022.
This was a thoroughly researched work of historical fiction. The author included many details relating to Jewish culture and life during this time, as well as details about a medical school in Salerno that was open for people of all faiths. Details concerning Jewish persecution, traditions, and struggles were woven throughout the work in a way that brought the culture to life and created a clear picture of their culture during this time. I also enjoyed the exploration of the cultural tensions between Jewish peoples and the crusaders throughout Europe.
While I enjoyed how thorough the historical details were, I felt that the characters were lacking. There was no emotional connection to any of the characters, not even the protagonist – they were portrayed in a relatively flat way, with no development or depth and no real portrayal of emotions. I think part of the problem was that there was plenty of telling about their emotions, but no real showing, making it fall flat. It was difficult to connect with Rebecca as most of her life was skipped over. Her formative years, almost being killed, and her years at the school should have greatly influenced her character and her emotions/reactions/actions, but these events were pared down to a paragraph or two. This left her feeling flat and lacking, which was disappointing.
The formatting for this e-book was horrendous, making it difficult to read. For example, some lines would only be one or two words, the symbols that indicated a new section would sometimes be part of the last sentence rather than on a separate line, and new dialogue often didn’t begin on a new line. There were also several typos and errors I noticed throughout the work, including missing letters.
Overall, this work excelled at exploring the tensions between the Jewish people and crusaders during this time in Europe as well as the mistreatment of women, but it lacked any meaningful characters, which made it a bit of a boring read for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this work through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. This work will be published August 2, 2022.
June 28, 2022
Exceptional story about a courageous woman who excels in wanting to be a physician healer, protect her Jewish community and love who she wants. Rebecca and her family flee England to Barcelona and she later goes to Salerno. The careful history that Erman has constructed reminds us of a time when pockets (yes they existed) of Christians, Jews and Muslims lived and worked with respect and in peace, each group benefiting from the contributions of the others. But as ugly hate spreads so do the threats to Rebecca's Jewish community.
There is much to be learned in this history that informs contemporary life. When hate prevails everyone loses.
There is much to be learned in this history that informs contemporary life. When hate prevails everyone loses.
August 6, 2022
Rebecca is a wonderful protagonist. A continuation if you will, of a character from Sir Walter Scott’s Ivanhoe, she continues her tale in this novel. Rebecca flees England after almost being burnt as a witch. But it is her fate to survive.
Not just to survive but to thrive. For after arriving in Sicily she fulfills her dreams and goes to medical school. After which she longs to pursue her career rather than marry the man of her family’s choosing.
All is not going to be smooth sailing on any front for Rebecca or any in her circle as the political winds are not blowing favorably as the religious tolerance they are all used to is being threatened by marauding Crusaders intent upon making the world conform to their viewpoint.
As tensions rise and conflicts increase how will Rebecca continue in her practice and find the peace and love she longs for?
This was a page turning read set in a time and place that I really haven’t visited in books before. Perhaps once or twice for a quick visit here and there but never for so focused a stop. It was very interesting to be immersed in this time period and to learn of women going to medical school.
The pages flew by as I found myself fully engaged in Rebecca’s story. A truly wonderful book that has me wanting to learn more about the time period.
Not just to survive but to thrive. For after arriving in Sicily she fulfills her dreams and goes to medical school. After which she longs to pursue her career rather than marry the man of her family’s choosing.
All is not going to be smooth sailing on any front for Rebecca or any in her circle as the political winds are not blowing favorably as the religious tolerance they are all used to is being threatened by marauding Crusaders intent upon making the world conform to their viewpoint.
As tensions rise and conflicts increase how will Rebecca continue in her practice and find the peace and love she longs for?
This was a page turning read set in a time and place that I really haven’t visited in books before. Perhaps once or twice for a quick visit here and there but never for so focused a stop. It was very interesting to be immersed in this time period and to learn of women going to medical school.
The pages flew by as I found myself fully engaged in Rebecca’s story. A truly wonderful book that has me wanting to learn more about the time period.
July 11, 2022
Reading this book, I felt fully immersed in a time period and subject I knew little about: the life of Jewish women in Italy during the Middle Ages. It was a bit like walking through a crowded, dusty, vibrant market of that time and place, being confronted by so many intriguing wonders that your head spins, not out of confusion but wonder. Though Rebecca wasn't typical for her time, she felt REAL, as full of contradictions and complexity as that proverbial marketplace--wanting to be a respectful daughter and member of her community yet driven by curiosity and a natural affinity to heal and be productive beyond the strict boundaries of her society. Though as modern women our own goals and motivations are different and more attainable than Rebecca's, we still grapple with similar conflicts between wanting acceptance and honoring our true selves. Recommended if, like Rebecca, you love to learn about the larger world and all it contains. Her story and character will stay with you a long time.
July 20, 2022
I love books that transport me to a completely different time and place and this one does that beautifully, taking us to 13th century Salerno, Italy. Rebecca, the wonderful heroine and narrator, is a young Jewish woman who manages to attend medical school and practice as a physician. I certainly never knew that women could attend medical school in medieval Italy! The novel immerses us in the Jewish community in Salerno which was under threat from Crusaders and others. When a visiting rabbi is accused of the murder of a Crusader, Rebecca and her friend are determined to save his life, protect their community, and uncover the true killer. An engaging mystery and a sweet love story, this is a book you will savor. Highly recommended.
August 18, 2022
I come from a medical background so this was very intriguing and had the thrill of a mystery attached so it made for a very entertaining read! I appreciated the inclusion of the Jewish culture and how scary things were during this time. It really tugs at your emotions (if you have a heart lol) and makes you reflect on cultural disparities today.
August 16, 2022
Rebecca is in Salerno, Kingdom of Sicily where she is pursuing her dreams by going to medical school. She attends a school that has both men and women who are Christians, Muslims, and Jews study together. Rebecca is adjusting to life in Salerno when an Egyptian rabbi is falsely accused of murder. Rebecca must find out who really killed the crusader to protect the Jewish community.
What a shocking conclusion to this story, I was genuinely shocked to find out who really killed the crusader. The thing is, I understand why they would do it. It’s a drastic measure, but protecting family is necessary. I kind of even understand framing the rabbi for it, he is a dreadful person. Saying horrible things and wishing horrible things on other humans. That’s why I don’t think he should have been framed, just because he has hate in his heart doesn’t mean he deserves such a terrible fate.
Now on to Rebecca. I liked her as a character. She’s very intelligent and she seems so nice and pleasant to be around. I am so happy she found her love and happiness, that really made me smile. I smiled a lot with Rebecca and this book and I’m thankful to Netgalley and the author Esther Erman for letting me read this book, I truly enjoyed it.
What a shocking conclusion to this story, I was genuinely shocked to find out who really killed the crusader. The thing is, I understand why they would do it. It’s a drastic measure, but protecting family is necessary. I kind of even understand framing the rabbi for it, he is a dreadful person. Saying horrible things and wishing horrible things on other humans. That’s why I don’t think he should have been framed, just because he has hate in his heart doesn’t mean he deserves such a terrible fate.
Now on to Rebecca. I liked her as a character. She’s very intelligent and she seems so nice and pleasant to be around. I am so happy she found her love and happiness, that really made me smile. I smiled a lot with Rebecca and this book and I’m thankful to Netgalley and the author Esther Erman for letting me read this book, I truly enjoyed it.
July 17, 2022
At the end of his 1820 novel Ivanhoe, Walter Scott’s heroine Rebecca flees England. In Rebecca of Salerno, Esther Erman gives that intriguing character a subsequently rich life in southern Europe.
Determined never to wed after being disappointed in her love for Ivanhoe, Rebecca must resist pressures from her Jewish community to live a conventional life. Instead, she devotes herself to healing, enabled by the medical school in Salerno. Rebecca’s resolve and career are threatened when a rabbi is accused of murdering a crusader. She strives to live up to her ideals and pursue justice. Along with her on this quest is Rafael, the man who loves her.
Rebecca of Salerno is a great story, fully integrated into the early thirteenth century, a time rich with ferment – much of it leading to less than desirable changes. Against this background, Erman fashions an intriguing story of how a beleaguered community faces its challenges, working against the framework of a hostile government.
Impeccably written and presented, this is a thought-provoking and fast-paced, entertaining read that I highly recommend.
Determined never to wed after being disappointed in her love for Ivanhoe, Rebecca must resist pressures from her Jewish community to live a conventional life. Instead, she devotes herself to healing, enabled by the medical school in Salerno. Rebecca’s resolve and career are threatened when a rabbi is accused of murdering a crusader. She strives to live up to her ideals and pursue justice. Along with her on this quest is Rafael, the man who loves her.
Rebecca of Salerno is a great story, fully integrated into the early thirteenth century, a time rich with ferment – much of it leading to less than desirable changes. Against this background, Erman fashions an intriguing story of how a beleaguered community faces its challenges, working against the framework of a hostile government.
Impeccably written and presented, this is a thought-provoking and fast-paced, entertaining read that I highly recommend.
April 29, 2024
This was a great read with a sweet love story and an interesting mystery! This was a time period that I haven't really read much about so I found all of the historical facts to be quite fascinating! I had no idea women were even allowed to attend medical school then. There was so much about the Jewish culture that it really brought that culture to life. Rebecca’s character is complex and has depth but felt real and was one that I really enjoyed! She wanted to be a good daughter and a respectable member of the community but she also wanted more so it was easy to connect with her. It's a thought provoking and entertaining story. Such a wonderful story! Thank you Books Forward for sharing this wonderful story with me!
September 26, 2022
Over many years of my youth, I loved the story Ivanhoe, so I was a little nervous to read this novel. What would become of the beloved character of Rebecca? I needn't have worried! Erman takes the promise of the character of the young Rebecca and presents us with the woman who has retained her dignity and her honor, and has fulfilled her promise as a healer by becoming a physician. I always value historical fiction novels that feature women doing something a bit unexpected for the time.
Erman immerses us in the time and place, both in Rebecca's Jewish community, and in the broader setting of Salerno, and even the pressures from outside when the Duke is unwilling to alienate the Crusaders who have stopped in the city, wreaking havoc on the citizenry.
There is a mystery, which Rebecca and her friend Rafael are determined to solve, in order to save a visiting rabbi from an unjust execution. They emphasize the Jewish values of truth and justice, even though the rabbi is not personally likable, and the larger Jewish community could be endangered by their efforts to reveal the truth.
Interestingly, Erman portrays Rebecca as having difficulty committing to romantic love, since she still suffers from the heartbreak of having loved Ivanhoe, a love that was forbidden to both. Read the novel to find out how this plays out in this story!
Erman immerses us in the time and place, both in Rebecca's Jewish community, and in the broader setting of Salerno, and even the pressures from outside when the Duke is unwilling to alienate the Crusaders who have stopped in the city, wreaking havoc on the citizenry.
There is a mystery, which Rebecca and her friend Rafael are determined to solve, in order to save a visiting rabbi from an unjust execution. They emphasize the Jewish values of truth and justice, even though the rabbi is not personally likable, and the larger Jewish community could be endangered by their efforts to reveal the truth.
Interestingly, Erman portrays Rebecca as having difficulty committing to romantic love, since she still suffers from the heartbreak of having loved Ivanhoe, a love that was forbidden to both. Read the novel to find out how this plays out in this story!
August 16, 2022
An engaging, enchanting tale of the life of Rebecca (of Ivanhoe fame) after she leaves England.
Rebecca’s life in Salerno (Sicily) is exciting, intellectually stimulating, and challenging especially as she assists her friend Rafael Lopes Dias find a murderer and prove the accused Rabbi is innocent.
Rebecca recounts these events in her life to her eldest daughter on the eve of her marriage.
Views of life of Jews and Christians, but primarily Jews in 1200s Sicily ring true. The author, Esther Erman brings this complex period of Jewish history to life. Customs and laws are explained, sometimes simplistically, educating Jews and non-Jews alike, as to life in the Mediterranean countries during the time of the Crusades and before the Spanish Inquisition.
Perfect for book clubs, this tale will haunt the reader as it takes its place among fiction depicting women doctors and healers of the 12th and 13th centuries.
Rebecca’s life in Salerno (Sicily) is exciting, intellectually stimulating, and challenging especially as she assists her friend Rafael Lopes Dias find a murderer and prove the accused Rabbi is innocent.
Rebecca recounts these events in her life to her eldest daughter on the eve of her marriage.
Views of life of Jews and Christians, but primarily Jews in 1200s Sicily ring true. The author, Esther Erman brings this complex period of Jewish history to life. Customs and laws are explained, sometimes simplistically, educating Jews and non-Jews alike, as to life in the Mediterranean countries during the time of the Crusades and before the Spanish Inquisition.
Perfect for book clubs, this tale will haunt the reader as it takes its place among fiction depicting women doctors and healers of the 12th and 13th centuries.
June 27, 2022
Rebecca of Salerno: A Novel of Rogue Crusaders, a Jewish Female Physician, and a Murder by Esther Erman is a fabulous historical fiction that delves into one of the best, and in my opinion underrated, female characters of classic literature: Rebecca from Ivanhoe. I just loved it.
Sir Walter Scott had true talent and created several stunning pieces of literature, and in 1820 Ivanhoe was added to that list. However, the pivotal character of Rebecca really did not get to have her time to shine. Her story never really was able to be told. Ms. Erman has changed all of that with this wonderful book.
Taking place adter the completion of its predecessor, we get to follow Rebecca to Italy and see what becomes of her as she practices as a physician, tries to find her place in life, and gets thrown into local intrigue, and instability, and with the help of Rafael her spouse, works to do her part in solving the mystery, fight injustice, and give a voice to those that have not been allowed to speak.
Such a beautiful story and I am so glad that the author rose to the challenge of taking on one of the wonderful characters of historical fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and She Writes Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/2/22.
Sir Walter Scott had true talent and created several stunning pieces of literature, and in 1820 Ivanhoe was added to that list. However, the pivotal character of Rebecca really did not get to have her time to shine. Her story never really was able to be told. Ms. Erman has changed all of that with this wonderful book.
Taking place adter the completion of its predecessor, we get to follow Rebecca to Italy and see what becomes of her as she practices as a physician, tries to find her place in life, and gets thrown into local intrigue, and instability, and with the help of Rafael her spouse, works to do her part in solving the mystery, fight injustice, and give a voice to those that have not been allowed to speak.
Such a beautiful story and I am so glad that the author rose to the challenge of taking on one of the wonderful characters of historical fiction.
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and She Writes Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/2/22.
December 28, 2022
Rebecca of Salerno is a wonderful book! The story is captivating and provides fascinating details that were new to me. Once I opened the book and started reading, I couldn't put the book down. I really hope Esther Erman will write more historical fiction like Rebecca of Salerno. I will definitely gobble up any other historical fiction books she writes in the future!
July 19, 2022
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The characters, especially Rebecca, were well developed and full of depth. I especially enjoyed the descriptions of local customs, and any mention of food teased my appetite. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good story well told!
July 31, 2022
Rebecca of Salerno by Esther Erman is story that is filled with suspense and a who done mystery with a surprising twist! If you want to know what happened to Ivanhoe's Rebecca then this is a must read!
May 29, 2023
Interesting link to Ivanhoe and I liked the setting and background but the mystery itself was a bit weak.
July 5, 2022
A perfectly timed book for lauding female strength and power.
July 3, 2022
A sweet and strong story of the strongest heroine from Ivanhoe. Rebecca of Salerno is probably the book Sir Walter Scott should have written.
June 15, 2022
Written with a nuanced approach that illustrates both the limitations and surprising freedoms of women in 13th century Italy, the author skillfully weaves together a simmering love story and murder mystery. The bloody history of the crusaders and push back of the previously established hierarchies of the time provides an engaging backdrop to a Jewish population caught in between and struggling for religious, intellectual, and financial freedom. Historical fiction done well.
June 12, 2022
Rebecca, the narrator of Rebecca of Salerno, lived in the early 13th century, but was the epitome of a modern-day feminist: a Jewish physician who refused marriage and had the courage to speak out against injustice. Erman transported me back to the time of the Crusades when medical knowledge was deeply rooted in ancient times. Her beautifully written novel is a mystery, a love story, and a study of the Jewish culture and community in medieval Europe. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves historical novels.
June 24, 2022
Rebecca of Salerno was a really refreshing read. I absolutely fell in love with Rebecca and found myself thinking about the book randomly over the week I spent on it. It isn't every day that you find a book set on the cusp of the thirteenth century. If you enjoyed Circe by Madeline Miller, you'll love the female empowerment in Erman's book. -Serena, junior publicist
June 1, 2022
Who knew women could practice medicine in medieval Italy? Not me, for starters. Esther Erman has created a main character who is both intelligent and compassionate, and who freely exhibits more confidence and capability than some women feel comfortable showing today. There are glimpses into the state of medical knowledge at the time, and it was a treat to find so many strong female characters in a story that takes place at a time when women were severely oppressed. A very original take on a part of history that (for me at least) was entirely new territory.
January 15, 2023
Rebecca of Salerno is a fascinating book. It tells us the story of the brave, defiant heroine Rebecca with the historical background of Jews in the Middle Ages.
Reading the book, I was riveted, waiting to find out who the murderer was. The book is well written, informative and fun to read.
Reading the book, I was riveted, waiting to find out who the murderer was. The book is well written, informative and fun to read.
January 12, 2023
An interesting idea .. taking Rebecca beyong "Ivanhoe," and giving her a story of her own, in this case as a Jewish doctor in Italy.
Although a bit slow in parts, the book is largely an interesting read, historical fiction that teaches the reader about what was going on back then (and how tough it was for both women and Jews) .. along with a decent mystery.
This for our book club, and the author will make an appearance.
Although a bit slow in parts, the book is largely an interesting read, historical fiction that teaches the reader about what was going on back then (and how tough it was for both women and Jews) .. along with a decent mystery.
This for our book club, and the author will make an appearance.
June 25, 2022
The background story of Rebecca of Salerno is a character continuance from the story “Ivanhoe”. She is a Jewish woman who falls in love with a Christian knight and he saves Rebecca from being executed. Her story in Italy begins where she shows promise in her dream of becoming a doctor. She is torn between wanting to explore her field and expand her knowledge and her family’s traditions. This is well researched story that gives the reader a glimpse of medieval Italy and how women of that era endured,
“Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the DRC.”
“Thank you to NetGalley and She Writes Press for the DRC.”
Want to read
August 24, 2022This is an interesting premise -- to continue a famous novel. This is well-conceived, and well written, and had the elements of a solid story. There's mystery, great characters, a little suspense, and more. I stayed engaged, and suspect many historical fiction fans will enjoy this one.
I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!
I really appreciate the free ARC for review!!
June 22, 2022
I will always love a book with a strong female protagonist, but Rebecca is setting the bar super high going forward! She is my ideal leading character, she's strong, confident and sets her own path in this world. Esther's writing style is beautiful and kept me engaged the entire time. Definitely well worth the read!
May 17, 2022
Historical fiction, now more than ever, proves that history tends to repeat itself. Esther Erman has skillfully woven a fictional tale of a very real character, Rebecca, through whom she relates the beauty and struggles of Jewish life in Italy in the early second millennia CE. Rebecca puts her wants and needs aside to tend to others. Having given up hopes of a “normal” life after realizing she cannot be with her love, Ivanhoe, in England, she arrives in Salerno in the Kingdom of Sicily and soon finds a way to become a physician—opining that Christianity at least gave the option of becoming a nun to women in her position.
Not only is Rebecca a rare Jewish and female physician—thanks to a medical school that was deftly incorporated into the story, along with so many other historical facts unearthed by Erman—but also her integrity leads her to become immersed in a tragic mystery involving murder. Will her staunch faith in God and willingness to love all (not only the more despicable of her own faith but also those of other faiths) prevent her from true personal fulfillment?
Not only is Rebecca a rare Jewish and female physician—thanks to a medical school that was deftly incorporated into the story, along with so many other historical facts unearthed by Erman—but also her integrity leads her to become immersed in a tragic mystery involving murder. Will her staunch faith in God and willingness to love all (not only the more despicable of her own faith but also those of other faiths) prevent her from true personal fulfillment?
September 6, 2022
Rebecca of Salerno is not only an engaging mystery but also a window into Jewish culture of the Middle Ages with rich, sensory portrayal of Jewish ritual and custom. Always a vulnerable minority, Jews had to move and adapt to new cultures as local politics shifted. Rebecca, a Jew who heals a Christian knight, Ivanhoe of his battle wounds and falls in love with him, must flee England to avoid being burned at the stake as a witch. She travels to Spain with her father, then on to Salerno in the Kingdom of Sicily where a more liberal culture allows her to study for a medical degree alongside men and practice her healing arts. But when the Hohenstaufens conquer Sicily, and marauding Crusaders arrive after campaigns in the Holy Land this tolerance is frayed and a culture of fear causes the return of rigid paternalism.
In her quest for justice for a rabbi falsely accused of murder, Rebecca becomes painfully aware of how the entire Jewish community is suffering under the brutish occupation of the Crusaders, especially its vulnerable women. The twists and turns of her quest to prove the rabbi’s innocence, with her faithful friend and colleague Raphael, keeps the reader interested throughout in this window into a time long past. There is plenty of intrigue, history, and romance to keep you turning the pages of this engrossing novel.
In her quest for justice for a rabbi falsely accused of murder, Rebecca becomes painfully aware of how the entire Jewish community is suffering under the brutish occupation of the Crusaders, especially its vulnerable women. The twists and turns of her quest to prove the rabbi’s innocence, with her faithful friend and colleague Raphael, keeps the reader interested throughout in this window into a time long past. There is plenty of intrigue, history, and romance to keep you turning the pages of this engrossing novel.
January 28, 2023
I have a Master's degree in Medieval History (Stanford) and read this book with a critical eye. I was not only impressed by the authenticity but also by the story itself. The crusaders were accurately portrayed, and the medical knowledge was accurate. Additionally, the food descriptions were amazing.
My only disappointment was that such a brilliant woman kept thoughts of her lost love (Ivanhoe)
Nevertheless, I have recommended this book to many friends.
My only disappointment was that such a brilliant woman kept thoughts of her lost love (Ivanhoe)
Nevertheless, I have recommended this book to many friends.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 53 reviews