Maggie Anton

(Full disclosure: I received a free copy of this book for review through Goodreads' First Reads program.)

DNF (did not finish) at 18% / 66 pages.

I took a chance on Enchantress: A Novel of Rav Hisda's Daughter in a Goodreads giveaway; unfortunately, it's just not for me. While Anton does a commendable job of explaining ancient Jewish beliefs, customs, and phrases for the reader, I often found myself lost and confused. I also didn't realize that this is the second book in Anton's Rav Hisda's show more Daughter series, which is slated to be a trilogy. It's hard to say whether reading the books in order would have drastically affected my enjoyment of Enchantress - which, for what it's worth, I think can also be read as a standalone story.

I might have been willing to power through had I found any of the characters even remotely interesting or engaging - but, as it turned out, the only character for whom I could muster up any sort of feelings was Rava, who is a just an all-around shitty human being: sexist, arrogant, presumptuous, entitled, and narcissistic. And that's just in the first 66 pages.

Seeing as he's one half of the book's power couple, this is especially problematic. Rava and Hisdadukh (the titular daughter of Rav Hisda) aren't together at the beginning of the novel, but we know from the book's synopsis that their romance forms the backbone of the story. I cannot think of two people I want to see get together less than Rava and Hisdadukh. Or Rava and any human woman with a pulse.

To cite just one example (which manages to perfectly encapsulate so many of his character flaws): As a kid, Rava studied under Hisdadukh's father Rav Hisda. At one point, Rav Hisda asked his daughter - in front of the class (no pressure there!) - who she'd rather marry: Rava or Rami. She chose them both, to which Rava quipped that he'd be the last husband. That day began Hisdadukh's betrothal to Rami because, you know, kids are notoriously adept at making sound, life-altering decisions.

Fast-forward 10, 15, 20 years; Hisdadukh is a widow, and Rava is trapped in an unhappy marriage to an "unloved, barren wife." (Which, incidentally, excuses his odious behavior. Men are responsible for their successes, while women are to blame for their failures. Got it!) While Hisdadukh is out of town and thus unreachable, Rava approaches Hisdadukh's father to request her hand in marriage. Rav Hisda agrees because, hey, Hisdadukh said she desired to marry Rava all those years ago! When Hisdadukh returns and learns of the arrangement, she demands/begs him to break it off, which offends and angers Rava.

Even though: a) Rava will remain married to his first wife, Choran, who will maintain all the power and prestige of a first wife; b) Hisdadukh's primary use is to be as a baby machine; c) everyone, including Hisdadukh herself, suspects Rava of murdering Rami.

And yet Rava's shocked and insulted that his sneaky little play was rejected by Hisdadukh! (Who, by the beginning of Enchantress, is actively courting him. Talk about your head-scratchers!) Imagine that!

So yeah. Shitty human being. No like.

Granted, these odious attitudes and practices may all be historically accurate, but this knowledge does little to enhance my enjoyment of the book. If anything, it makes me like it even less.

That said, those who have an interest in and working knowledge of the Talmud are likely to have a greater appreciation of Enchantress. That just isn't me.

http://www.easyvegan.info/2014/10/03/enchantress-by-maggie-anton/ show less

Maggie Anton’s “The Midwives’ Escape: From Egypt to Jericho” is a masterful blend of historical fiction, biblical narrative, and compelling storytelling. Through the eyes of Egyptian midwives Asenet and Shifra, Anton reimagines the Exodus from a fresh perspective, breathing life into the daily struggles, triumphs, and resilience of those who journeyed from slavery to freedom.

Anton’s meticulous research and rich descriptions immerse readers in the realities of ancient life, from the show more dangers of the wilderness to the intricacies of midwifery and survival. The novel is filled with adventure, romance, and profound spiritual questioning, making it both an engaging read and a thought-provoking reflection on faith, identity, and community.

For fans of biblical fiction, “The Midwives’ Escape” stands alongside “The Red Tent” as a beautifully crafted midrashic tale. Anton once again proves herself to be a master storyteller, offering readers an intimate and inclusive vision of what might have truly happened on the road to the Promised Land. A must-read for historical fiction lovers! show less

You can read my entire review at my Jew Wishes website. http://jewwishes.wordpress.com/2009/08/24/jew-wishes-on-rashis-daughters-book-ii...

Rashi’s Daughters, Book III: Rachel, is an amazing accomplishment. Anton is overwhelming in her competence to write historical content, and in her ability to keep the reader’s interest. There are so many awe-inspiring moments, moments that shock the reader. The book flows, from one scene to the next with superb illuminations and brilliant show more descriptions. She is a master at portraying, not only the Medieval/Middle Ages time period, but in depicting daily life under the harsh conditions of the 11th Century. It was a struggle no matter how you perceive it, but add the Crusades to the structure, and life and what those around Rachel considered to be “normal”, quickly debilitates and diminishes.

Like father, like daughter, Rachel learned from a master, and she was no less a master, herself. During a time when women were kept on the sideline, she made sure she was in the forefront of current events. She watched them unfold before her eyes, and Rashi, her sisters and the other family members, were concerned for humanity, for the injustice that surrounded their environment. The pages flow with that very ideal. show less

I won this book from LibraryThings Early Reviewers contest.

I finished the novel almost a month ago but could not find the words to describe how I felt about the novel.

It is a fascinating look into a historical period that is not widely known about.

This novel is the second in the story of a Jewish 'enchantress' in ancient 4th century Babylonia. The historical detail is rich and vivid showing the care and research Maggie Anton undertook to get everything right. The reader, in great detail, show more learns of the accepted practice of sorcery, enchantments, magic (both good and bad)as well as everyday life for a respected Rabbi's daughter.

We are also exposed to the ancient Jewish laws behind the Talmud, Mishnas and the Torah. It is around these sections that a reader can become confused but I found they enhanced the story line, vividly recreating for the reader the atmosphere of the time.

The overall plot and story line was well written and conveyed. I was not truly a fan of Hisdadukh or her husband Rava. I found them both tiresome at times, with Hisdadukh coming off as manipulative and needy.

This novel was a great 'learning' experience for me as I wound up Googling information on this period and the historical lives of Jews at the time. show less