Rebel Daughter - by Lori Banov Kaufmann (Paperback)

About the Book

In the years preceding the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE, young Esther's greatest worry is that she will be forced to marry against her will but soon, she faces famine, seige, and slavery.

Book Synopsis

National Jewish Book Award Winner - Christy Award Finalist

A young woman survives the unthinkable in this stunning and emotionally satisfying tale of family, love, and resilience, set against the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE.

Esther dreams of so much more than the marriage her parents have arranged to a prosperous silversmith. Always curious and eager to explore, she must accept the burden of being the dutiful daughter. Yet she is torn between her family responsibilities and her own desires; she longs for the handsome Jacob, even though he treats her like a child, and is confused by her attraction to the Roman freedman Tiberius, a man who should be her sworn enemy.

Meanwhile, the growing turmoil threatens to tear apart not only her beloved city, Jerusalem, but also her own family. As the streets turn into a bloody battleground between rebels and Romans, Esther's journey becomes one of survival. She remains fiercely devoted to her family, and braves famine, siege, and slavery to protect those she loves.

This emotional and impassioned saga, based on real characters and meticulous research, seamlessly blends the fascinating story of the Jewish people with a timeless protagonist determined to take charge of her own life against all odds.

Review Quotes

"[A] carefully researched and well-crafted narrative. . . .HIGHLY RECOMMENDED." --Jewish Book Council

"Highly readable . . . WILL HOLD YOUR INTEREST FROM THE FIRST PAGE TO THE LAST." --Blu Greenberg, author and founder of the Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance

"RIVETING." --Allegra Goodman, author of National Book Award Finalist Kaaterskill Falls

"Esther's remarkable, mysterious, and METICULOUSLY RESEARCHED story is one that demands to be told." --Kirkus Reviews

"An ENGAGING story for historical fiction fans." --SLJ

"A VERY GOOD READ INDEED." --The Jerusalem Post

"BRINGS ANCIENT JERUSALEM ALIVE." --The Times of Israel

"[A] COMPELLING tale of family, love, and resilience." --The Jewish Women's Archive

"ALL THE MAKINGS OF AN ACTION MOVIE." --All Israel News

About the Author

LORI BANOV KAUFMANN was a strategy consultant for high-tech companies before she became a writer. She has an AB from Princeton University and an MBA from the Harvard Business School. When she learned about the discovery of the first-century tombstone, she wanted to know more. She was captivated by the ancient love story the stone revealed, which served as the inspiration for this book. Rebel Daughter is her debut novel. Lori Banov Kaufmann lives in Israel with her husband and four adult children. Visit her online at LoriKaufmann.com