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Search - The Witch of Cologne
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The Witch of Cologne Author: |
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Book Information
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Book Description:
In a sensuous 17th-century saga set in German Catholic Cologne, Learner (Quiver) transports readers to a time when studying the ancient Kabbalah could prove deadly for a young Jewish midwife. Ruth bas Elazar Saul is the headstrong daughter of the chief rabbi of Deutz, Cologne's Jewish ghetto. She undertakes the forbidden course of mystical study, her Sephardic mother's legacy, before absconding to Amsterdam to escape an arranged marriage. There, Ruth acquires the contemporary midwifery skills she will combine with her sacred learning, and upon her return to Cologne she delivers wealthy burghers' babies using new lifesaving methods, earning a reputation for more than medical genius. Word of her skills travels quickly, and as the Spanish Inquisition stretches its tentacles to the Rhineland, Ruth is arrested for sorcery by the sadistic archbishop Carlos Vicente Solitario, whose persecution of her is fueled by a stymied youthful obsession with her mother. Ruth's keen intelligence and bravery in prison win her an ally, Canon Detlef von Tennen, who falls passionately in love with the "Jewess." The two marry, and Learner has readers rooting for the survival of their unlikely alliance. This steamy, riveting page-turner is also a paean to the triumph of a woman's spirit. -- Publishers Weekly
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Top Member Book Reviews
Vikki C. (
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
A simple tale, simply told. A step up from a beach read - think a well-researched historical romance.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
A good, interesting historically-based read, a little extra gory in spots (burnings, torture, etc.)
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very intetesting story. Drags in certain areas, but worth the read
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
A worthwhile read for those who love such tales as The Red Tent.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
very good book. I had to hang in there but it was worth it.
1 member(s) found this review helpful.
From back cover....A Phenomenal historical novel from a stunning new voice. For everyone who loved The Red Tent, a timeless tale of passion and true love, power and the abuse of power, and faith.
This is a large book. But I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure through the story of Ruth's life as a Jewish midwife. The story keeps you wanting to read more to find out what happens to her life next.
Please Rate these Book Reviews
Story about a midwife during the 16th century who is branded a witch for her medical skill & knowledge, & her Jewish background. Love story intertwined made it an enjoyable read. I finished it in a week. Hard to imagine what women endured back then.... I couldnt have done it.
This is a fictionalized account of the Spanish Inquisition. However, it is much more than that. Some of the characters that play a major role in the book are true historical figures, but the main character is a creation of the author. The story of a Jewish midwife practicing in the 1600's is both entertaining and informative. The author educated the reader about practices of midwifery and also politics of the 17th century. The story spans the life of Ruth, the main character and takes us through the many experiences of a woman who is unconventional for her time. A well-written book an up and coming author.
This is an excellent work of historical fiction with true history added. The descriptions and portrayal of life in the 1600s along with alluring characters and eroticism is exquisite.
It is definitely a page turner for me and I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
Catherine in New Jersey
I found this book to be somewhat disappointing in the end. It was a tragic romance novel. The final years we dealt with so superficially, and for Jacob to make the monumentous decision without knowing him, well was disappointing.
A dark setting during the early years of the what later became known as the "Age of Enlightenment," this is an historical romance which leans toward eroticism: the story of an intelligent woman pursued by a man of the cloth who, rejected by her, pursues and persecutes her over time. The story line and the main character's adventures keep your interest, although I found the book to be a bit too long and melodramatic for my owns tastes.
I had never jeard of this author , but the picture and the name cought my eye. Great book!!
Janice R. (Book Wiki
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