1.
"Mars the Avenger" ? 
History
History
is an historical mystery set in the year 158 CE, during the reign
of Antoninus Pius, a period often called the height of the Roman Empire. It is
also a daily life in ancient Rome and a sojourn into the world of Roman life,
criminal law, police and courts.
Marcus Flavius Severus, a judge in the court of the Prefect of the City of Rome, investigates the disappearance of a senator's wife and the finding of the body of a murdered man thrown on the steps of the Temple of Mars the Avenger. As the investigation unfolds, the two cases become connected to a love affair seventeen years before in the Roman orient.
The investigation leads Judge Severus and his court and police aids through the City and the society of ancient Rome, into a slave market, wealthy villas, taverns, tenement apartment houses and the Circus Maximus. There are also scenes in Roman courts and the book is accurate as to the criminal laws of the time, including the use of judicial torture. All laws, rescripts and legal procedures are from Roman law sources.
The novel also introduces a perspicacious new detective in the person of Roman judge Marcus Flavius Severus.
Marcus Flavius Severus, a judge in the court of the Prefect of the City of Rome, investigates the disappearance of a senator's wife and the finding of the body of a murdered man thrown on the steps of the Temple of Mars the Avenger. As the investigation unfolds, the two cases become connected to a love affair seventeen years before in the Roman orient.
The investigation leads Judge Severus and his court and police aids through the City and the society of ancient Rome, into a slave market, wealthy villas, taverns, tenement apartment houses and the Circus Maximus. There are also scenes in Roman courts and the book is accurate as to the criminal laws of the time, including the use of judicial torture. All laws, rescripts and legal procedures are from Roman law sources.
The novel also introduces a perspicacious new detective in the person of Roman judge Marcus Flavius Severus.
2. Roman
Sunset X ☻
History
History
a. It was
a time when a civilization that had existed for over 350 years suddenly
collapsed. Trade, government, education and the rule of law ceased. This was
Britain at the beginning of the fifth century. Roman legions left to fight the
Emperor's wars in Europe and raiders invaded, devastated the land, burnt crops,
slaughtered young and old alike and took the rest as slaves. Small groups
survived, but with dwindling food supplies they faced death from starvation in
the coming winter. Retired soldiers and their families found safety in an old
cavalry fort after their farms have been destroyed. They took in refugees, including
a village elder and a brewer and his daughter escaping from a sacked city.
The soldiers want to maintain the Empire's rules until the legions return, however, the vilage elder has lost all confidence in the protection of Rome and seeks safety in a new settlement in the hills. The brewer's daughter cannot consider a future while her boyfriend remains a slave in a distant land.
They all know the raiders will return. to survive, they must resolve their differences, work together and fight back against their enemies.
The soldiers want to maintain the Empire's rules until the legions return, however, the vilage elder has lost all confidence in the protection of Rome and seeks safety in a new settlement in the hills. The brewer's daughter cannot consider a future while her boyfriend remains a slave in a distant land.
They all know the raiders will return. to survive, they must resolve their differences, work together and fight back against their enemies.
3. Emissary
to the gods ? ☻History
History
This is an historical action novel that describes the struggle by
the Celts of Western Britain to survive Roman repression. It links ‘Caratacus’
and ‘The Fox’ to this early crusade, which was dominated by the tribes of South
Wales.
Caratacus was the greatest of Celtic war-leaders, whilst ‘The Fox’ was a senior Druid Priest who shared the same period in history. His perfectly preserved body was found in a peat bog near Manchester Airport in 1984 and now lies in Manchester Museum. Fox was sacrificed in AD 62, presumably as an emissary to the gods to beg them to stop the ethnic cleansing of Wales, the Marches and the Druid Order.
Together with action and adventure, the book contains scenes of love, romance, religious ceremony, magic, mystery, betrayal and heartache. Following the true course of history, it gives a picture of life as it was in Western Britain during invasion by the iron men of Rome.
Caratacus was the greatest of Celtic war-leaders, whilst ‘The Fox’ was a senior Druid Priest who shared the same period in history. His perfectly preserved body was found in a peat bog near Manchester Airport in 1984 and now lies in Manchester Museum. Fox was sacrificed in AD 62, presumably as an emissary to the gods to beg them to stop the ethnic cleansing of Wales, the Marches and the Druid Order.
Together with action and adventure, the book contains scenes of love, romance, religious ceremony, magic, mystery, betrayal and heartache. Following the true course of history, it gives a picture of life as it was in Western Britain during invasion by the iron men of Rome.
4. Brenin’s
Crown X☻ READ?????? History
READ?????? History
As the daughter and only child of Queen Morveren and King Brenin,
young Addien leads a life of luxury and security. When all she loves is torn
from her, she must learn to survive by relying on her own courage and strength
of character. In doing so, she also learns about trusting others and holding
onto her faith. Growing to womanhood in dangerous times, she must face
disappointment, betrayal, and isolation while keeping a secret many would die
to discover. For she alone has the power to choose who will take her father’s
place as king.
Set in the Dark Ages of British history, the story moves from a sophisticated Roman-built city, to a ring of standing stones on a wild moor, to an ancient Celtic stronghold, each based on actual historical sites. In this land of contrast merged the passion of the Celts, the intelligence of the Romans, and the influence of the early Christian church. This is where faith and fantasy meet, where good and evil are not always clearly defined, and it is not always possible to know the right thing to do.
Set in the Dark Ages of British history, the story moves from a sophisticated Roman-built city, to a ring of standing stones on a wild moor, to an ancient Celtic stronghold, each based on actual historical sites. In this land of contrast merged the passion of the Celts, the intelligence of the Romans, and the influence of the early Christian church. This is where faith and fantasy meet, where good and evil are not always clearly defined, and it is not always possible to know the right thing to do.
5. The
Kelt ☻History
History
b. Julius Caesar's lust for Gaul is challenged by
the young Gallic Prince, Vercingetorix.
6. The Forsyte saga ☻
History
History
c. NOTE: This edition has a linked "Table of
Contents" and has been beautifully formatted (searchable and interlinked)
to work on your Amazon e-book reader, Amazon Desktop Reader, and your ipod
e-book reader.
The Forsyte Saga Collection is a series of three novels and two interludes published by John Galsworthy. They chronicle the life of three generations of the Forsyte family, a wealthy upper middle class English family, in the turbulent years between the 1880s and the 1920s - a time period during which English society was completely transformed.
Only a few generations removed from their farmer ancestors, the family members are keenly aware of their status as "new money." The books are set against the great events of the day - the Boer War and WWI, the rise of Labour, the death of Queen Victoria, and much more.
The main character, Soames Forsyte, sees himself as a "man of property," by virtue of his ability to accumulate material possessions—but this does not succeed in bringing him pleasure.
Included in this collection:
- Book One: The Man of Property - In this first novel of the Forsyte Saga, detailing Soames Forsyte's desire to own things, including his beautiful wife, Irene Forsyte.
He's jealous of her friendships and wants that she should be his alone. He concocts a plan to move her to the country, away from everyone, but she resists his grasping intentions and falls in love with another....
- Interlude One: Indian Summer of a Forsyte - Delves into the newfound friendship between Old Jolyon Forsyte and Irene. This attachment gives Old Jolyon pleasure, but exhausts his strength. He leaves Irene money in his will with Young Jolyon, his son as trustee...
- Book Two: In Chancery - The marital discord of both Soames and his sister Winifred is the subject of the second novel ("Chancery" being a reference to the courts that deal with domestic issues). They take steps to divorce their spouses, Irene, and Montague Dartie respectively. However, while Soames tells his sister to brave the consequences of going to court, he is not willing to go through a divorce himself. Instead he stalks Irene...
- Interlude Two: Awakening - The subject of the second interlude is the naive and exuberant lifestyle of eight-year-old Jon Forsyte. He loves and is loved by his parents. He has an idyllic youth, his every desire indulged...
- Book Three: To Let--This conclusion to the epic Forsyte Saga. Second cousins Fleur and Jon Forsyte meet and fall in love, unknowing of their parents' past affairs, indiscretions, and misdeeds. Their forbidden love is discovered...
These are wonderful, well-written thrilling and vigorous novels. A must-have for classic epic romance story fans!
The Forsyte Saga Collection is a series of three novels and two interludes published by John Galsworthy. They chronicle the life of three generations of the Forsyte family, a wealthy upper middle class English family, in the turbulent years between the 1880s and the 1920s - a time period during which English society was completely transformed.
Only a few generations removed from their farmer ancestors, the family members are keenly aware of their status as "new money." The books are set against the great events of the day - the Boer War and WWI, the rise of Labour, the death of Queen Victoria, and much more.
The main character, Soames Forsyte, sees himself as a "man of property," by virtue of his ability to accumulate material possessions—but this does not succeed in bringing him pleasure.
Included in this collection:
- Book One: The Man of Property - In this first novel of the Forsyte Saga, detailing Soames Forsyte's desire to own things, including his beautiful wife, Irene Forsyte.
He's jealous of her friendships and wants that she should be his alone. He concocts a plan to move her to the country, away from everyone, but she resists his grasping intentions and falls in love with another....
- Interlude One: Indian Summer of a Forsyte - Delves into the newfound friendship between Old Jolyon Forsyte and Irene. This attachment gives Old Jolyon pleasure, but exhausts his strength. He leaves Irene money in his will with Young Jolyon, his son as trustee...
- Book Two: In Chancery - The marital discord of both Soames and his sister Winifred is the subject of the second novel ("Chancery" being a reference to the courts that deal with domestic issues). They take steps to divorce their spouses, Irene, and Montague Dartie respectively. However, while Soames tells his sister to brave the consequences of going to court, he is not willing to go through a divorce himself. Instead he stalks Irene...
- Interlude Two: Awakening - The subject of the second interlude is the naive and exuberant lifestyle of eight-year-old Jon Forsyte. He loves and is loved by his parents. He has an idyllic youth, his every desire indulged...
- Book Three: To Let--This conclusion to the epic Forsyte Saga. Second cousins Fleur and Jon Forsyte meet and fall in love, unknowing of their parents' past affairs, indiscretions, and misdeeds. Their forbidden love is discovered...
These are wonderful, well-written thrilling and vigorous novels. A must-have for classic epic romance story fans!
1. Whistletree XX
☻☻History WWII
The Whistletree stands at the entrance to Windrush, a wealthy
estate in a town in the Ukraine. Local boys would meet at the sound of a
whistle before setting out on their bicycles. Born to extreme privilege one of
these boys can speak 4 languages by the age of 12. During the Second World War
he and his family is thrown out of their home by the Russians who occupy his
country and sent to labor camps in Siberia. Before being taken prisoner his
father shows him where the family heirlooms and treasures are buried and
teaches him the combination for a Swiss Bank Account. The boy is separated from
his family and never sees them again. He survives a labor camp for boys and is
later drafted into the Russian military and sent to war. Forced to fight for
the enemy he becomes an officer and decorated hero. He emerges as the ultimate
hero and winner of all by outwitting his adversaries.
1.
The translation of Fr Torturo
?
Church History
Black magic and thuggery assist a Machiavellian priest's ascent to
the papal throne in this predictable but gleefully subversive modern gothic.
Xavier Torturo, a quiet but ambitious seminarian in rural Italy, gets entrusted
with an ancient occult text about the translation of powers from the dead to
the living. Soon thereafter, a relic of Saint Anthony disappears from its
shrine, and Xavier—coincidentally?—shows the power to heal by the laying on of
hands. Combining his newly developed talent for miracles with secular skills of
blackmail and manipulation, Torturo secures his ticket to the Vatican, where
his underlings' excesses and his own past indiscretions ultimately precipitate
his swift and gruesome downfall. Connell paints a scabrous portrait of the
Vatican as a site of absolute power that corrupts absolutely.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Product Descrption:
In 1263, when the vault containing the body of St. Anthony was opened, thirty-two years after its original interment, the flesh had turned to dust, but the tongue was in a perfect state of preservation. For almost eight-hundred years it was kept mounted on a pin. But now it has been stolen. Padua, Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome. . . . Father Torturo, the neo-decadent anti-hero, moves through a modern Italy reeking of incense and filth. In an adventure stained with magic and garnished with cruelty, he travels on an ambitious journey to popedom, where the only laws that restrain him are those of his own artistic taste.
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
Product Descrption:
In 1263, when the vault containing the body of St. Anthony was opened, thirty-two years after its original interment, the flesh had turned to dust, but the tongue was in a perfect state of preservation. For almost eight-hundred years it was kept mounted on a pin. But now it has been stolen. Padua, Milan, Venice, Florence, Rome. . . . Father Torturo, the neo-decadent anti-hero, moves through a modern Italy reeking of incense and filth. In an adventure stained with magic and garnished with cruelty, he travels on an ambitious journey to popedom, where the only laws that restrain him are those of his own artistic taste.
1. Pirates of savannah
History ??
Join four mismatched teens as they hunt for lost pirate treasure
in historic Savannah, Georgia. Follow the group as they race against corrupt
artifact thieves to uncover Shamus’s booty. This adventure journeys through
Savannah’s secret tunnels, forgotten islands and real historical locations. Can
four young adults put their differences aside long enough to learn to work
together so they can discover the pirate swag?
This book is a modern day spin off of “Pirates of Savannah: Birth of Freedom in the Lowcountry” and is appropriate for all ages.
This book is a modern day spin off of “Pirates of Savannah: Birth of Freedom in the Lowcountry” and is appropriate for all ages.
1. Stony Lake Frontier
History
Stony
Lake Frontier is the story of Jed Pernell and his bride homesteading on the Michigan frontier. Dealing with the wilderness of the Michigan, border ruffians,
the American Civil War, as Jed serves with the 3rd Michigan Regiment for three
years. The stories of their children growing into adulthood.
1. The Gypsies
Folklore research
Leland
returned to Europe in 1869, and travelled widely, eventually settling in London. His fame during
his lifetime rested chiefly on his comic Hans Breitmann’s
Ballads (1871), written in a combination of brokenEnglish and German (not
to be confused, as it often has been, with Pennsylvania
German).[5] In
recent times his writings on pagan and Aryan traditions have eclipsed the now
largely forgotten Breitmann ballads, influencing the development of Wicca and
modern Neo-paganism.
In
his travels, he made a study of the Gypsies,
on whom he wrote more than one book. Leland began to publish a number of books
on ethnography, folklore and language. His writings on Algonquian and gypsy culture were part of the
contemporary interest in pagan and Aryan traditions.
He erroneously claimed to have discovered 'the fifth Celtic tongue': the form
of Cant, spoken among Irish Travellers, which he named Shelta. Leland became
president of the English Gypsy-Lore Society in 1888.
Eleven
years later Godfrey produced Aradia,
or the Gospel of the Witches,
reportedly containing the traditional beliefs of Italian witchcraft as conveyed
him in a manuscript provided by a woman named Maddalena, whom he refers to as
his "witch informant."[6] This
remains his most influential book. Aradia's accuracy has been disputed,[7] and used by others as a study of witch lore
in 19th century Italy.[8]
[edit]Art education
1.
Curious
Myths of the Middle Ages
History like
Absorbing
compilation of vintage tales surrounding such figures as William Tell, Saint
Patrick, the Pied Piper, the Knights of the Holy Grail, and the Man in the
Moon, complete with introductory essays on their mythological or historical
origins. 5 plates of illustrations; 11 line drawings.
2.
Mysteries of
the Rosie Cross Or, the History of that Curious Sect of the Middle Ages, Known
as the Rosicrucians; with Examples of their Pretensions and ... the Writings of
Their Leaders and Disciples
History like
3. The Viking Blood A Story of Seafaring
SEA, A fictional historical tale? Looks good
This book is a fictional depiction of the
comming of age of a Scots boy sent to sea at the age of 13. For those familiar
with the work of George MacDonald, a writer of fiction for young people in the
later half of the 19th century, the theme of this book will seem familiar. The
greatest departure from MacDonald is the vividness and authenticity of the
descriptions of life at sea on various types of sailing ships. This should not
be surprising as Wallace apparently is writing from personal experience. This
surmise is based on the extent of his non fiction work listed in the present
bibliography. There are two transits of Cape Horn and many coasting and fishing
voyages depicted that bring our young protaganist from the age of 13 to 21.
1.
Escape: Book
One of The Unchained Trilogy
History slavery
Daniel and Lori love each
other, yet to live as one in 1856, they must escape from the unyielding society
that imprisons them.
Lori was born a slave in North Carolina, yet by chance was raised alongside Daniel in a wealthy abolitionist household. The sudden death of Daniel’s mother catapults Lori back into bondage.
Relegated to chattel on a rice plantation, Lori lives in constant fear under the tormenting scrutiny of Daniel’s wretched Aunt Lucinda.
After Daniel fails to convince his relatives to free Lori, he is compelled to devise a daring escape. Although a life threatening endeavor for both of them, Lori’s freedom is priceless to Daniel, and he’s willing to pay such a price for her love.
Lori was born a slave in North Carolina, yet by chance was raised alongside Daniel in a wealthy abolitionist household. The sudden death of Daniel’s mother catapults Lori back into bondage.
Relegated to chattel on a rice plantation, Lori lives in constant fear under the tormenting scrutiny of Daniel’s wretched Aunt Lucinda.
After Daniel fails to convince his relatives to free Lori, he is compelled to devise a daring escape. Although a life threatening endeavor for both of them, Lori’s freedom is priceless to Daniel, and he’s willing to pay such a price for her love.
1.The Reiver
Short Story
Duncan Maxwell, laird of
Lochmorton Castle, gets the shock of his life when he discovers the reiver
captured in a raid on his lands is not a boy, but a young woman. Although she
flatly refuses to tell him her name or how she came to be riding with a raiding
party, Duncan cannot countenance imprisoning a woman in his dungeon but neither
can he release her without compensation. Unable to ransom her back to her
family, he treats her as an honored—though exceptionally well-supervised—guest.
He takes to calling her Reva and determines to seduce the truth of her identity
from her. There’s just one problem—the reiver may steal his heart before he can
reveal her secrets.
1.
Fistful of Reefer (Lost
DMB Files #17)
?
This book is not a stoner story, but does contain cheeky
humor and pulpy, double-fisted action! The author does not use or condone the
use of marijuana while reading this novel. Thank you.
Product Description
Fistful of Reefer delivers a surge equivalent to a cocktail of 1 part serotonin, 2 parts adrenaline, with a dash of grenadine served over ice. This double-fisted, dieselpunk weird-Western resides between No Country for Old Men and The Three Amigos.
In 1918, when Chancho Villarreal and his friends inadvertently create the legend of El Chupacabra, they draw the attention of Texas Ranger J.T. McCutchen to their goat ranch and marijuana farm north of Del Rio, Texas. What follows is an action-packed ride across the wilds of a Texas haunted by rumors of Chupacabras behind every bush.
Product Description
Fistful of Reefer delivers a surge equivalent to a cocktail of 1 part serotonin, 2 parts adrenaline, with a dash of grenadine served over ice. This double-fisted, dieselpunk weird-Western resides between No Country for Old Men and The Three Amigos.
In 1918, when Chancho Villarreal and his friends inadvertently create the legend of El Chupacabra, they draw the attention of Texas Ranger J.T. McCutchen to their goat ranch and marijuana farm north of Del Rio, Texas. What follows is an action-packed ride across the wilds of a Texas haunted by rumors of Chupacabras behind every bush.
1.
Daughter
of the Sea
Roman Fantasy
Engaged against her will, Calista, a young Roman aristocrat,
grapples with the annihilation of her world at the hands of her would-be
husband. The violent aftermath uncovers a connection to the mythological land
of Atlantis, shattering Calista’s conception of family, the gods—and herself.
Calista does not know why the sea sings in her veins—or why her parents have affianced her to the insidious Lord Avaritus. She watches, powerless, as he ruthlessly annihilates all she loves.
When Calista tries escape with the remnants of her family, a storm strikes their vessel and Calista is hurled overboard. She reemerges in Atlantis, summoned by the leaders of the undersea domain. The very fiber of her identity shudders after she learns that she is the daughter of Neptune—and not quite mortal.
Despite the manipulation of Atlantis’s leaders and the romantic temptations of a pair of smirking grey eyes, Calista must find a way to return to Portus Tarrus to rescue her family and seek revenge against the man who destroyed everything she held dear.
Calista does not know why the sea sings in her veins—or why her parents have affianced her to the insidious Lord Avaritus. She watches, powerless, as he ruthlessly annihilates all she loves.
When Calista tries escape with the remnants of her family, a storm strikes their vessel and Calista is hurled overboard. She reemerges in Atlantis, summoned by the leaders of the undersea domain. The very fiber of her identity shudders after she learns that she is the daughter of Neptune—and not quite mortal.
Despite the manipulation of Atlantis’s leaders and the romantic temptations of a pair of smirking grey eyes, Calista must find a way to return to Portus Tarrus to rescue her family and seek revenge against the man who destroyed everything she held dear.
1.
Child of
the Mist
Scottish
Highands Historic fiction
In the harsh Scottish highlands of 1565, superstition and
treachery threaten a truce between rival clans. It's a weak truce at first,
bound only by an arranged engagement between Anne MacGregor and Niall
Campbell-the heirs of the feuding families.
While Niall wrestles with his suspicions about a traitor in his clan, Anne's actions do not go unnoticed. And as accusations of witchcraft abound, the strong and sometimes callous Campbell heir must fight for Anne's safety among disconcerted clan members. Meanwhile his own safety in threatened with the ever-present threat of someone who wants him dead.
Will Niall discover the traitor's identity in time? Can Anne find a way to fit into her new surroundings? Will the two learn to love each other despite the conflict? With a perfect mix of a burgeoning romance and thrilling suspense, this book is historical fiction at its best.
While Niall wrestles with his suspicions about a traitor in his clan, Anne's actions do not go unnoticed. And as accusations of witchcraft abound, the strong and sometimes callous Campbell heir must fight for Anne's safety among disconcerted clan members. Meanwhile his own safety in threatened with the ever-present threat of someone who wants him dead.
Will Niall discover the traitor's identity in time? Can Anne find a way to fit into her new surroundings? Will the two learn to love each other despite the conflict? With a perfect mix of a burgeoning romance and thrilling suspense, this book is historical fiction at its best.
The Carlovingian Coins Or The Daughters of
Charlemagne. A Tale of the Ninth Century
1.
Unbidden
When the emperor chooses a husband for Rochelle, she tries to
drive her betrothed away, but by the time she realizes she might want to keep
him, she has been too successful and other forces are dividing them as well.
A whirling romance in the enchanting world of Charlemagne’s Empire. Rochelle of Alda, a feisty Frank noblewoman, expects to continue her industrious life managing her family’s estate. When her emperor summons her to the palace to meet the skilled soldier she is required to marry, Rochelle engages in a battle for independence from David of Bavaria. As her own deceptions multiply, she suspects another of also plotting against their marriage. To her surprise, and too late, David’s passion and patience begin to win her heart. Can their love survive the tangled web of her schemes and the secret adversary David refuses to see?
Book One in the Evolution Serie
A whirling romance in the enchanting world of Charlemagne’s Empire. Rochelle of Alda, a feisty Frank noblewoman, expects to continue her industrious life managing her family’s estate. When her emperor summons her to the palace to meet the skilled soldier she is required to marry, Rochelle engages in a battle for independence from David of Bavaria. As her own deceptions multiply, she suspects another of also plotting against their marriage. To her surprise, and too late, David’s passion and patience begin to win her heart. Can their love survive the tangled web of her schemes and the secret adversary David refuses to see?
Book One in the Evolution Serie
1. Defender: The Sanctuary Series, Volume One
Fantasy
The world of Arkaria is a dangerous place, filled with
dragons, titans, goblins and other dangers. Those who live in this world are
faced with two choices: live an ordinary life or become an adventurer and seek
the extraordinary.
Cyrus Davidon leads a small guild in the human capital of Reikonos. Caught in an untenable situation, facing death in the den of a dragon, they are saved by the brave fighters of Sanctuary who offer an invitation filled with the promise of greater adventure. Soon Cyrus is embroiled in a mystery - someone is stealing weapons of nearly unlimited power for an unknown purpose, and Sanctuary may be the only thing that stands between the world of Arkaria and total destruction.
Cyrus Davidon leads a small guild in the human capital of Reikonos. Caught in an untenable situation, facing death in the den of a dragon, they are saved by the brave fighters of Sanctuary who offer an invitation filled with the promise of greater adventure. Soon Cyrus is embroiled in a mystery - someone is stealing weapons of nearly unlimited power for an unknown purpose, and Sanctuary may be the only thing that stands between the world of Arkaria and total destruction.
1.
The
books of Rachel
Jewish Spnsh Inq
to Israel
The Books of
Rachel is a fictional microcosm of 500 years of Jewish history. Since the 15th
century, in the Cuheno family, the first daughter born to the family is given
the name Rachel and a heritage of faith and courage as precious as the family
diamond. A saga sweeping from the Spanish Inquisition to the birth of a Jewish
homeland.
"Highly recommended."
"Highly recommended."
Born
with the same name, this title grabbed my attention years ago when I read the
book at the time it had its original cover art. I love this book and claimed it
as one of my favorites after recently re-reading it once again. The author,
Joel Gross, spent over a year on the research to write this book, and it
definitely shows in the knowledge of the Jewish traditions, persecutions and
people of each era he writes about. With tremendous detail, it seems as if Mr.
Gross actually lived the lives of each of his characters as well. The vivid
prose is sometimes poetic, making the realistic feelings of each character come
to life.
"The Books of Rachel" begins with a modern-day Rachel in the Prologue as she is about to marry. As is tradition, she is to be given her birthright, the 500-year old, 60-carat white Cuheno diamond, also known as the Rachel diamond, for it once belonged to her family's Rachels, generations before her.
"The Book of Rachel" is divided into five parts, each one a depiction of the life of a Rachel during her particular time and era. Like the diamond of her namesake, each Rachel is unique, fierce with the fire of conviction and proud of her heritage, possessing the dignity of royalty and the courage of a heroine.
Part One takes place in Spain during 1484 where Rachel Cuheno lives with her family in an esteemed and noble position under protection of the royal court of King Ferdinand, and where she dies during the reign of tortures of the Jewish people and others during the Spanish Inquisition. It is during this time that her brother cut the Cuheno diamond, meant to be hers before her death and later passed to another Rachel born to the male side of the Cuheno family after the prior Rachel had deceased.
Part Two is set in Venice in 1610 where Rachel lives in the Jewish ghetto but through her sister, living as a courtesan in a palace, Rachel fatefully meets a travelling cousin possessing her diamond and joins the wealthy diamond business in Amsterdam.
Part Three is the account of the enlightened, wealthy, admired, brilliant, renegade Rachel of Berlin in 1772 who gave up all privilege of the married lifestyle between the two famed diamond empires for the passionate love that matched her own in another man of unique genius,
In Part Four, set in 1852 Jerusalem, Rachel from France, gives up her privileged lifestyle to dedicate herself to the dreams of her people. Against the wishes of her parents, Rachel travels to Jerusalem and finds her life's purpose there, helping the Jewish settlers make a life for themselves by learning the craft of diamond cutting and becoming a part of her family's business.
Part Five - Kent, England, 1937 - tells of the outspoken, spontaneous Rachel, also born to wealth's privilege who regardless, finds herself a target of anit-Semitism as the Nazi's tentacles reach England. At age 19, Rachel goes to Germany to try to ransom out lives of as many Jewish people as she can with her family's money but is sent to a concentration camp and does not survive.
The Epilogue continues where the Prologue began - with the modern-day Rachel receiving the Cuheno diamond from her father - and as with all of the other parts of this outstanding book, I didn't want it to close.
"The Books of Rachel" begins with a modern-day Rachel in the Prologue as she is about to marry. As is tradition, she is to be given her birthright, the 500-year old, 60-carat white Cuheno diamond, also known as the Rachel diamond, for it once belonged to her family's Rachels, generations before her.
"The Book of Rachel" is divided into five parts, each one a depiction of the life of a Rachel during her particular time and era. Like the diamond of her namesake, each Rachel is unique, fierce with the fire of conviction and proud of her heritage, possessing the dignity of royalty and the courage of a heroine.
Part One takes place in Spain during 1484 where Rachel Cuheno lives with her family in an esteemed and noble position under protection of the royal court of King Ferdinand, and where she dies during the reign of tortures of the Jewish people and others during the Spanish Inquisition. It is during this time that her brother cut the Cuheno diamond, meant to be hers before her death and later passed to another Rachel born to the male side of the Cuheno family after the prior Rachel had deceased.
Part Two is set in Venice in 1610 where Rachel lives in the Jewish ghetto but through her sister, living as a courtesan in a palace, Rachel fatefully meets a travelling cousin possessing her diamond and joins the wealthy diamond business in Amsterdam.
Part Three is the account of the enlightened, wealthy, admired, brilliant, renegade Rachel of Berlin in 1772 who gave up all privilege of the married lifestyle between the two famed diamond empires for the passionate love that matched her own in another man of unique genius,
In Part Four, set in 1852 Jerusalem, Rachel from France, gives up her privileged lifestyle to dedicate herself to the dreams of her people. Against the wishes of her parents, Rachel travels to Jerusalem and finds her life's purpose there, helping the Jewish settlers make a life for themselves by learning the craft of diamond cutting and becoming a part of her family's business.
Part Five - Kent, England, 1937 - tells of the outspoken, spontaneous Rachel, also born to wealth's privilege who regardless, finds herself a target of anit-Semitism as the Nazi's tentacles reach England. At age 19, Rachel goes to Germany to try to ransom out lives of as many Jewish people as she can with her family's money but is sent to a concentration camp and does not survive.
The Epilogue continues where the Prologue began - with the modern-day Rachel receiving the Cuheno diamond from her father - and as with all of the other parts of this outstanding book, I didn't want it to close.
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