Rebecca of Salerno

“Esther Erman’s meticulously researched novel of Jewish life in the Middle Ages brings the fragility of Jewish existence to life. The reader discovers a strong, brave woman who, while pursuing a path to become a healer in the face of great odds, holds on tenaciously to basic Jewish values like the pursuit of justice… . a compelling story.”
—Rabbi Sheldon Lewis author of Torah of Reconciliation and Letters Home: A Jewish Chaplain’s Vietnam Memoir

“With grace and verve, Esther Erman revives the character of Rebecca, bringing that valiant and resourceful heroine to Salerno … [hoping] to leave her memories of England behind. However, she once again learns how expendable her fellow Jews are when faced with antisemitic sentiment.”
—Michelle Cameron, author of The Fruit of Her Hands and Beyond the Ghetto Gates

“A rich historical tapestry rife with fascinating characters and an intriguing, page-turning story. Readers will be dazzled by the descriptions of life in medieval Salerno and fall in love with the smart, passionate Rebecca in this satisfying mystery.”
—Hannah Jayne, author of Truly, Madly, Deadly and The Girl in the Headlines

“Erman deftly weaves a wealth of historical detail into a gripping, fast-paced tale of vengeance, love, and healing … very much a novel for our time. Erman’s masterful achievement left me feeling moved and inspired.”
—Juliet Shields, professor and author of Nation and Migration

“… a superb work of historical fiction. It is everything the genre begs for: romance, intrigue, and a captivating mystery. Set at the end of the 12th century and the dawning of the 13th… a lively picture of life for Jews, especially Jewish women, in much of Southern Europe, including colorful and historically accurate descriptions of clothing and food preparation… not only an enjoyable read, it is a history lesson for Jews and gentiles alike.”
—Sara Zeff Geber, PhD, author and freelance columnist

“… a compelling story of a passionate Jewish heroine solving a murder mystery in the brutal setting of the Crusades. The depth of her knowledge of the customs and language of this period is unsur- passed. A book to be read with relish by lovers of historical fiction.”
—Neil Kaplan, author of Acquiring Polish Citizenship by Descent

“Meticulously researched and populated with a cast of engaging characters … Rebecca must pit her intelligence and resourcefulness against the forces of anti-Semitism and misogyny to solve a murder. This historical novel boasts witty dialogue, a fast pace, and an ingenious plot.”
—Roberta Rich, author of The Midwife of Venice, The Harem Midwife, and A Trial in Venice

Esther Erman, like her heroine Rebecca, was a refugee. A naturalized citizen, she 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. 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.

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