Jephte's Daughter

Compelling story within the Orthodox Jewish Community and the struggle to find one's place within.

This was the fourth book I've read by Naomi Ragen. Initially I started reading them to gain some insight into the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community, which may seem strange seeing that I am not a Jew nor do I practice Judaism. As a Gentile Christian, I have found that the beginnings of early Chrisitianity did face much of the same attitudes that are present in the ultra-Orthodox community. Aside from the religious angle, Naomi Ragen is a great story writer. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each book, and heartedly recommend them.

a friend lent me this book, i picked it up ad couldnt put it doen i was up the whole night reading its worth every penny i have read it so many times over its such a special book. i must therefore strongly disagree with the last two reviews. yes indeed some of the story may be almost impossible to understand, how can parents not listen to such a cry for help? how can a man change so suddenly or be so cruel? how can she not realise such basic things he duties? naomi ragen has given us the answer unfortunately the world is not sugar coated and no one is perfect. i think she made her characters all seem very understandable, the parents, - their expectations made them overlook the situation some people live in denial its their way its sad, it seems unrealsitic but it unfortunately does happen - ms ragen is simply opening our eyes to this. as for the husband - it is a common known fact that what is on the outside is not always on the inside from the start ragen introduced the character as somewhat ignorant to what a woman is and this is why he became what he was. the sages say that the lust for honour will bring a persons downfall is this not demonstrated so carefully by the author? finally Batsheva shows naivety yet she acts with such courage and wisdom, she made her mistakes - she was 18!...im sorry to have been so defensive and critical of the two previous editorials but this is my favourite book, it taught me alot about people and alot about the world and that naivety wont get anyone anywhere. its sad but true things like this do happen and people dont always deal with it the way you expect them or want them to. congratulations on this book - it was truely an absolutely fantastic work. i highly highly reccomend it.

This was a story I couldn't put down until I finished. I think the people whining about her character not being true or real don't know how to just suspend disbelief and enjoy a good tale.

This novel touched me with the exploration of a young woman's spirituality and innocence