Jerusalem Maiden by Talia Carner
A review by Elleanore G. Vance I wanted a springtime book and my hubby told me that Jerusalem Maiden will fit the bill. Specifically, I would get Springtime in Paris. That was the only thing he was right about. Our story follows young Esther, a child of eleven or so, a Jewess in an orthodox community in British Palestine, where Israel would be in a few short decades. She longs to be an artist and has lessons with a woman who lives nearby; but she knows that it is an aspiration she can never attain. Aside from the whole no Graven Images thing, she and every girl in her community is groomed to accept being a child bride whose highest calling is to be a brood mare. Esther's destiny, and all of the Jewish girls' destiny is to be fruitful that the Messiah may be born. This is what is referred to as being a Jerusalem Maiden. No matter where Esther turns, she has no real choice. Esther is torn her whole life between the life she must conduct herself in for her community, and the