Writing the Book of Ester
 Louise Domaratius
 (Reviewer - Rebecca Brown)
 2003 Quality Words in Print
 ISBN: 0971316015

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An American-born English teacher in France is intrigued by the story of an Iranian student.

Celia Davis, 29 years old & recently divorced, has secured a good position teaching English in the beautiful Loire Valley. Among her students is a mysterious, mature young man who in time, tells her of his family--a Muslim father & a Jewish mother. His twin sister, Zahra, is also at the same school, wanting to assimilate, pretending to be Italian & hanging out with some of the least tolerant students. She has dyed her long hair blonde & developed a sharp tongue, edged with shame, envy & rebellion.

When Medhi & Zahra were infants their father was killed while walking home during a bombing in the Iraq/Iran war. To support her family his mother returned to journalism & became a voice for women in a male dominated nation. Now she has been incarcerated in a Tehran prison, for all manner of incontestible treason, most of which seem to revolve around her not being a good Muslim.

As Mehdi's stories unfold, Celia learns more about this brave woman whom she refers as Ester, paying homage to the Biblical Jewish wife of the King of Persia who pled for her people's freedom.

The relationship between the twins is fraught with frustration & secrets, sibling angst & the ever-present worry of strangers in a strange land, yearning to fit in. Zahra meddles & Mehdi placates, until, without realizing it she puts her brother's life in danger.

Meanwhile, efforts to free Ester from prison, & bring her west into France take on a new urgency, & success.

Between Celia & Mehdi has blossomed a love of great delicacy & depth & it is this that will bring mother, sister, brother & lover together as a family.

Once again, Louise Domaratius has written of what she knows, lyrically & richly, as if weaving a tapestry of delights & sorrows, of racism, love & duty.

The braiding of Biblical passages adds an ancient scope to modern struggles. History mingles with everyday life, both in Iran & France, & in the end, evil will have its way & love will survive.

Intense, dreamy & radiant with affection, intuition, drama & insights.

Very well done & highly recommended!

More from Louise Domaratius: Gadji

Do catch my Interview with this extraordinary author!
(07/13/03)

Rebecca