Helpful Score: 7
As far as historical fiction goes, I've read better and I've read worse. I liked some elements of the book, particularly the witchcraft and Inquisition angle. However, this book had a romance novel feel about it that I just wasn't that fond of. Maybe it was the way it was written or maybe I'm just not a fan of romance novels; I'm not really sure. Tobsha Learner is kind of like Philippa Gregory Lite. Similar style but not as compelling. I'd give this one 3/5.
Helpful Score: 5
A disappointment. The historically-based events kept me turning pages, but the prose has no charm, the characters' development is not nuanced and their motivations sometimes completely nonsensical. The author's depiction of Jewish life at the time is extremely weak, a huge drawback, since the main character is a Jewish woman who finds "the love of her life" in a Catholic canon. The main characters are anachronisms; modern people plunked into the 17th Century setting. Although the time periods are different, if you compare this book to Philippa Gregory's "The Queen's Fool" which follows a Jewish woman at the Elizabethan court (also something of a "bodice ripper" with an unusually modern Jewish woman heroine) you can see the difference it makes to follow a well-developed character. Jewish life described in the Witch of Cologne is so stereotyped and incomplete it really amazed me. Elements of this book I would have thought would make it good: kabbala, the demon Lilith, midwifery, era in history, iconoclastic main characters, sex - but, despite these...cannot recommend.
A simple tale, simply told. A step up from a beach read - think a well-researched historical romance.
Helpful Score: 4
Ignore the silly cover on this book. What was the publisher thinking? This is a well-written, tragicthough ultimately hopeful story of star-crossed lovers during a particularly brutal period in history. The kind of story that haunts you. It is romantic--but not light, with great historical detail. Wonderful.
Helpful Score: 2
Very intetesting story. Drags in certain areas, but worth the read
Helpful Score: 2
A good, interesting historically-based read, a little extra gory in spots (burnings, torture, etc.)
Helpful Score: 1
Story about a midwife during the 16th century who is branded a witch for her medical skill & knowledge, & her Jewish background. Love story intertwined made it an enjoyable read. I finished it in a week. Hard to imagine what women endured back then.... I couldnt have done it.
Helpful Score: 1
I couldn't finish this book. I gave up after about 100 pages. The story starts out good, taking the reader right into a tense scene. After that, it became highly detailed and I found the writing to be very bland. I was bored silly. I was also fairly unfamiliar with the setting during this time period, and a lack of comprehension probably added to the feeling of tedium.
Helpful Score: 1
a little heavy read if you are not into 16th century politics and history.
Helpful Score: 1
Very intersting view of effects of religious power and politics, prejudice, and money in 17th century Germany and how two people of different faiths alter their lives to stay together. Beuatiful and traqic.
Helpful Score: 1
Yes, the style of writing is a bit unconventional. Yes, there are sex and torture scenes and they are graphic. Yes, the Kabbalah takes a back seat less than 1/3 of the way through the novel. And, yes, the cover art is disconcerting. Get over it! This book isn't a romance by any stretch of the imagination and, quite frankly, if 17th century German politics aren't your thing, you will be sorely disappointed by The Witch of Cologne. However, if you're willing to keep an open mind, you just might learn a little something about the melding of the philosophies, religions, and economics of the people of the Rhenish region. Love story be damned, this book is not so much about the relationhsip between the two main characters as it is about a war between what is politically comfortable and what is morally just. Read this novel for what it is, not what you wish it to be, and you'll come away from it both entertained and pleased.
Helpful Score: 1
Gripping, a page-turner. Historical novel. One of my favorite books.
wonderful and very powerful book. a true expression of true love against all obstacles.
Not a romance per se but rather a historical story. The Romeo and Juliet story with a brainy Juliet.
This is an excellent work of historical fiction with true history added. The descriptions and portrayal of life in the 1600s along with alluring characters and eroticism is exquisite.
It is definitely a page turner for me and I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
Catherine in New Jersey
It is definitely a page turner for me and I recommend it to anyone who loves historical fiction.
Catherine in New Jersey
This is a fictionalized account of the Spanish Inquisition. However, it is much more than that. Some of the characters that play a major role in the book are true historical figures, but the main character is a creation of the author. The story of a Jewish midwife practicing in the 1600's is both entertaining and informative. The author educated the reader about practices of midwifery and also politics of the 17th century. The story spans the life of Ruth, the main character and takes us through the many experiences of a woman who is unconventional for her time. A well-written book from an up and coming author.
From back cover....A Phenomenal historical novel from a stunning new voice. For everyone who loved The Red Tent, a timeless tale of passion and true love, power and the abuse of power, and faith.
This is a large book. But I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure through the story of Ruth's life as a Jewish midwife. The story keeps you wanting to read more to find out what happens to her life next.
This is a large book. But I thoroughly enjoyed the adventure through the story of Ruth's life as a Jewish midwife. The story keeps you wanting to read more to find out what happens to her life next.
I found this book to be somewhat disappointing in the end. It was a tragic romance novel. The final years we dealt with so superficially, and for Jacob to make the monumentous decision without knowing him, well was disappointing.
A dark setting during the early years of the what later became known as the "Age of Enlightenment," this is an historical romance which leans toward eroticism: the story of an intelligent woman pursued by a man of the cloth who, rejected by her, pursues and persecutes her over time. The story line and the main character's adventures keep your interest, although I found the book to be a bit too long and melodramatic for my owns tastes.
A worthwhile read for those who love such tales as The Red Tent.
very good book. I had to hang in there but it was worth it.
I feel I should preface this review by informing the reader that my review comes from the perspective of me and my family - and that we are (as a whole) very informed about Judaism, REAL kaballa, history of the Jewish people and secular history.
We couldn't get past the first few pages of this.
I can see why people who know very little of the above subjects might find this book intriguing. Unfortunately, it not only presents a VERY false view of Jews, Judaism, etc. but it so distorts the truth as to be damaging.
As a Jewish woman in particular, I feel that this type of book only serves to perpetuate the myth that women are second class citizens in Torah true Jewish life and that the only way to gain power is to challenge the status quo.
I have the book on my bookshelf and actually have doubts as to whether I should trade it.
Even my son in law, who is a rabbi and generally enjoys reading books like this for the comedy factor couldn't get past the first few chapters, that's how bad it is - you can't even turn it into a joke.
We couldn't get past the first few pages of this.
I can see why people who know very little of the above subjects might find this book intriguing. Unfortunately, it not only presents a VERY false view of Jews, Judaism, etc. but it so distorts the truth as to be damaging.
As a Jewish woman in particular, I feel that this type of book only serves to perpetuate the myth that women are second class citizens in Torah true Jewish life and that the only way to gain power is to challenge the status quo.
I have the book on my bookshelf and actually have doubts as to whether I should trade it.
Even my son in law, who is a rabbi and generally enjoys reading books like this for the comedy factor couldn't get past the first few chapters, that's how bad it is - you can't even turn it into a joke.
is an outstanding read, 5 stars, for me. The author depicts the lives of a couple affected by the politics, religion, and moral beliefs of the time. Detlef Wittelsbach, a prince and a canon of the Catholic religion, is the key male character while Ruth, a Jewish midwife who is highly educated, is the lead female of the tale.
The chaotic politics, turmoil between nations, religious intolerance, and personal beliefs, greed, and hate are threads that wind throughout this novel. Detlef leads a life typical of his wealthy class until he is exposed to a Jewish woman whose parents were murdered by an inquisitor and carries that hate for descendents of the couple. Thus Ruth, in spite of her medical training and educational background, is accused of being a witch and consorting with the devil. Detlef rescues her near death from water torture when he realizes the cruelty which this woman is enduring. Discovering that she is a highly skilled and repected midwife, he marvels at the depth of this woman. As he gets to know her, he recognizes not only her intellect and medical skills, but also her concern for others. Eventually he falls in love with her. Persecuted and pursued by those seeking more power and an inquisitor whose hate and rigid beliefs drive him, the pair escape to Holland where they marry and live for many years. Detlef converts and Ruth continues her midwife activities. They have a child and live happily. Meanwhile, Detlef becomes increasingly liberal and lectures about his beliefs angering Catholic officials and those in power. There is much to the ponder in this story. I found it difficult to put asideand recommend it to anyone interested in understanding what can happen during such a troubled time.
The chaotic politics, turmoil between nations, religious intolerance, and personal beliefs, greed, and hate are threads that wind throughout this novel. Detlef leads a life typical of his wealthy class until he is exposed to a Jewish woman whose parents were murdered by an inquisitor and carries that hate for descendents of the couple. Thus Ruth, in spite of her medical training and educational background, is accused of being a witch and consorting with the devil. Detlef rescues her near death from water torture when he realizes the cruelty which this woman is enduring. Discovering that she is a highly skilled and repected midwife, he marvels at the depth of this woman. As he gets to know her, he recognizes not only her intellect and medical skills, but also her concern for others. Eventually he falls in love with her. Persecuted and pursued by those seeking more power and an inquisitor whose hate and rigid beliefs drive him, the pair escape to Holland where they marry and live for many years. Detlef converts and Ruth continues her midwife activities. They have a child and live happily. Meanwhile, Detlef becomes increasingly liberal and lectures about his beliefs angering Catholic officials and those in power. There is much to the ponder in this story. I found it difficult to put asideand recommend it to anyone interested in understanding what can happen during such a troubled time.
Beautiful story. You come to care about the characters.
A very erotice story, court intrigue, lots of historical detail, set in the renaissance.
This was one of the best novels that I read all year!
This is a very good historical novel.
I had never jeard of this author , but the picture and the name cought my eye. Great book!!
