Rebecca of Salerno: A Novel of Rogue Crusaders, a Jewish Female Physician, and a Murder

Rebecca of Salerno is a novel that continues the story of Rebecca from Walter Scott's 1820 novel Ivanhoe. It follows Rebecca as she pursues her dreams of attending medical school in Salerno, Kingdom of Sicily, while facing challenges such as the conquest of Sicily by the Hohenstaufens and the arrival of rogue crusaders. Rebecca must balance community expectations and traditions with her desire for fulfillment, a challenge that faces women throughout the ages.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 02 August 2022
Publisher: She Writes Press

The captivating tale of Rebecca, a Jewish woman living in medieval England, unfolds in this novel, which continues the narrative from Walter Scott's 1820 masterpiece, Ivanhoe. Contrary to societal norms, Rebecca finds herself falling deeply in love with a Christian knight named Ivanhoe, a relationship that puts her life in jeopardy. Despite her extraordinary abilities to heal knights from battle wounds and revive the dead, Rebecca is relentlessly pursued by those who accuse her of witchcraft and sorcery.

Determined to escape the persecution and the man she loves, Rebecca flees England, embarking on a perilous journey that takes her across the continent. In Salerno, Kingdom of Sicily, she pursues her dreams of attending medical school, defying the expectations of her family and embracing her profession. However, the arrival of the Hohenstaufens, a powerful German dynasty, and the advent of rogue crusaders threaten the long-standing atmosphere of tolerance and harmony in Salerno.

When a rabbi is falsely accused of murdering a crusader, Rebecca and her beloved Rafael, a physician, are compelled to embark on a quest for justice and the protection of the Jewish community. Their commitment to pursuing the truth and safeguarding their fellow Jews is a testament to their resilience and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity.

This story offers a captivating glimpse into medieval England, showcasing the complex social dynamics and the struggles faced by women in a patriarchal society. Rebecca's journey serves as a powerful reminder of the Jewish experience of persecution, refuge, and resilience, as she navigates between her community's expectations and her own desires for fulfillment.

Through her character, Rebecca confronts the universal challenges that women have faced throughout history, including the balance between tradition and personal aspirations, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness. Her determination and courage in the face of adversity inspire readers to embrace their own unique paths and fight for what they believe in, even in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, this novel is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the ability of literature to transport readers to different times and places. Rebecca's journey is a captivating tale of love, courage, and resilience, offering a profound reflection on the human experience and the enduring legacy of the Jewish people.

Weight: 350g
Dimension: 138 x 216 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781647422479