This is Jean's only fiction book. But she still stays with the Middle East theme. "Ester's Child" is the story of 3 Israeli/Middle Eastern/Palestinian families. I enjoyed this book very much, because like all of Jean's books she is very descriptive and the storyline is always fascinating. What I took from this book is that we are all really more similar than different. I recommend this book to anyone interested in books that realistically detail the persecution of the Jewish people by the Nazls. Jean is one of my very favorite authors, if not my very favorite. If you enjoyed this book, then you would surely love Princess (her most popular book that has been published all over the world.) I also recommend Behold a Pale Horse , which although is fiction, describes the Holocaust with historical accuracy. And, I recommend Jean's newest book Love in a Torn Land . I understand she has another book set to be published within the next year which will be another non-fiction book about women's issues in the Middle East. Remember, you are what you read.

This is Jean's only fiction book. But she still stays with the Middle East theme. "Ester's Child" is the story of an Israeli family that is ravaged by the Holocaust, who goes to Palestine. I enjoyed this book very much, because like all of Jean's books she is very descriptive and the storyline is always fascinating. I recommend this book to anyone interested in books that realistically detail the persecution of the Jewish people by the Nazls. Jean is one of my very favorite authors, if not my very favorite. If you enjoyed this book, then you would surely love Princess (her most popular book that has been published all over the world.) I also recommend Behold a Pale Horse , which although is fiction, describes the Holocaust with historical accuracy. And, I recommend Jean's newest book Love in a Torn Land . I understand she has another book set to be published within the next year which will be another non-fiction book about women's issues in the Middle East. Remember, you are what you read.

A nice idea for a novel, but I think the execution could have been better. The Jewish POV seemed narrow, and would have benifitted from the addition of Jewish characters of maybe Jordanian (who would have a similar experience to the Arab characters in this novel), or other Arab origin. It is strange that Jews of Middle Eastern and African origin don't have a larger part in this story when they make up around 50% of Israels Jewish population.

As an American who has been watching the media coverage of Israel, this book finally connected all the pieces and helped me understand why this conflict continues from all perspectives. I will definitely be recommending this book to my friends. I wasn't crazy about the story line itself, but the historical perspective more than made up for it.

...This is a compelling story of three families, Palestinian, Jewish, and German, whose lives are intertwined during the events leading up to and following the foundation of the state of Israel.

The book begins with a sweet love story between Ester Stein, the daughter of strictly religious Polish Jews, and Joseph Gale, the son of non-practicing French Jews. It is a sprawling history, spanning cultures, generations and several countries. Before the book is over Sasson has led us through Israel/Palestine, France, Poland, Jordan, Lebanon, and the United States.

I was impressed with Sasson's ability to tell a compassionate and often joyful tale without hedging around the very difficult issues surrounding the creation of the Israeli state. She never shies away from the devastating terrors and tragedy of war, nor does she forget the humanity and suffering of fighters on both sides of any conflict. The story raises many challenging questions, and Sasson never lets the reader off with easy answers.

There is no obvious right or wrong, only human beings locked in a painful and complicated struggle. Sasson's vast knowledge of Arab and Jewish history is impressive. As we are drawn into the lives of Palestinian refugees, Jewish holocaust survivors, and the families of German Nazis, she gives insight into the roots of a struggle that is still escalating.

Ester's Child is an engaging read, a book that can open your mind and your heart. ...