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A Tale of a Ring

The ills of the world, Jewish magic, torments of body and soul, and physical pleasure in various sexual identities are all woven into this novel. It is based on the scandal of “Zvi Mandel”, an organization that traded in women between 1870 and 1930 and, at its height, garnered enormous political and economic power. In old- world Europe, between Shedlitz and Danzig, the mother of Rayna- Chaya, an epileptic girl, has consulted with healers and rabbis and, with their blessing, has made a gold ring that has healing qualities. As a result, others wish to seize the ring from its rightful owners, and it changes hands many times, leaving a trail of energy- and calamity- in its wake. The ring travels from Europe to Argentina with Esther, a young girl sent there to work in the homes of Jews. However, during her journey, a new profession is forced on her- prostitution. This will also be the fate of her daughter, Esperanza, whose name- meaning `hope` in Spanish- cannot change the course of her life. And it is Esperanza who, years later, in Israel, reveals to her daughter the secret of the terrible dynasty she was born into.

Languages
English, Spanish
Title A Tale of a Ring
Writer's Last Name Sheinfeld
Writer's First Name Ilan
Genre Fiction
Publisher (Hebrew) Keter
No. Pages 460pp.
Book title - Hebrew (phonetic) Maʹaseh Be-Tabaʹat
  • “ A dramatic and complex story. The author turns this dark affair into a fascinating and thought-provoking book.”

    Haaretz
  • “ A special book with... plenty of mysticism and idiosyncrasies along with a real and fascinating history. A beautifully written book, which takes you to faraway eras and countries.”

    Yedioth Ahronoth
  • “ Sheinfeld`s depictions carry you away and create a profound emotional experience... A Tale of a Ring is a Hebrew masterpiece.”