Ilan SheinfeldThe 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.
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.
Time Out
English and Spanish translations available (for publishers only)
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