A review by emily_m_green
Esther by Sharon E. McKay

adventurous inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Set in 1700s France and New France, Esther tells the story of Esther Brandeau, real-life historic figure who was the first-known Jew to enter New France. The story is fictionalized and written for a younger audience, but is still a fantastic tale of a teenager who survives a shipwreck, becomes a courtier, works as a sailor, and makes both friends and enemies along the way. 

Esther celebrates a woman who managed to live out of the normal bounds of society. Born of her father’s affair and raised by her father’s wife, she doesn’t quite fit in. Her joy for the natural world and curiosity for life outside of the Jewish quarter set her apart from the other children. When she sneaks out into the town, her family is shamed and her parents decide to marry her off for fear of what might happen if they don’t. So Esther’s journey begins. 

The book also explores antisemitism of the time, the awful poverty of the lower class, and the clash between a sheltered religious life and the secular world. All of these questions are woven into a larger conversation of gender norms and a great effort to skirt expectations and safety. 

While I mostly appreciated appreciated Esther, there were moments that seemed a bit too obvious as to who was on the side of good and who was on the side of evil. A little more complexity in the case off characters would have been appreciated. 

Would I teach this book? My daughter took this book home from her school library for me. She thought it looked like a book I might have liked as an elementary school student. It has a solid plot and a strong female protagonist. In addition, it focuses on a girl from the outside of society. I would consider teaching this novel.