When you look at the synagogue children’s pageants, Esther’s regal ed since an excellent Cinderella tale, however the biblical account is actually faster family unit members-friendly: Esther is selected to change the newest disgraced king Vashti, just who declined a regal order in order to procession – naked, particular scholars dispute – just before a buddies regarding drunken men.
“The book out-of V.,” the latest engrossing, very viewable, darkly aroused third unique of the Anna Solomon, interweaves the story out of Esther and you will Vashti that have that from a few most other female: Lily, a great forty-some thing spouse and you will mommy within the modern-day Brooklyn, and Vee, an early on senator’s wife in Watergate-day and age Arizona.
Vee try a 20th-100 years Vashti. When, within a great boozy house party when you look at the Georgetown, the lady spouse requires the girl so you’re able to strip down before a team out-of Washington strength brokers, Vee refuses – and you may, instance Vashti, was banished. Solomon works hard to make this patch turn plausible. You to she cannot totally ensure it is is close to incidental; customers which learn its Bible will find just what the woman is upwards so you’re able to, and you may joyfully suspend disbelief. Vee’s second act – she reconnects which have a classic friend whoever own relationship is coming aside – LDS dating site leads eventually in order to Lily, new psychological heart associated with transporting book.
Lily was a frustrated author, a stay-at-household mommy whom seems caught between your ideals from this lady feminist mother, Ruth (“I am hoping it satisfies your, taking care of children all the time,” Ruth offers dryly), additionally the lofty amount of parenting accepted for the Playground Slope, having its “lake of most other females and you may strollers and kids to the Eighth Avenue, going compared to that school or one to, otherwise house away from university, or to laundromats otherwise keyboard courses or nit-pickers or playdates.”