Tamar: A Woman of Despair

At the heart of this novel is the dramatic story of Tamar, told in the 38th chapter of the Book of Genesis. Betrayed and deceived by men whose lives depended on her, Tamar moved closer to fulfilling her dream—continuing her line—under the veil of a prostitute. Yet she entered the legend without a veil—revered as a woman who embodies chastity and hope. She became the mother of twins, Zara and Perez, who entered the genealogy of Jesus Christ. In the novel, questions are raised that have been relevant for thousands of years of human existence: the wrong choice of a spouse made solely based on outward appearance, rather than a good heart and a sensible mind; reverence of children for their parents; the irresponsibility of men; failure to keep one’s vows and promises; and, more broadly, a wide range of family issues.