The Gilded Chamber

Summary from the Publisher...

book coverThe story of Esther—whose mesmerizing beauty was matched only by her clear-eyed wisdom—has inspired women for centuries. Now her suspenseful tale comes to life through the eyes of a contemporary woman, debut novelist Rebecca Kohn. Capturing the passionate longings and political danger that have made Esther's legacy so timeless, The Gilded Chamber blends meticulous research with gripping storytelling to transport us to an ancient time in the far-flung Persian Empire.

Orphaned and terrified, Esther journeys across the River Tigris to start a new life with her cousin—a man well positioned in the court, and to whom she is betrothed. Her transformation from girl to woman unfolds against a lavish backdrop of the royal court and harem, rife with intrigue and daring alliances. Esther wins much of what she seeks: the heart of a king, and the deliverance of her people. But her rise to the role of queen is not without a price; she must turn her back on all that she ever wanted, and give her body to a man she can never love.

In a haunting, unflinching voice, The Gilded Chamber illuminates an epic dilemma between the yearnings of a woman's heart and the obligations imposed on her by fate. In Esther's case, choice makes history—and unforgettable reading.


Discussion Questions

  1. Some scholars believe that Esther's story is harmful because it extols subservience and conventional physical beauty as ideal traits in women. What is your perception of these qualities as they relate to Esther? How do the women in the novel's harem establish status? Do you consider Esther to be a worthy role model for contemporary women?
  2. Discuss the various male hierarchies of power described in the novel. From what do the king's favored men derive their power? How does King Xerxes himself maintain control over his kingdom? What does the presence of the eunuchs imply about the relationship between virility and prestige in this society?
  3. Rebecca Kohn drew on impeccable research to bring Esther’s surroundings to life. What details of her day-to-day life surprised you? Are any of these ancient procedures still evident in your world?
  4. For Esther, the final memories of her parents provide both comfort and sorrow. What is significant about the way Kohn portrays their deaths? How do these images affect Esther's decision making, and her regard for ancestry?
  5. What was the petulant Queen Vashti's ultimate infraction that caused her banishment? Why was her life spared?
  6. Rabbis in the ninth and tenth centuries developed a process called midrash, drawing on scriptural interpretation to supplement or explain the literal text. Reading The Gilded Chamber through the lens of midrash, what lessons can readers derive from this interpretation of Esther's story? What is the source of her tremendous courage, according to the novel as well as scripture?
  7. Esther utters a phrase that makes Hegai think she could easily embody a pagan goddess, a detail that is portrayed as crucial in Esther’s rise to power. What is your understanding of Esther's success—divine intervention? Faithfulness? Chance? Fate? Or does she triumph through wits and courage alone?
  8. At the end of the novel, Esther finds herself having to reconcile feelings of anger and gratitude toward both Mordechai and King Xerxes. Do you view either man as noble? What might Mordechai's motivations have been in not marrying Esther?
  9. What is the effect of the author's use of flashbacks and first-person narration in the unfolding of this novel? How might the novel have been different if told from the point of view of one of its male characters?
  10. The Jewish holiday of Purim honors the historical events portrayed in the Book of Esther and celebrates the triumph of joy over sorrow. When scripture is read during Purim services, the name of Haman is booed whenever he is mentioned. What cultural narratives best convey survival in your own ancestry? Who do you perceive as Haman's modern-day counterparts?
  11. Are the characters' attitudes toward sexuality now completely extinct, or does the novel reflect any changeless aspects of these drives?
  12. What does Esther observe about emotional rewards versus creature comforts in the novel's final chapters? How do her perceptions of the world change between the novel's opening scenes its epilogue? What are the constant beacons in her life?
  13. The novel ends with Esther's escape, which includes an encounter with Queen Vashti. What does the survival of Queen Vashti and her son imply about the nature of political tides?

Links

The Gilded Chamber
The Website for the book from the British publisher. It includes an interview with the author and a brief biography, and an excerpt from the book.
Reading Group Guide for The Gilded Chamber
This one is in a handy .pdf format.
There's Something About Esther
A review by Rebecca Phillips for the "multi-faith e-community," beliefnet.
Twist of Faith: Biblical Fiction
This is an interesting article about Biblical ficton by writer Trudy J. Morgan-Cole (who has herself written a historical novel about Esther, Esther: A Story of Courage).
The Gilded Chamber
The bn.com page. This book was a part of their Discover Great New Writers program.
The Gilded Chamber
A review by some chick named Steph, who offers no-holds-barred opinions.

Other Resources

|| Robin's World Home ||

Updated: 8/23/2005