The Third Daughter

A Novel

By: Talia Carner

Narrated by: Saskia Maarleveld

Length: 10 hrs and 36 mins

Publisher's summary

From the author of Jerusalem Maiden comes a remarkable story, inspired by little-known true events, about the thousands of young Jewish women who were trafficked into prostitution at the turn of the 20th century, and whose subjugation helped build Buenos Aires.

The turn of the 20th century finds 14-year-old Batya in the Russian countryside, fleeing with her family endless pogroms. Desperate, her father leaps at the opportunity to marry Batya to a worldly, wealthy stranger who can guarantee his daughter an easy life and passage to America.

Feeling like a princess in a fairytale, Batya leaves her old life behind as she is whisked away to a new world. But soon, she discovers that she’s entered a waking nightmare. Her new “husband” does indeed bring her to America: Buenos Aires, a vibrant, growing city in which prostitution is not only legal but deeply embedded in the culture. And now Batya is one of thousands of women tricked and sold into a brothel.

As the years pass, Batya forms deep bonds with her “sisters” in the house as well as some men who are both kind and cruel. Through it all, she holds onto one dream: to bring her family to America, where they will be safe from the anti-Semitism that plagues Russia. Just as Batya is becoming a known tango dancer, she gets an unexpected but dangerous opportunity - to help bring down the criminal network that has enslaved so many young women and has been instrumental in developing Buenos Aires into a major metropolis.

A powerful story of finding courage in the face of danger, and hope in the face of despair, The Third Daughter brings to life a dark period of Jewish history and gives a voice to victims whose truth deserves to finally be told.

©2019 Talia Carner (P)2019 HarperAudio

excellent

very disturbing in some parts, so it could certainly trigger some people. very unique perspective of being Jewish & the consequences of that when pit in a compromising situation. this book has a very unique perspective of a religion I don't completely understand.

Great historical novel

While the topic is a harsh one I really enjoyed this historical novel. The author brought to life a reality and a place at a time of development which little is written about. She did it an empathic and well researched manner.

Bitterly tragic, yet uplifting

What happened to victims of the White Slave Trade is unimaginable, yet it was good to see glimpses of growth, kindness and compassion. There were some mispronunciations, so the performance, while generally excellent distracted me at times

Important history—tragic and hopeful

I never knew this history of Jewish people and the Argentinian city of Buenos Aíres. This story has brought it to life—in a heroic and humble young girl, Batya.

Thought Provoking

I Enjoyed reading about Batya even though the subject matter is disturbing - human & sex trafficking.

Interesting point in history

The book can be a little difficult to get through at points, but the history in the book makes it worth reading some graphic detail in the story.

Pain

This was so difficult for me to get through- raising three daughters…I just can’t imagine this is the life that had to be lived. It’s what nightmares are made of

brilliant novel based on shocking truth

In a documentary, I saw a haunting clip of poor Jewish girls in the shtetl in bridal gowns being hoisted onto ships bound for foreign ports to be sold into white slavery. This carefully researched novel tells the story of how this happened to one 14 year old from Poland. unforgettable.

Wonderful book

enjoyed listening to this book. It tells you about the great suffering of the Jewish people. And about Batya a teenager who goes through so much pain and hardship. I was so engrossed listening to it that I felt I was part of the story it was like watching a movie. Hope I can listen to more such stories in the future. Just wonderful.

A serious subject given a tea cake makeover

The subject of Zwi Migdal (also known as Undzer Shitk, I’m told) is one seldom broached and less acknowledged but one that is deserving of serious study and analysis.
This book tells the story of one of its victims with a very light brush giving a watercolour vision of what must have been a living hell for those involved. It’s a well written romance novel that uses a horrible setting involving persecution of Jews byJews. 10/10 to the writer for broaching the subject. The weakness is not lack of talent. The Story is well read and one hopes that it might inspire others to look more deeply into this horrible period.