This is predominantly a story of oppression. As a Jewish women, Esther suffers the oppression all Jews were subjected to by Rome but also the oppression all women were subjected to by men. But it is also a story about family and survival.

As I read, it was clear how much research went into it. I have always been interested in Ancient Rome (thanks to high school Latin class) and have read quite a bit of historical fiction set in Rome so it's interesting to see it from a non-Roman perspective. The Author's note reveals that Esther and several other characters were real people and I thought Kaufmann did a wonderful job bringing them to life with seemingly little to go on. This is a great debut overall and I'll definitely be reading more by the author.

Rebel Daughter is being marketed as a YA book but I don't necessarily agree with that. The being said, I think lovers are adult or YA historical fiction will enjoy this.

Thanks so much to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc!