Books by Sylvie Weil

Simone Weil was one of the twentieth century's most original philosopher-critics, and as a result her legacy has been claimed by many. This memoir by Weil's niece is strong-willed and incisive and as close as we are likely to get to the real Simone Weil.

Taking her cue from self-portraits by women artists, Weil gives a playful twist to the concept of self-representation. Ranging from the 13th c. through the Renaissance to Frida Kahlo and Vivian Maier, each picture she describes acts as a portal to a significant moment from her own life, and sparks anecdotes tangentially touching on topical issues.

Tells the tale of Rashi's granddaughter, a young girl who defies her community to help a friend in need. In this sequel to My Guardian Angel, Sylvie Weil continues the story of Elvina, the 14-year-old granddaughter of Rashi, the famous 11th-century French Bible and Talmud commentator.

The streets are eerily empty and everyone in the Jewish community is terrified of Peter the Hermit. His men, the Crusaders, are moving through the town on their way to the Holy Land. They have been known to batter down doors and burn Jewish houses, all in the name of religion. This is not Nazi Germany but Troyes, France, in 1096, as seen through the eyes of funny, feisty, twelve-year-old Elvina.