RACHEL NEWCOMBE's review:

A new publication based on an established work can make one wary as so often it detracts from the well-known original and proves to be disappointing. It was therefore a relief to discover that Pressler's Shylock's Daughter manages to effectively and masterfully use Shakespeare's background to provide a unique and intriguing new perspective in its own right. Set in the sixteenth century and utilizing some existing characters from "The Merchant of Venice", the book portrays life as seen by various characters in both Venice and a Jewish ghetto.

Although the prime concern is, as the title suggests, the daughter of Shylock the moneylender and her love for a non-Jew, Pressler adopts the technique of letting the primary characters speak for themselves. Not only does this effectively convey each of their varying opinions, but also allows the reader to gain an insight into the diverse lives and daily experiences of individuals. A range of pertinent issues, such as culture, race and religion, teenage frustrations, love, status and relationships, are dealt with throughout the story. Despite being set against a historical background, they manage to successfully remain as relevant to life in today's society as they clearly were then. The final "About the Book" section by Brian Murdoch (the translator) provides an interesting overview and discussion of the main issues explored and is a valuable addition to the text. Overall, "Shylock's Daughter" is a fascinating and compelling read. It will surely prove to be popular, and could perhaps be particularly useful if studied within an educational curriculum. As an added bonus, it is also likely to serve as a generator of interest in Shakespeare's "Merchant of Venice".