The Jewel of Medina (English Edition)

A’isha bint Abi Bakr is the daughter of a rich merchant from Mecca in the harsh, exotic world of seventh-century Arabia at the time of the foundation of Islam. When she is married to the Prophet Mohammad at the age of nine, she must rely on her wits, her courage, and even her sword in a struggle to control her own destiny and carve out place for herself in the community, fighting religious persecution, jealous sister-wives, political rivals, and her own temptations. As she grows to love her kind, generous husband, her ingenuity and devotion make her an indispensable advisor to Muhammad. Ultimately, she becomes one of the most important women in Islam, and a fierce protector of her husband’s words and legacy.

Extensively researched and elegantly crafted, the Jewel of Medina evokes the beauty and harsh realities of life in an age long past, during a time of war, enlightenment and upheaval. At once a love story, a history lesson, and a coming-of-age tale, the Jewel of Medina introduces readers to the turmoil that surrounded the birth of the Islamic faith through the eyes of a truly unforgettable heroine.


"Aisha is the perfect heroine to lead us on a fascinating journey into seventh century Arabia. Her strength and wit help her through the difficulties she faces both inside Muhammad’s harem and also in the larger world of war and upheaval that she’s thrust into. The Jewel of Medina is an up-all-night, call-in-sick-to-work-the-next-day page-turner."
- Rebecca Kanner (author of Esther)