The Agunah

A deeply affecting parable of law, mercy, and communal judgment centered on one woman's fate in interwar Vilna—from the acclaimed author of Sons and Daughters, hailed by the New York Times as one of the ten best works of historical fiction of 2025

“I am an agunah, rabbi, an agunah. For more than fifteen years I’ve waited for my husband to come back from the war. But he has not come and I cannot wait any longer . . . ”

Merl Tswilling has been married only a year when her husband is drafted into the army at the start of World War I and disappears without a trace. Years pass, the war ends, and still there is no word. Under Jewish law, Merl, once "carefree and gay," becomes an agunah—an “anchored woman,” bound to a missing husband and barred from beginning a new life. When she at last searches for permission to remarry, after fifteen years of waiting, her private anguish is thrust into the public spotlight.

The case of the agunah sparks a conflict between two unforgettable rabbinic figures: Reb David Zelver, a young and independent-minded rabbi who believes the law must make room for mercy; and Reb Levi Hurvitz, his formidable rival, for whom strict adherence is the highest form of justice. Around Merl gathers a volatile cast of neighbors, suitors, gossips, and opportunists, eager to debate, advise, condemn, and intervene, as her case spreads from house to house and shul to shul.

Reissued after five decades with an illuminating new introduction by Rachel Kadish, The Agunah stands as one of Chaim Grade’s most intimate and devastating works. In the seamstress Merl Tswilling, he has given us a literary heroine of the likes of Hester Prynne—a woman whose private life becomes the moral testing ground of an entire community.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs