The book presents an historical, non-fictional autobiography of Gluckel of Hameln as a Jewish mother and successful businesswoman. She bears fourteen children and raises twelve from infancy through betrothal and marriage in adulthood and even endures the death of some. Gluckel is a faithful and fully God-fearing seventeenth century traditional woman who sets the gold standard for contemporary feminism. Gluckel is a world-traveler and successful global entrepreneur. She helps her husband start and run a gold, precious stones and money-lending business in Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, Denmark and France. When he dies she takes over the business while she raises his children to become successful businessmen, merchants and scholars. Gluckel's second husband is the foremost banker of Lorraine, as rich and well-connected as she is, but apparently lacking her deep-seated sense of faith and peace.