This interdisciplinary commentary ranges from early midrashic interpretation to contemporary rewritings introducing interpretations of the only biblical book not to mention God. * Unearths a wealth of neglected rewritings inspired by the story's relevance to themes of nationhood, rebellion, providence, revenge, female heroism, Jewish identity, exile, genocide and 'multiculturalism' * Reveals the various struggles and strategies used by religious commentators to make sense of this only biblical book that does not mention God * Asks why Esther is underestimated by contemporary feminist scholars despite a long history of subversive rewritings * Compares the most influential Jewish and Christian interpretations and interpreters * Includes an introduction to the book's myriad representations in literature, music, and art * Published in the reception-history series, Blackwell Bible Commentaries