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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Oh, I hate giving one star reviews... For me, however, this book was painfully slow -- and I gave it some time before abandoning it altogether (something I hate doing as much as I hate giving one-star ratings).
The setup is compelling: Ancient manuscripts/letters discovered during a renovation on an old English home. A cranky British scholar who is asked to help safeguard the letters so they can be analyzed and saved for posterity, and a young American man who is called in to support her because of the languages he speaks (and for other reasons, which I won't share because they'd be spoilers).
I was intrigued by this book because of the summaries I read, as well as because of how the woman in the 1600s who was the author of many of the letters was a Portuguese Jew. I can only speak for myself when I say I've not seen many books (nor have I read any) that discuss what Judaism looked like specifically in London back then.
In the end, however, for all of the reviews that called this "a real page turner" and "riveting," the book was, unfortunately, neither for me. Far too slow, and even a bit repetitive, to keep my attention or desire to keep going after the few chapters I tried.
The setup is compelling: Ancient manuscripts/letters discovered during a renovation on an old English home. A cranky British scholar who is asked to help safeguard the letters so they can be analyzed and saved for posterity, and a young American man who is called in to support her because of the languages he speaks (and for other reasons, which I won't share because they'd be spoilers).
I was intrigued by this book because of the summaries I read, as well as because of how the woman in the 1600s who was the author of many of the letters was a Portuguese Jew. I can only speak for myself when I say I've not seen many books (nor have I read any) that discuss what Judaism looked like specifically in London back then.
In the end, however, for all of the reviews that called this "a real page turner" and "riveting," the book was, unfortunately, neither for me. Far too slow, and even a bit repetitive, to keep my attention or desire to keep going after the few chapters I tried.
Fascinating historical fiction about Jews that escaped the Inquisition and tried to set up a Jewish community in London. Loved reading about Esther, the scribe of a blind Rabbi who is tormented by the fact that women are not supposed to crave learning and truth and knowledge. Also a great modern day subplot about the scholar to find Esther's documents.
I think had I read this at a less crazy time of my life (I started it post-Christmas when my FIL had just begun staying with us due to ill health) this could have been a 5 star read. I had to leave this several times as the words were overwhelming. But now having finished it I want to go back and reread it! There is quite a story buried in here. My favorite thing "Life is muddy. Denying that--thinking there's only one noble path above the fray--can be a poisonous approach to life."
Intriguing story. Great character development. I loved it!
An absolutely beautiful story. Engaging, thought provoking, challenging; a great story, and an education in one. It requires commitment and thought, it’s not a light, summer read, but so worth the effort!
A beautiful work of historical fiction that weaves history, Judaism, philosophy and feminism into one compelling narrative. I loved Ester and even Helen and Aaron. The jumps between times didn’t feel frustrating and contrived as they often do with this style of writing. This is a longer read, but well worth the investment.
challenging
dark
hopeful
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
While a good read for those of us with an interest in 17th Century history, Shakespeare, Spinoza, and the challenges of women getting heard in every era - and who isn’t interested in those things? - it may be a bit long and for those with less patience and interest in such things. A good expression of the idea that life and love are intertwined and primal universal forces.