Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
I eat everything negative I ever said about dual timeline historical fiction. This is an amazing, enveloping novel.
My first historical fiction! Granted I was confused by many references, especially religious background due to my lack of knowledge. Though I thoroughly enjoyed being educated through this book and looking up some of the background information to be slightly better informed. I love the format of the parallel timeline to which different stories unfolded and how it corresponded each other. As an agnostic, I resonated so much with Ester’s view on religion, or maybe God. As to why is it that it or he is so intolerant of differences? Why use the name of one’s belief to sacrifice, rid of, and harm one another? I do, however, think the Rabbi is there perfect example of how one should behave and react in the name of God. To be introspective, to genuinely care of someone’s wellbeing without judgement, and to take responsibility and be accountable of one’s own action regardless of its right or wrong. Overall a great read that was introduced by my bookclub. Some of the references, the storylines I still had questions for, but I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Well loved by many, I felt the novels needed editing, the novel seemed to drag on and on. I really did not care for the characters either. However, the novel would be interesting to discuss.
Really interesting book covering two stories. One, a contemporary story where a collection of old writings are discovered in a modern home. And the second one is the story of the people who wrote those documents in the 17th century. It pertains Sephardic Jews of Amsterdam and London, making it especially interesting for those of us who come from that lineage. It has a bit of a slow metal part, but the beginning and the end are really good.
Took me a while to get into this book but once I did I wanted to stay up all night reading (necessary; it's huge). I love reading about Jewish history and this taught me a lot. The women characters are full of romance for themselves and for ideas, and though it's sad and full of longing you leave it feeling hopeful and satisfied.
Didn't like the characters, story just wasn't compelling
I gave up on this book twice before persevering and highly recommend everyone do the same. It may seem slow and arduous at first, with a lot of extraneous detail but the story gripped me from about the 1/3 mark. The 2 time periods and characters make for very interesting reading alongside the historical events of the past. The character development was what eventually drew me in but I stayed because of the interwoven history and extremely well crafted writing. An impressive and important read.
I considered bailing on this book and am so glad I didn’t, that I finished — fully invested in its outcome(s). The cross-centuries narratives have a slow start and then in a moment the back and forth discoveries and revelations propelled me with such intrigue, I stole moments to listen. I absolutely love this style of literary mystery: the unraveling and the reading of history to reveal the true story behind the words. This is an ambitious undertaking, to be sure and the ending was completely satisfying. I wholeheartedly recommend the book.