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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
Beautifully written mutli-perspective story. Absolute joy to read.
The book consists of two major plots, both are so breathtakingly interesting it is impossible to stop or to put the book aside. Two heroines move in some strange parallel four hundreds years apart and tell a story, reveal the history of people, history of Jews.
I cannot be objective judging these stories, because at some point of my life I have experienced some measure of it all: the awfulness of being addressed "you, the Jewess", the heated discussion of rabbis and the scorching sun at Masada. Dror, Aharon, and even Helen - they all are recognizable among my friends and neighbours. Therefore for me this is not only an enthralling story, it is a personal one.
I cannot be objective judging these stories, because at some point of my life I have experienced some measure of it all: the awfulness of being addressed "you, the Jewess", the heated discussion of rabbis and the scorching sun at Masada. Dror, Aharon, and even Helen - they all are recognizable among my friends and neighbours. Therefore for me this is not only an enthralling story, it is a personal one.
I love a book focused on scholarship and the intellectual. A story to show how literacy and education can open up so many roads to joy and purpose for anyone with the opportunity. Ester, Helen, the Patricia's and some of the minor characters portray great female fortitude and intelligence. The philosophical theme in the historical correspondence was enlightening. I don't recall knowing much of Spinoza, but will research further.
Despite the differing storylines and the many characters, I never felt drawn into the story. I didn't care about Ester or Aaron. The only one I liked was the rabbi. The background was interesting, but the writing kept me distant.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Chronic illness, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Religious bigotry, Fire/Fire injury
Beautiful story. Sad, but beautiful. The characters are the most developed I've read in a while. Each is unique and felt real. I felt like I was transported to London in that century, the author did a great job with the details of the city and the history occurring (the plague, etc). I was equally committed to both the modern stories and characters as I was to the historic ones. It's a non conventional romance, but also a mystery ... about historical documents.
Really, really interesting historical fiction. The technique of telling the tale in two different time periods is cheating a little, but does not take away from the achievement of this work. It read even better the second time around. (I listened the first 1.5 times, but read the last 300 pages or so the second time through.)
This is a really good fit for SJCS
This is a really good fit for SJCS
Nice story of 1600s Jewish woman who wanted to learn and somehow scribed for a rabbi, and early 21st century professor and PhD student working on some papers she scribed that have been discovered.
Possibly one of the best books I’ve read this year. The historical story of the Portuguese Jewish refugees in Amsterdam and London is not one I was familiar with. But it was fascinating. The author did an amazing job of weaving history, plot, and incredible characters. It took awhile to get into it, but once I got into it I was hooked!
I am reading this book for a very enjoyable class, however the book suffers when compared to others like [b:Possession|41219|Possession|A.S. Byatt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1391124124l/41219._SY75_.jpg|2246190] and [b:Year of Wonders|4965|Year of Wonders|Geraldine Brooks|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1651171905l/4965._SY75_.jpg|3211895]. I expected greater depth into the natural philosophers and the evolution of thinking. These philosophical and religious ideas are merely a vehicle for delivering the story of 20th century scholars discovering original source material from the sixteen century. I did enjoy the opportunity to immerse myself in the Jewish history of Restoration England and once I found the author's intent, I was able to settle into the story and enjoy it for what it was.