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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
An interesting story and vivid descriptions of 17th century London. A little long and slow in parts.
i think that a comparison to Possession by AS Byatt gave me unrealistic expectations about this book. First I have to say I listened to it rather than read it, so I am aware that my reactions are very much influenced by the narrator. Those who read it may feel differently.
This book was appealing in that it addresses a part of history with which I am unfamiliar. Unfortunately, the author only gave me nominal insights into the story of the Jews who fled to London after the Inquisition. She was very big on long flowery phrases and rather cliche characters and very much lacking in a meaty depiction of who, what, where, how, and why.
The story line set in the present is full of happy coincidence and shallow people whose motives are neither fully explained or satisfyingly explored.
The story line set in the past is big on references to philosophers and people and places and events without taking the time to really place Esther in such a way that her role in all of this is intriguing and/or believable.
It was engaging enough to stick it out to the end, but I have to admit I wish the end had come sooner.
This book was appealing in that it addresses a part of history with which I am unfamiliar. Unfortunately, the author only gave me nominal insights into the story of the Jews who fled to London after the Inquisition. She was very big on long flowery phrases and rather cliche characters and very much lacking in a meaty depiction of who, what, where, how, and why.
The story line set in the present is full of happy coincidence and shallow people whose motives are neither fully explained or satisfyingly explored.
The story line set in the past is big on references to philosophers and people and places and events without taking the time to really place Esther in such a way that her role in all of this is intriguing and/or believable.
It was engaging enough to stick it out to the end, but I have to admit I wish the end had come sooner.
This is a densely written book that needs to be savoured now that it’s done—it’s a dual timeline tale that merits revisiting. I learned a lot about the stifled lives of Portuguese Jews and Jewesses who emigrated to London during the mid to late 1600’s. I also learned a lot about the cut throat competitive world of modern academia. 4+ stars!
DNF at 30%. Objectively, this is a good book, it was just too much philosophy for me. If you enjoy philosophy, I'm sure you'd like it.
This is a perfect book to read in long blocks of time, maybe during the winter when the days are short and there's more time to cozy up with a long and engaging story. I read the first half of the book in fits and starts -- 5 minutes here, 5 minutes there. This detracted a bit from my personal experience, but even in those brief snippets I could tell I was reading something heavy and meaningful.
Everything I try to write in my review sounds trite, so I'm going to stop trying. This is a book I hope to re-read one day when I can linger in the pages and really savor the prose, the storylines, and the history.
Everything I try to write in my review sounds trite, so I'm going to stop trying. This is a book I hope to re-read one day when I can linger in the pages and really savor the prose, the storylines, and the history.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
An aging British academic who focuses on history at the expense of the living around her. A lost American grad student. And the 1660s Jewish scribe that they are researching… who turns out to be a woman. Where does womanhood fit in the balance between intellectual pursuits and the duty to serve as wife and mother? And what role does fear play in shaping our experience?
Best line: “People go thru life trying to please some audience. But once you realize there’s no audience, life is simple. It’s just doing what you know in your gut is right.”
England expelled all its Jews in the 1200s, but in the 1650-60s some Jews returned, trying to re-establish themselves in London after fleeing the Inquisitions of Spain and Portugal. Set on a backdrop of 1660s London, ravaged by the Plague and The Great Fire.
Best line: “People go thru life trying to please some audience. But once you realize there’s no audience, life is simple. It’s just doing what you know in your gut is right.”
England expelled all its Jews in the 1200s, but in the 1650-60s some Jews returned, trying to re-establish themselves in London after fleeing the Inquisitions of Spain and Portugal. Set on a backdrop of 1660s London, ravaged by the Plague and The Great Fire.
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Rachel Kadish is a philosopher as much as a novelist. She's created a fascinating set of characters and a compelling tale, I believe, as a way of bringing up some very heady questions about the meaning of life, and the courage it takes to live it in truth. This is why I read. Brava!