Reviews

Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska

jnjones's review against another edition

dark emotional sad fast-paced

3.5

beejb's review against another edition

challenging emotional reflective sad fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

612daphneh_'s review against another edition

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I quite liked this book. The characters were easy to understand, the language clear, and the story compelling. As someone who also feels conflicted between my passions and my desire to find love, I resonate with Sara's contradicting emotions a lot. As for the ending, what an... ambiguous but also sad ending! It is as if Sara were confined forever to trapped in the burden she feels to provide for her father. In many ways, she exemplifies the immigrant struggle of moving on from past cultural values but not being able to fully let go. I firmly believe that Hugo's presence will both balance out Sara's experience reliving her childhood nightmare and teach her a new form of appreciation for the past. 

shhchar's review against another edition

5.0

Picked this up at the Tenement Museum in NYC and tore through it. The plight of women is truly timeless and for this to have been refused its initial reprint is a shame, one that I'm glad has been remedied. Want to read more from Yezierska and revisit this novel later in life too.

brightspark117's review against another edition

emotional informative sad slow-paced

• Loveable characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.5

jennifer64's review against another edition

emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.5

towering_tbr's review against another edition

4.0

This was a really insightful look into traditional gender roles and family life in the early 1900s. I really grew to love the protagonist Sara and her journey to fight for independence. The ending was a bit lackluster to me which dropped it a star. If you liked A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith, I think you would like this book.

pen_the_sil_ea's review against another edition

reflective tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

life2great's review against another edition

5.0

A peek into days gone by

Beautifully written, a story of the immigrant experience. Written decades ago and just as relevant as if it were written today.

snailofdoom's review against another edition

4.0

Had to read this for school but was pleasantly surprised at this novel. About immigrant life in America back in 1890s, specifically around a jewish girl and her family in the lower east side.
Has heavy themes of female empowerment and how being a woman and being educated especially during this time is extremely important/ how it could be used as a way to open many doors for yourself.
Good read, recommend