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4.12 AVERAGE
4.12 AVERAGE
I think I would have liked this more if I knew more about the Jewish culture during the time period this book is set. My ignorance of the subject made it difficult to understand one of the main conflicts, that of Spinoza and the Rabbi Hacoen Mendes. The book is well written and tells an engaging story, although it moves a bit slowly. Ester is an interesting protagonist, although I didn't connect to her and frankly felt she was somewhat unlikable. I did not understand her motivations or how her background led her to make some of the choices she made. On the whole, I think this book is one that the reader would discover new details and deeper layers of meaning upon re-reading.
challenging
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
Just couldn't get into it,though the topic had sounded intriguing.
challenging
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Antisemitism, Pregnancy
A very dense, four-month journey that started agonizingly slow, but eventually blossomed into a brilliant historical fiction intertwining narratives over two time periods, whose deep and genuine characters carried a philosophically-rich story.
emotional
reflective
sad
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
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated