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A review by sandiet
People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
4.0
Using the backdrop of a very still fragile Sarajevo in 1996, Brooks introduces us to Hanna Heath, a rare book expert. Hanna has been called in to determine and conserve the authenticity of a magnificent discovery pulled from the ruins of the city. The Sarajevo Haggadah is an illuminated Hebrew manuscript created in 15th century Muslim ruled medieval Spain. The Haggadah was saved by Muslim librarian Ozren Karaman and he and Hanna establish an uneasy personal and working relationship. Hanna has to work under intense security and while she bristles at the restrictions, the restoration of the book and the history that is revealed in the process make it all worthwhile. We the readers are taken on an historical voyage across 5 centuries as we discover how a wine stain, salt crystals, a wing fragment, a white hair and a missing clasp tell the story of the travels of the Haggadah and the “people of the book”.
Told in reverse chronological order and alternating chapters between the present and the past, anti-Semitism and women’s struggle for independence play a crucial role in the telling of this story. The Haggadah brings together Muslims, Christians and Jews as they all recognize the beauty and significance of the manuscript and try to make sure it is kept out of harm’s way.
Inspired by the true story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, People of the Book is an historical work that deserves more than one read because it tells so many stories... it’s a history lesson, a mystery and a love story all wrapped up in one. Although the story tended to drag at times I found this to be a very insightful and interesting book that was well worth the read.
More info on the Sarajevo Haggadah can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarajevo_Haggadah
Told in reverse chronological order and alternating chapters between the present and the past, anti-Semitism and women’s struggle for independence play a crucial role in the telling of this story. The Haggadah brings together Muslims, Christians and Jews as they all recognize the beauty and significance of the manuscript and try to make sure it is kept out of harm’s way.
Inspired by the true story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, People of the Book is an historical work that deserves more than one read because it tells so many stories... it’s a history lesson, a mystery and a love story all wrapped up in one. Although the story tended to drag at times I found this to be a very insightful and interesting book that was well worth the read.
More info on the Sarajevo Haggadah can be found here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sarajevo_Haggadah