A review by ehomant
Shmutz by Felicia Berliner

emotional funny reflective medium-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

4.0

the unique premise of this book is what initially drew me in, but Raizl’s compelling narrative voice is what made me stay! this is a really complex, compassionate account of a young woman’s journey of self-discovery while in a very conservative religious community, and even though our circumstances are very different, I related to many parts of Raizl’s story. rather than portraying her Hasidic community as oppressive, the author provides a much more nuanced view of the meaning of community and faith.