Take a photo of a barcode or cover
A review by sometimes_iread
The First Mrs. Rothschild by Yardenne Greenspan, Sara Aharoni
3.0
The First Mrs Rothschild by Sara Aharoni is a nice and quiet read about the original matriarch of the Rothschild banking dynasty. I don’t know much about the financial world, but even then, I had heard of the name Rothschild. It was only upon reading the book did I realize the sheer extent of this dynasty.
It is a familiar rags to riches story, where the ambitious and industrious father, supported by a loving wife, amasses fortune for his offspring, effectively pulling them out of poverty. However, what is lovely about this story is how Gutle and her husband, Meir, never forgot their roots. They remained modest and true to their morals, living in their home for the rest of their lives, despite being able to afford much more. This is especially so for Gutle, as she lived to a ripe old age of 95, yet never once straying from the simple life. Such contentment is rare in this day and age.
I like how Aharoni focuses on Gutle and her sphere of influence. Although the woman’s place is traditionally in the home, Aharoni shows is that in her own way, Gutle shaped the Rothschild dynasty as well. By being a supportive wife and guiding mother, she ensured that her offspring did not stray too far from their roots.
Personally, I felt that a lot of the events covered were rather touch and go, but I guess that’s only to be expected when trying to cram about eighty years of exciting history into a book. If possible, I would definitely like to read more about this interesting woman and her family. There would certainly be much to be learned from her.
It is a familiar rags to riches story, where the ambitious and industrious father, supported by a loving wife, amasses fortune for his offspring, effectively pulling them out of poverty. However, what is lovely about this story is how Gutle and her husband, Meir, never forgot their roots. They remained modest and true to their morals, living in their home for the rest of their lives, despite being able to afford much more. This is especially so for Gutle, as she lived to a ripe old age of 95, yet never once straying from the simple life. Such contentment is rare in this day and age.
I like how Aharoni focuses on Gutle and her sphere of influence. Although the woman’s place is traditionally in the home, Aharoni shows is that in her own way, Gutle shaped the Rothschild dynasty as well. By being a supportive wife and guiding mother, she ensured that her offspring did not stray too far from their roots.
Personally, I felt that a lot of the events covered were rather touch and go, but I guess that’s only to be expected when trying to cram about eighty years of exciting history into a book. If possible, I would definitely like to read more about this interesting woman and her family. There would certainly be much to be learned from her.