A traditional family saga; the narrative reminded me of an Edna Ferber or Belva Plain novel. The storyline will ring true for many descendants of JewsA traditional family saga; the narrative reminded me of an Edna Ferber or Belva Plain novel. The storyline will ring true for many descendants of Jews who escaped the pogroms and persecution of Eastern Europe in the early 1900's. Whether they immigrated to the United States, England—or in my case—Argentina, Mosco's insightful novel is evocative of the era. Readers are introduced to many characters right off the bat—almost too many—however, I eventually resonated with Sarah. She reminded me of the women in my family, women who will pillars of strength and courage. I saw the story unfold through Sarah's experience, through her heartache, hopes and fears. In today's world, where we are used to a different writing style—a different pace or depth—some may find this novel to be old-fashioned or trite. Not so for me. I thought it was a gem and am grateful I found it!...more
I'm rounding this up from a 4 to a 5 because I have to be honest. I was totally engaged throughout the entire novel. I knew full well that this was fiI'm rounding this up from a 4 to a 5 because I have to be honest. I was totally engaged throughout the entire novel. I knew full well that this was fiction; but towards the last quarter of the book, I began to feel it leaned more towards the fantastical. Even if I bought into the storyline, I couldn't completely suspend my belief and accept that the heroine was able to escape the many harrowing challenges she faced. Hence the original "4-star review." However, the author spins a good tale, weaving in historical facts and genealogy along with a Jewish storyline that caused me to pick up the book in the first place. As an independent author of Jewish historical fiction and clean romance, I was gratified by the introduction of these well-rounded, Jewish characters. The author portrayed a realistic view of shtetl life in the Pale of Settlement, but it didn't feel stereotypical. Rackham spoke of both Jewish and Christian faiths, rituals and traditions in a respectful and balanced manner. I thought she gave a fair depiction of the Romanovs and the nobility at large—she didn't whitewash or romanticize Nicholas' reign. There are touches of magical realism, but these scenes are intertwined with dark dreams and fitful memories. That was well done. Each chapter begins with a eye-opening quote. I applaud the author for including Lenin and Marx; for more often than not, modern society doesn't have a clear understanding of what these men truly stood for. Although the story is fiction, the horrors caused by Socialism and Communism are very real. I might have had difficulty believing a scene or some dialogue spoken by the main protagonist, but there is no question that I took Lenin and Marx for their word. There's no "spinning" evil. Again, I applaud the author for having the courage of shedding light on that truth....more
"Shavlan: A Woman's Journey to Independence" brings us a fictionalized narrative of Sarah Taube's life, a woman who survives treacherous and turbulent"Shavlan: A Woman's Journey to Independence" brings us a fictionalized narrative of Sarah Taube's life, a woman who survives treacherous and turbulent times during the downfall of Imperial Russia and beyond. The experiences of this family speaks volumes of the human condition, the vulnerability, the fragility, and the strength to survive. In my opinion, what occurred to the Jews of Lithuania and throughout the Russian empire is not sufficiently addressed in Jewish historical fiction. This time period is overlooked by the horrors of the Inquisition and the enormity of the Holocaust. It is crucial to understand the scope of the history, the geography and the impact of what took place throughout Eastern Europe, and to never forget the courage and the fortitude of our ancestors who lived to see a new day. Congratulations to the author for bringing this story to light and honoring her ancestors. ...more
A saga beginning in Imperial Russia 1913, followed by immigration to the Goldene Medina, and culminating in the WWII era. The pogroms and persecution A saga beginning in Imperial Russia 1913, followed by immigration to the Goldene Medina, and culminating in the WWII era. The pogroms and persecution are not the focus; and later in the story, Hitler and the Nazis are mentioned only in passing. This is not a criticism, just a comment.
I found the storyline to be too predictable in some aspects and there were too many "coincidences" to make it truly believable. I had a difficult time engaging with Sure (Sarah), although I could definitely relate to her maternal instincts. Bit of a spoiler..... I couldn't help but visualize Barbra Streisand in "Funny Girl" when Sarah lands a job in the Follies and begins dating a rich gentile.
On a side note, the terms "Mutti" and "Vati" continued to throw me off through the entire novel...just not what I'm used to seeing for "Mama" and "Papa"in my Russian Jewish family. Lastly, I was greatly confused when I saw the word "seder" utilized when the author was describing a Friday night Shabbes meal. I know, I know...nitpicking.
There were some redeeming and poignant moments; but mostly, I was left feeling sorry for many of the characters. Sorry for what was lost, sorry for what could not be saved....more
“The Sisters of the Winter Wood,” by Rena Rossner, unfolds in alternating chapters corresponding to the girls’ intrinsic personalities. Liba’s point o“The Sisters of the Winter Wood,” by Rena Rossner, unfolds in alternating chapters corresponding to the girls’ intrinsic personalities. Liba’s point of view is related in a straightforward and traditional format; Laya’s are in verse form. Set in Imperial Russia, the family lives in the outskirts of Dubossary, a Moldovan village on the border with Ukraine. The inspired cover art brought to mind, “The Song of Ice and Fire” for you fans of George R. R. Martin. Rossner’s story is a retelling—a fan fiction, if you will—that pulls inspiration from many sources, including Jewish mythology and actual events that took place prior to the 1903 Kishinev pogrom. Fables and folktales, so rich in Slavic culture, easily influenced superstitious peasants and villagers who sought someone to blame for their plight and poverty. Because I am aware of what took place in the very real Dubossary, I was able to appreciate the imagery and fantasy the author utilized in this work.
There is history and culture here; mixed with a sort of Brothers Grimm dark narrative of goblins, shape shifters, and two confused teenage girls who are left alone to deal with things that go bump in the night. In addition, the author concentrates not only on the heightened tensions between Jews and non-Jews, but also between the Chassidim and their counterparts. I was uncomfortable with this particularly bitter portrayal. I kept thinking this is 'a shande fur die goyim.' Which reminds me: the author generously sprinkles Russian, Yiddish and Hebrew throughout the book. Although a divided glossary is provided, the reader will have to know how to discern in between languages.
“The Sisters of the Winter Wood” is dark and violent. How could it not be? The pogroms that devastated the Jewish community prior to the Russian Revolution were the impetus for the mass exodus out of Eastern Europe But, like most fairy tales, there are lessons to be learned and glimmers of truth. By combing magical realism and Jewish history, Rossner paints a vivid picture in keeping with the genre. Fairy tales have always been based on conflict and the human need to find how we fit in the world. Some of scenes made me uncomfortable and the occasional use of modern-day verbiage made me cringe, but the author is successful in making her point. The power of transformation, of community, and of ancestral stories of valor and faith make a powerful statement. People become what they need to be in times of great need. I find that I must give the story a five-star rating and applaud the author for this impressive accomplishment to honor her ancestors and remember their history. ...more
The author states in her foreword that this novel is a re-creation of her family's history..."a distillation of the characters and of the period throuThe author states in her foreword that this novel is a re-creation of her family's history..."a distillation of the characters and of the period through my own eyes, and written with poetic license." This is a sweeping saga of a Jewish aristocratic family in Imperial Russia. I was reminded of "Doctor Zhivago" and "Kurt Seyit and Sura," two films set in the same era as this novel. "The Four Winds of Heaven" shares the same depth and feeling, with the added attraction—for me, anyway—of the Jewish perspective. Monique Raphel High, granddaughter of Sonia de Gunzburg, has done a remarkable job in bringing us the story of her ancestors and in describing the beauty of the era, as well as, the horrors. Heart-wrenching romance and tragedies, so typical of Russian classics, kept me glued to the page. I applaud the author for providing another view of Russian Jews. "Fiddler on the Roof" is so ingrained in our minds, it seems that we can only visualize Teyve and the people of Anatevka. We forget that Jews of the upper echelons of society rubbed elbows with European and Russian nobility. We forget of the trials and tribulations of the Rothschilds, the Brodskys, the Gunzburgs, and many others. This is not light reading. This novel speaks volumes of the human condition, the vulnerability, the fragility, and the strength to fight and to survive....more
I was quite pleased upon completing my first novel, "Becoming Malka," however; it wasn't too long before readers began asking an intriguing question: I was quite pleased upon completing my first novel, "Becoming Malka," however; it wasn't too long before readers began asking an intriguing question: What ends up happening to the Abramovitz family? I had thought my work was done! By the end of the novel, Molly Abramovitz was "well on her way to becoming Malka." That being said, my readers' question could not go unanswered and I set out to write the continuation of my story. We know that the Abramovitz Manufacturing Company is heralded throughout Mother Russia and as the daughter of an Honorary Citizen and a member of the First Merchants Guild, Leah Abramovitz has every reason to hope for an illustrious future and a brilliant match. However, when faced with alarming changes in Odessan society, the family chart a course across land and sea to start a new life in Argentina. Full of ire, Leah resents the loss of her family home, her brothers’ tyrannical mandates, and worse yet, the complete and utter disregard of her own aspirations. The new question becomes: Will Leah’s dreams be washed away on the shores of Buenos Aires or will she ultimately achieve the freedom to design her own destiny?
By now, you have picked up on the fact that I am passionate about Judaic history and genealogy, in addition to being an avid enthusiast for all things Period fiction—you now have an inkling for my 'scribbling' style. Mark Twain instructed would-be authors to, “write what you know.” Another aphorism encourages, “write the book you would like to read”—a nod to the growing trend of fan fiction, particularly noteworthy among Janeites (fans of Jane Austen). Isabel Allende urges authors to, “write what should not be forgotten.” I have written about what I know: Jewish Argentina. I have written a book I would like to read: A Jane Austen-inspired novel with Jewish characters. I have written that which should not be forgotten: In 1891, Baron Maurice Hirsch helped save the lives of countless, Eastern European Jews (including my ancestors) by establishing the Jewish Colonization Association. The “Moses of the Americas” worked in conjunction with the Argentine government and in doing so; he helped to create the second largest Jewish community outside of the United States.
You might say that I have hijacked Miss Austen’s characterizations in fashioning Leah and Mr. Bloomenthal’s roles. You might say this is a lightweight read, at best, with no real Judaic content to speak of. I humbly offer another point of view. Leah Abramovitz and Ernst Bloomenthal find themselves as strangers in a new land. At the cusp of a new era and with the backdrop of Argentina’s World Exposition, they are challenged to defy previously held perceptions and sensitivities. More importantly, they are challenged to question their own weaknesses and society’s failings. That is more than fan fiction, dear reader—that is quintessentially Jewish. I do so hope that you enjoy the read!...more
The Promised Land covers a wide range of topics and genres...all of my favorites rolled up into one. Shtetl life, Immigrants, Mysticism, Pioneers, FroThe Promised Land covers a wide range of topics and genres...all of my favorites rolled up into one. Shtetl life, Immigrants, Mysticism, Pioneers, Frontier History...Crazy! But I liked it. The concept of Divine Providence plays a central role and I find that I've been drawn to that theme for quite some time now. Chana and Yitzhak, the two main characters, struggle with this concept, each in their own, unique way—and each with a different voice. The author shifts the point of view with each chapter; Chana is written in the first person and Yitzhak in the third. This style was surprising at first, but I got used to it quickly and found that it added an interesting dimension to the novel. I applaud the author for writing characters and experiences without worrying about being politically correct. All in all, I enjoyed the novel; it was tragic, honest, thought-provoking, and essentially spoke of the human experience of trying to be at peace with God's will....more
Not my typical sort of novel, but once I got through the muck and the mire, not to mention the military action, I was rewarded with the essence of theNot my typical sort of novel, but once I got through the muck and the mire, not to mention the military action, I was rewarded with the essence of the story which was what attracted me to the book in the first place. Although I hated the ending, the story did afford me a look into the life of a Jewish man in the Tsar's army. The main character's inner battles were heart wrenching and poignant. How he reconciles his love of family and religion with his supreme sense of survival and self growth was illuminating. Again, not my typical, period read, but a good read none the less....more
Loading...
