...At its heart, "Celestial Persuasion" is a deftly developed romance between two equally matched people caught up in a whirlwind of Editorial Review:
...At its heart, "Celestial Persuasion" is a deftly developed romance between two equally matched people caught up in a whirlwind of longing, loss, and the possibility of enduring love.
Mirta Ines Trupp has brought the past to life in her story-telling, her wide knowledge of history, and her genuine wish to connect with an earlier, similarly gifted woman and wordsmith.~ Feathered Quill Book Awards and Reviews...more
EDITORIAL REVIEW WRITTEN BY J.A.F.F.- Jane Austen Book Awards
Flurry and panic of an imminent double wedding at the Bennet household is apparent througEDITORIAL REVIEW WRITTEN BY J.A.F.F.- Jane Austen Book Awards
Flurry and panic of an imminent double wedding at the Bennet household is apparent throughout this novel. Essentially it's a "mid-themed" Pride & Prejudice Variation. While the Bennet family, Mr Charles Bingley, and Mr Fitzwilliam Darcy provide a familial feel to this novel, Rabbi Meyerson and his family bring to light a Jewish community within Meryton. Mrs Bennet and her daughters unfamiliar with the Jewish faith are as intrigued as they are baffled by it. With alacrity Miss Mary Bennet embraces the mayhem all around, rather pleased her many seeming faults are less noticeable.
In the meanwhile Mr Bennet discovers he and the Rabbi have a deal in common. Their covert observations, however, are not without risk. Unfortunately the pickle the two elders fall into requires an intrepid hero. Mr Darcy is therefore the man of the moment, and Mr Wickham is involved in the dark mix.
The novel has amusing asides and a literary touch to the prose. For the uninitiated there is a great deal of enlightenment to the Jewish faith in all its facets, and the Jane Austen Award is hereby granted to Mirta Ines Trupp for "The Meyersons of Meryton."...more
I read this ages ago. I'd need to peruse it again before writing a review but, I do remember enjoying the book!I read this ages ago. I'd need to peruse it again before writing a review but, I do remember enjoying the book!...more
Marcia Fine has written a resplendent novel, an heirloom for those of Sephardic ancestry, as well as a thought-provoking read for all who are eager toMarcia Fine has written a resplendent novel, an heirloom for those of Sephardic ancestry, as well as a thought-provoking read for all who are eager to benefit from the author’s extensive research. While there are innumerable accounts that speak of the mass exodus of Eastern European Jews escaping to the ‘goldene medina’—The United States of America—this book provides much insight into another, equally fascinating experience, that is to say: the migration of Sephardic Jews to the New World. Fine admits, “When I began my Sephardic journey, I was not aware there was an Inquisition in Mexico. Apparently others weren’t either.” Unfortunately, I am not surprised by this statement. As a second (and third) generation Argentine Jew, I have spent my entire life explaining why I have freckles and blue eyes, speak Spanish and celebrate Jewish holidays.
When the Spanish throne divided its colonies into viceroyalties, Mexico was part of New Spain. Later, Buenos Aires would be named the capital of the viceroyalty known as Rio de la Plata. This novel points to the impetus of how and why crypto-Jews (Conversos) came to live in North and South America. Their forced conversion to Catholicism and audacious escape from the Iberian Peninsula didn’t prove to be an impediment to the long, greedy—vicious—arm of the Spanish inquisitors. These brave families did not only reach the shores of Mexico, in fact; they traveled even further south to Argentina. This was no coincidence—the seat of the South American Inquisition was in Lima, Peru. Trying to escape the fury and zeal of the Catholic Church, it is a known fact that many crypto-Jews settled as far away as physically possible. The Inquisition continued its reign of terror through 1813, when it was finally, “officially” abolished. I know from my own research that it took another twelve years before Argentina granted freedom of religion to followers of all faiths, but it wasn’t until decades later that my native country put this decree into action.
Marcia Fine’s novel weaves a delicate ribbon of longing and trepidation that represents the fervent plea of our wandering forbearers: “We must survive!” How could they (we) do otherwise? Parashat Nitzavim contains the famous commandment to choose life: “I have put before you life and death, blessing and curse—therefore choose life!” The novel is written in a new and unique format; the author does not use quotation marks, as she believes it interrupts the flow. Celendaria, a young girl, coming-of-age, narrates the tale in the First-Person, as does her intrepid grandmother, Clara, in alternating chapters. The author paints a vivid picture of the passionate emotions connected with cultural traditions, faith and family, and the endeavor to create a better tomorrow for our children.
Our ancestors are more than just grainy, black and white photographs that we store away in a drawer or hang upon our walls. They were flesh and blood, with tremendous stories of passion, accomplishments, tragedies and loss. I congratulate Ms. Fine, for honoring these brave souls with Hidden Ones: A Veil of Memories. The novel is a must read—this story must be known. As the author states, Judaism is a faith of remembrance. We are commanded to teach our children and to encourage respect for those who passed before us. In every generation…L’dor v’dor....more
This is an intriguing narrative which depicts 17th century history—everything from Cromwell, to Rembrandt and Spinoza—while following the adventures, This is an intriguing narrative which depicts 17th century history—everything from Cromwell, to Rembrandt and Spinoza—while following the adventures, trials and tribulations of Susannah Worthington Lopez, a 15 year old daughter of a royal, English courtier.The history of the Jewish community in Europe, from the expulsion of Spain and Portugal to the English civil war is fascinating and is a subject that should be brought to light. The author weaves in key players of the Golden Era in a most creative fashion and is generous with her elucidation of Judaic practices and rituals....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
The Last Woman Standing: A Novel by Thelma Adams has over two thousand reviews on Amazon, a fact that garners my admiration to the author for elicitinThe Last Woman Standing: A Novel by Thelma Adams has over two thousand reviews on Amazon, a fact that garners my admiration to the author for eliciting such passion. Were I so fortunate has to collect anywhere NEAR as many reviews for my historical fiction, I would be positively elated- even if numerous patrons criticized the work or harangued my research. As the book’s title states, Adams has presented a novel; it is as work of historical fiction based on the life of Josephine Sarah Marcus. As a fiction, it is of course, a romanticized version of actual facts. It is the author’s right to use creative license in presenting her interpretation; I don’t understand the opposition, the condemnation, of the author’s work based on what Wikipedia or Google suggests as truth. My attraction to this novel was based on my interests in Jewish protagonists in “period dramas” and my curiosity of pioneer or frontier women. I had a somewhat “Hollywood” understanding of what occurred at the O.K Corral and needless to say; those portions of the book where the author details the orchestrated movements of villains and heroes, were skimmed over with a blasé eye. I did, however, find the politics interesting. I didn’t remember or I didn’t know that the antagonists of the story- the bad cowboys- were “Confederate Democrats” and that the Earp brothers were “Lincoln Republicans.” That bit of information helped make some sense of the contention between the opposing parties. Having said all that, I return to my main interest- the Jewish protagonist in a period drama.
Josephine- or Sadie, as she was also known- was not my “typical” heroine by any means. This book presents a teenage, Victorian-era, girl coming of age within the constraints of a religious, Jewish, immigrant home. She is portrayed as rebellious and adventurous; the content of the book clearly defines the work as NOT a Clean Read, but given the context of a young woman, sheltered and over protected, I overlooked the cringe-worthy sexual coming-of-age aspect. The family is said to be Prussian; her mother is a devout Jew, her father appears to be less so, assimilated- working on Shabbat, but culturally identifying with his faith. There is a nod to the hierarchy within the immigrant Jewish community with comments regarding the German Jews looking down upon the poileshe (Polish and/or Russian). This bullying provided yet another reason for Josephine to shy away from her heritage. As an author myself, I found it interesting that Adams includes Yiddish vocabulary and religious traditions without providing a glossary or explanation for the terms. I enjoyed the yiddishkeit within the Victorian backdrop, but was curious to know how non-Jews would absorb these details.
Josephine, as any teenage girl would, questioned her fate; she rebelled against the limitations imposed upon her by society at large, and her bitter, stern mother in particular. She was a thrill-seeker and eager to break away from a home which she found stifling and a family which she held as stagnate. She was not a particularly religious young lady, but rather, as very common in today’s society; Josephine seemed to simply identify as a Jew. She stated she would never enter a church, “kneel beneath a crucifix or hear ‘Jesus’ in the same breath as ‘Our Lord and Savior’.” In probably the most illuminating portion of the book (for me), Josephine comes to terms with her Judaism and her roots. “In a world of flux, the Earp brothers rooted themselves in one another…I saw my future as an Earp, but the summer had proved I was a Marcus too. Navigating a way to remain connected to Hennie and my family was nearly as important as my desire to put miles between us… Still, there was strength in roots. I was a Jewish immigrant in a country of choice and opportunity.”
Our heroine had a big heart, she was known to be nurturing and caring when given the opportunity. She took motherless, Albert Behan, under her wing, apparently establishing a lifelong relationship with the boy. She was also a very confused young lady and unfortunately had to learn some difficult life lessons- learning the difference between true love and lust, being chief among them. As she matured, as one MUST when facing horrific situations and dire consequences, I enjoyed seeing how Josephine became less self-centered. She began to realize that Mama and Papa were people in their own right; they too had hopes and dreams- they had suffered great losses and experienced first loves.
As many other readers indicated, I also became restless by the end of the novel with the erotic episodes, the "photography sessions" and the shoot-out scenes, but there was something about this book that touched me. Don’t get me wrong. I do not rejoice in the manner with which the protagonist lives her Judaism. I DO rejoice in the fact that when I did a content search for JEWISH, FRONTIER, I actually got a book with something relating to Jews in the Frontier. I do not say that with any sarcasm. When I searched JEWISH, HISTORICAL FICTION, I found a Georgette Heyer novel which only referenced Jews when speaking of villainous, money lenders. Not exactly what I call Jewish Historical Fiction. Josephine experienced her connection to Judaism in subtle ways; baking strudel and lekach (honey cake) reminded her of happy times with her father. She communed with G-d through the beauty and serenity of the desert’s evening sky. I don’t require a pristine Jewish princess in my reading material; I seek a protagonist that lives with her faith-even struggles with her faith-while living in a (gentile) historical period. I have mostly enjoyed this novel and have taken it for what is- a fictionalized accounting of a young, Jewish woman and her experiences in the Wild West....more
Fascinating story, rather short and in need of polishing. In fairness, it is promoted as a novella or a "long, short-story." I would be more than inteFascinating story, rather short and in need of polishing. In fairness, it is promoted as a novella or a "long, short-story." I would be more than interested to read a full-length version; there is so little Jewish historical fiction available....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
I surprised myself in selecting The Reason for Wings by Joyce Reiser Kornblatt; I tend not to read material pertaining to Nazis and Argentina for the I surprised myself in selecting The Reason for Wings by Joyce Reiser Kornblatt; I tend not to read material pertaining to Nazis and Argentina for the simple matter that my own books were written, in part, to shed light on the complex history of Eastern European Jews in that South American country. That being said, I readily admit that this particular book is so much more than salacious headlines of finding Eichmann, Mengele or even Hitler in my native homeland. I chose this historical fiction for keys words that took flight off the page. “Magical realism”-“Family preservation”- “Primal act of healing”… these words and phrases were too enticing; the familiar narrative told with a transcendent twist was too compelling to pass by.
Kornblatt weaves a tale so rich and full bodied that each sentence is more satisfying, each line satiating this reader with descriptions full of metaphor and heart wrenching detail. In my opinion, tagging this book a Holocaust novel does it a disservice; I am not the only one who normally would bypass yet another gut wrenching narrative of the atrocities committed in Nazi Germany. It would be a shame for someone to overlook this novel thinking its pages were filled with that particular horror. Don’t misunderstand me- this book is not without horror, but for reasons I cannot explain, most people are oblivious to Argentina’s Dirty War. (Argentina? That’s in Brazil, right? Wasn’t Evita a wonderful play? Did they win FIFA’s World Cup?)
The author spans across history and continents through the lives of mothers and daughters: Reba and Sonia, Sonia and Rachael, Rachael and Miriam and finally, Miriam and Marcella. With resplendent imagery and a brilliant use of history, the author leads us through their tragic and bittersweet lives. Leaving not one emotion untouched, Kornblatt allowed me to live fully and absolutely with these women, to grieve, to rejoice, to struggle, to exalt and to decry- so completely did I identify with them. This is a painful story, but it is not without hope and therein lies the beauty of the narrative- for whenever a people have been beaten and nearly destroyed, it has been their will to protect their children, their struggle for freedom, their resiliency… their faith that has given wings to their hope. (“You, yourselves, have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagle wings and brought you to Me.” [Exodus 19:4])
I surprised myself in selecting The Reason for Wings by Joyce Reiser Kornblatt; I tend not to read material pertaining to Nazis and Argentina for the I surprised myself in selecting The Reason for Wings by Joyce Reiser Kornblatt; I tend not to read material pertaining to Nazis and Argentina for the simple matter that my own books were written, in part, to shed light on the complex history of Eastern European Jews in that South American country. That being said, I readily admit that this particular book is so much more than salacious headlines of finding Eichmann, Mengele or even Hitler in my native homeland. I chose this historical fiction for keys words that took flight off the page. “Magical realism”-“Family preservation”- “Primal act of healing”… these words and phrases were too enticing; the familiar narrative told with a transcendent twist was too compelling to pass by.
Kornblatt weaves a tale so rich and full bodied that each sentence is more satisfying, each line satiating this reader with descriptions full of metaphor and heart wrenching detail. In my opinion, tagging this book a Holocaust novel does it a disservice; I am not the only one who normally would bypass yet another gut wrenching narrative of the atrocities committed in Nazi Germany. It would be a shame for someone to overlook this novel thinking its pages were filled with that particular horror. Don’t misunderstand me- this book is not without horror, but for reasons I cannot explain, most people are oblivious to Argentina’s Dirty War. (Argentina? That’s in Brazil, right? Wasn’t Evita a wonderful play? Did they win FIFA’s World Cup?)
The author spans across history and continents through the lives of mothers and daughters: Reba and Sonia, Sonia and Rachael, Rachael and Miriam and finally, Miriam and Marcella. With resplendent imagery and a brilliant use of history, the author leads us through their tragic and bittersweet lives. Leaving not one emotion untouched, Kornblatt allowed me to live fully and absolutely with these women, to grieve, to rejoice, to struggle, to exalt and to decry- so completely did I identify with them. This is a painful story, but it is not without hope and therein lies the beauty of the narrative- for whenever a people have been beaten and nearly destroyed, it has been their will to protect their children, their struggle for freedom, their resiliency… their faith that has given wings to their hope. (“You, yourselves, have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagle wings and brought you to Me.” [Exodus 19:4])
What will become of your heritage? A seminal question; it is the heart wrenching query on the lips of every Jew as they witness the next generation taWhat will become of your heritage? A seminal question; it is the heart wrenching query on the lips of every Jew as they witness the next generation take their place as leaders and shapers of the faith. The Heritage is an excellent fictional story of two families as they emigrate from Russia to the shores of South America. While there are innumerable accounts that speak of a mass exodus of Eastern European Jews immigrating to the ‘goldene medina’-The United States of America, this book provides much insight into another, equally fascinating, experience- that is to say, the immigration of Jews to South America.
The reader follows the lives of two young men as they make their way to a fictional location in South America in the early 1900’s. With great detail, Michonik presents a vivid narrative allowing us to be privy to historical events, as well as fictional situations that surely arose, one way or another, in the life of Jewish immigrants. The Heritage provides a look into Jewish South America and shines a light on one of the more prevalent difficulties: assimilation within a Catholic nation. As opposed to the United States, most, if not all, South American countries are Catholic. It is written within their constitution; there is no separation of Church and State. While Jews living on the Lower East Side in New York might have faced anti-Semitism and hardships as a minority, it was (and remains) a completely different experience when Catholicism is the official religion of the land. Michonik weaves a mystical ribbon of longing and trepidation throughout the novel- “a kind of luminous, nearly imperceptible dew” that seems to represent the tears of ancestors crying out, “What will become of your heritage?” I could hear my own ancestors posing the same appeal.
The Heritage was a pleasure to read as it mirrored much of my own family history. As a second generation Argentine, I was born to Jewish immigrants that escaped Russia prior to the revolution. I was mesmerized from the first few pages as I felt myself part of the family, identifying with their trials and tribulations. As a matter of fact, The Heritage is truly more than ‘just a Jewish’ story; it is a narrative that speaks of the quest for a better life- for oneself and for those yet to come, while remaining true to those who paved the way before us. ...more
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