5+ stars!!! This should be a required novel in our American schools. I fear our children have no concept of the sacrifices, courage, and determination5+ stars!!! This should be a required novel in our American schools. I fear our children have no concept of the sacrifices, courage, and determination that was needed to sever the ties with the British crown. I applaud the talent and vision of Harmon. This historical fiction was an exceptional read. I also appreciated the author's notes that clarified certain points for me.
On another note: It is always fascinating for me to see Judaic precepts presented in a novel that is most certainly NOT Jewish. The author gives us a heroine named Deborah Samson. Deborah quotes from Proverbs (Ketuvim) throughout the novel. The Prophetess Deborah (from the tribe of Ephraim) and Samson (aka Shimshom from the tribe of Dan) are found in the Sefer Shoftim (Book of Judges), the second book in Nevi’im (Prophets), the second section of the Tanach (Torah/ Jewish Bible).
Hamon refers to biblical heroines, but doesn't acknowledge that they were JEWISH women.
"I wanted to be a warrior like Jael, the woman who slayed a mighty general and liberated her people from the fist of oppression. Mostly, I wanted to free myself."
I understand that Christian readers identify with these stories and language. I just wish that there was a nod towards understanding "from whence they came."...more
What a find! There are terms, phrases and themes in this book that are not politically correct in today's age. And that's okay! You don't have to be aWhat a find! There are terms, phrases and themes in this book that are not politically correct in today's age. And that's okay! You don't have to be a die-hard feminist to relate to this story. You don't have to agree with socialism, or capitalism to relate to this story. You don't have to be Jewish or approve of how this family lives their Judaism to relate to this story. I think we all are multidimensional; and like Fanny, can't be pigeonholed with labels.
I enjoyed the descriptive writing, the "old fashioned" style. I got the ending I was hoping for...I'm embarrassed to admit that I didn't know this powerhouse, this Jewish author that created some of the most memorable stories and movies for Hollywood....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
"...At the onset of World War II, Kizzy befriends a young boy—a refugee from Nazi Germany—and a cultured young woman who encourages her to read and le"...At the onset of World War II, Kizzy befriends a young boy—a refugee from Nazi Germany—and a cultured young woman who encourages her to read and learn from Jane Austen’s books." These words, from the author's blurb, enticed me to read the book. I have to say I'm none too pleased, but it is not a reflection on the author's skill. Heavy topics, dark read. This sort of narrative is just not my taste....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
“Every job is good if you do your best and work hard…”- L.I.W.
I knew I would have to read this book when I saw the cover of a grown woman dressed in a“Every job is good if you do your best and work hard…”- L.I.W.
I knew I would have to read this book when I saw the cover of a grown woman dressed in a pioneer costume. I swallowed The Books whole as a child and, of course, grew up watching the Little House series. It wasn’t until I began reading Kelly’s memoir that I remembered; I too had been disenchanted with the T.V. show as a preteen. The Books simply weren’t made for television censors or commercial sponsors who saw big bucks in a sugary sweet version. I don’t remember what converted me from the book snob to a Little House fan…maybe it was Michael Landon (I’d had a crush on him since his Little Joe days).
Kelly’s memoir was poignant, funny, and educational. I appreciated her honest commentary on the historical aspect, as well as the candid narrative with regards to her soul searching. We, none of us, have survived our “coming-of-age” years unscathed or without some sort of angst. I “got” how she used The Books and Laura’s life philosophy to find herself. Who hasn’t relied on a good friend, a teacher, or yes, even a fictional character (Elizabeth Bennet anyone?) to set an example- to act as a compass? Kelley connected with Laura Ingalls and was inspired by her courage and optimism. She revered Half Pint’s relationship with Pa, as well as admired Laura’s long-term, committed marriage to Manly. I got that! I liked that! I did get a bit confused at some points with regards to the author’s employment/career and would have LOVED an epilogue, but as Laura said, “I guess it couldn’t be helped.” A great read- fun and enlightening. ...more
Foreword by Brooks Kohler- Author & Founder of Laptiast.com Member of Phi Alpha Theta in the Field of History:
"...As a beta reader, a person who reads Foreword by Brooks Kohler- Author & Founder of Laptiast.com Member of Phi Alpha Theta in the Field of History:
"...As a beta reader, a person who reads manuscripts and offers advice, I read a lot of stories, and no two authors write the same. All have their own idiosyncrasies and merit. Still yet, there are some stories that stand out above others and deserve praise; Becoming Malka is one of them. I could not put this manuscript down. I breezed through it in what seemed like hours. While some stories have left me guessing, Becoming Malka left me imagining. Through skillful use of prose and well-researched history pertaining to Jews living in Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina, the book is more than simply fiction. It is an educative resource that will enlighten the minds of all who read it. Being one who does not enjoy spoiling a plot, I am going to end now and let you get to what I am convinced will not be a chore of a read. We put up with a lot on this amazing planet to remain content. Thankfully, there are those who write well to help us manage.
Reviewed by M. Madhavan for Readers' Favorite:
"...The author has researched well before writing this book and the story connects with readers on many levels. The scenes are vivid and described in detail, enabling readers to form pictures in their minds. The author also gives readers an idea of Jewish life in Odessa, their dress, traditions, and culture. The characters are sketched well, making them real and memorable. The writing style is fluid and simple, and the story flows without sounding forced. The story is intelligent, original, and honest, and it's not only informative but also a great learning experience..." ...more
Excellent read; thought provoking, hard hitting. The author is brutally honest with herself and her readers. I'm still mulling over my feelings; it hiExcellent read; thought provoking, hard hitting. The author is brutally honest with herself and her readers. I'm still mulling over my feelings; it hit home on many levels. My home life was not like the author's; I had two loving parents- no drugs, alcohol, violence etc. but I didn't leave my childhood unscathed (does anyone?). I couldn't read through the pages fast enough...I wanted that "aha moment" - that part where the author provides THE answer, THE one-size-fits-all-solution. I found that I was analyzing myself, my mother, and my relationship with my children and that is probably where the "aha moment" came into play. There isn't a quick fix; there are no easy answers, but there are tools and suggestions. I love that the author ends each chapter with a 'simple' question. You know...those simple questions- those one liners that twist your "kishkes" (guts) into knots and force you to look honestly at yourself and your life. I will most certainly re-read this book, but slowly and with purpose - and with pen and paper for answering those kishke twisters. ...more
I was very pleased to have won a copy of Apricot by Debbie Bumstead through a Goodreads Giveaway. This is an intimate look into a young girl's life. TI was very pleased to have won a copy of Apricot by Debbie Bumstead through a Goodreads Giveaway. This is an intimate look into a young girl's life. The author speaks to several Universal themes; who among us has not dealt with the angst of first loves, bouts of self consciousnesses and issues dealing with self esteem. This memoir offers charming vignettes of an innocent childhood intermingled with the trials and tribulations of growing up in a world that is not always as pleasant as our parents would have wished. ...more
This was an enchanting story, charming and full of wonderful life lessons. I related to the subject matter being an immigrant myself. My parents immigThis was an enchanting story, charming and full of wonderful life lessons. I related to the subject matter being an immigrant myself. My parents immigrated to the US when I was a baby. Their parents immigrated from the Ukraine(then Russia) to Argentina. Even though I was surrounded by a loving family, I was an insecure, shy little girl -a little girl that dressed funny, ate "weird" things at lunch, and had a strange name. I lived my childhood with one foot in America and the other in Argentina, constantly feeling the instability of my situation because my mother yearned for her homeland. I didn't have a connection to trees, but found solace, strange as it sounds, in one particular mountain top. Where ever I found myself, it seemed that "my mountain" was there- sort of watching over me.
Children need to feel secure; they need to feel acceptance. In today's society where everything goes and children seem to grow up so quickly, it is important to remember to nurture and nourish a child's soul- their sense of well-being. This beautifully written and illustrated book shares some important life lessons for children ...and for those of us who might still be healing their inner child.
I picked up this book, in all honesty, to do a bit of research for my own historical fiction based in Ukraine. My story is told from a Jewish perspectI picked up this book, in all honesty, to do a bit of research for my own historical fiction based in Ukraine. My story is told from a Jewish perspective and is a much more light-easy going read. Both our books touch upon the mystical and local superstitions- the intense emotions connected with family, foods and traditions; I only hope that I can inspire such depth of feeling in my story. And speaking of mystical and magical, Lupescu had me mesmerized from page one. I couldn't put the book down- I couldn't read fast enough! I readily admit that most of my reading material from this part of the world has been about Jewish Ukraine ...my grandparents were from Tartak and Novy Buk, but The Silence of Trees made me feel as if I were part of Nadya's family- and my heart bled for her. Beautifully written, bold, in-your-face emotions, This is a complete sensory experience. Loved it....more
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