People of the Book: A Novel by Geraldine Brooks
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Book Reviews of People of the Book: A Novel
Book Review: time-travel in historical ficion
Summary: 5 Stars
Geraldine Brooks, in People of the Book, creates numerous vignettes which offer fictional explanations for the very real Sarajevo Haggadah. Brooks' protagonist is an Australlian conservator of medieval books, called to Sarajevo to conserve an unusual Haggadah, one which is profusely illustrated. Brooks lets us travel in time back and forth from 1480 Seville through Venice, Vienna, even Boston, up to the ending in 2002. In between, we see families, young slaves, lovers, art studios, 19th century doctors, and the Inquisition in action. One of the characters says "...the book has survived the same human disaster over and over again....You've got a society where people tolerate difference, like Spain in the Convivencia...then somehow this fear, this hate, this need to demonize the 'other'- it just sort of rears up and smashes the whole society."
In the course of the novel, Hanna, the consrvator, is on her own unwitting voyage of self-discovery, not always happily. So, the novel has many sad and frightening episodes, but the over all tone is one of amazing human resilience and ability to survive, giving life to the Haggadah, a book which shows the same characteristics.
Book Review: A Future Classic
Summary: 5 Stars
I can't think of a book that would more universally appeal to people. It is a powerful and enjoyable experience to read, and it was with reluctance that I turned the last page (if only it were longer!); I think that the decades will prove it to be a classic.
It spans centuries, tracing a detailed thread through diverse characters and cultures and weaving throughout the long, sad histories of the persecuted: Jews, Muslims, women. Most of her characters are female, yet despite dealing with some topics typically considered fodder for 'chick lit', the author respects her characters enough not to define them solely by their female-ness. Instead, they are well-formed characters whose gender is just as intrinsic as any of their other qualities, the subjects of fine literature dealing with women's issues among myriad other issues. As a man, I never felt alienated.
Yet despite its epic scope, it weighs in at less than 400 pages. I can't decide if I'm frustrated that the book is so short and want more or if part of its guile lies in how compactly it delivers such a sweeping story.
Read it. I promise you won't be disappointed.
Book Review: A seamless and rich story throughout
Summary: 5 Stars
I scouted around quite a bit looking for a strong, substantive read--one that I hoped would be adult, intelligent, and with some heft to it. There is so much over-touted, really pathetically bad reads that are getting the lion's share of attention these days--including some prize winners, so I wasn't so sure. Well, I knew of this author from her Pulitzer prize from a few years ago, but I had never read anything by Ms. Brooks until I got my hands on this, her latest.
PEOPLE OF THE BOOK totally made up for some of the lousy reads of the past year or so, that's for certain. This is a rich and intelligent narrative that takes the reader into a vast and intricate tale that runs through medieval and current-day Europe and beyond. Many have re-iterated the plot here, so I will spare you that. The very breadth and scope of the story--the contrasts and complexities of these religions and cultures, and the way they each supported one another made fascinating reading, but also, proved an apt lesson that we could learn from today.
Great book. I look forward to reading more from this smart writer.
Book Review: As rare and remarkable a find as the book it explores.....
Summary: 5 Stars
I LOVE this novel and can't recommend it highly enough, especially for lovers of historical fiction, like myself. Exploring the history of the mythical Sarajevo Haggadah and working backwards throughout history to the lives of those who came in contact with the book, the novel combines all of the best elements of storytelling with twists and turns galore combined with genuine intrigue and excitement; it literally takes the readers on the ride of a lifetime, across generations and continents. I found each section as captivating as the one before and the uniqueness of each section kept my interest piqued until the very last pages. The themes of antisemitism, survival and the historical struggle of women are expertly addressed throughout the various time periods and places in which the book is found. However, what I loved most about this book is the way in which the three major monotheistic religions really came together in the Hagaddah itself and transcended their differences.Book Review: Inspired tale of the creation and survival of a unique book
Summary: 5 Stars
This truly excellent book that tracks the fictional history of the Sarajevo Haggadah is a must read. I've lived in Sarajevo, and felt Brooks perfectly captured the flavor of the city in the brief glimpses we see in the narrative. This is the story of a magnificent and unique work of art, a book that has survived overwhelming odds and serves as an inspiration merely by its continued existence. Though the true story of the Sarajevo Haggadah is compelling enough, this narrative serves as a "what if" about the creators and protectors of the book, a story that personalizes a truly incredible journey. As Hanna unravels the story of the Haggadah, she simultaneously uncovers the lost truth about her own life and family, and discovers the self she never knew she had. I cannot recommend this book highly enough- 5 strong stars!