People of the Book: A Novel by Geraldine Brooks Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of People of the Book: A Novel
Book Review: Moving, interesting, but something missing!
Summary: 4 Stars
People of the Book is a work of fiction inspired by the true story of the Sarajevo Haggadah, a Jewish book used in the Passover ritual. What makes this book so special is that it dates back to the 15th century and is beautifully and ornately decorated, from the time where only Christianity would create images of a religious nature (in the same vein that today Muslims do not create images of the Prophet, Jewish thought was that it was inappropriate to depict holy images)
However, the history of this fascinating document does not end with its art, it has a turbulent past having lived not only through the Bosnian War, but also the Anti-Semitism of World War II and the last hundred years in Europe. This book may leave a bitter taste in some peoples mouths over the reality that Anti-Semitism is not limited to 30 years of German history but was in fact almost the norm in many countries pre 1900.
Despite this, the last part of its true history is the one that brings hope to these religiously difficult times, in that on at least two occasions Muslims risked their lives to save this holy Jewish book.
Now you know the history, Geraldine Brooks weaves a story of discovery within her pages, of the book's past, and of the protagonist. Her realistic and flawed protagonist is an Australian book restorer contracted to repair and restore the book to its former glory, she is proud and meticulous but haunted by her personal demons namely her mother and the lack of love in her life.
Whilst restoring the book she notes specific things about the tome that give clues to its journey such as a butterfly wing, a salt-water stain, a red mark and a looted clasp.
We discover the history of the book through these imperfections, and as she meets experts for each imperfection, her own history unravels parallel to the book.
It is written in a mix of first person and third, with the protagonist speaking to us as if she is chatting to a friend on the phone, which can be off-putting at times whilst the history is covered as a third-person narrative.
I found the geto section (Venice) tough going, not in sense of emotion or content, it just dragged on much in the line of Lola's story, whilst other sections and characters I wished to be greater developed which would have given greater warmth and depth to the story. Furthermore, the capitulation seemed rushed and confusing which was a shame to such a well-thought out and planned book.
However, it is very well written, and researched, as a historian I have few issues with the historical side which is surprising for many books of this nature. In fact the book is worth reading through just for the story of the books inception with the original artist which is a beautiful and moving story.
It is also poignant in that it shows us that religion should not be a barrier to stop us interacting with one another, nor respecting the culture and creations of different peoples from our own.
Geraldine Brooks has delivered a great novel in 'people of the book', but I will look forward to her work to come when she has truly honed and nurtured her blossoming gift of writing.
Book Review: An interesting blend
Summary: 4 Stars
There are enough reviews on here which go into a great length of detail about the book so I will not dwell on that here. The book as a whole is quite different to most novels as it attempts to meld together fact (The Haggadah book) with fiction (it's history). However, unlike any of Dan Brown's books, the fiction isn't presented as historical fact, it is presented as a story, which makes for a more enjoyable read than something with illusions of grandeur.
As has been mentioned in other reviews, it is a book where after reading it, you want to find out about the actual Haggadah and its history. I find this is always a plus point in a book when it is inspiring you to discover more about something and learn from it.
Overall I would say that I enjoyed the book, but wasn't amazed by it for the simple reason that this isn't what I would normally read (typically non-fiction). However I'm sure this book would make a cracking present for someone, as it crosses enough genres to give it a wider appeal than a more narrow-minded book.
Book Review: An enjoyable read - but not quite as good as it could be
Summary: 3 Stars
I was in two minds about this book. It was definitely pitched well - as it's about a rare book expert who is given the job of looking after a rare medieval Jewish religious text, the Sarajevo Haggadah.
As she conserves the book, she uncovers clues about its past and how the book finally ended up in her hands got the people, gets the job of discovering the history of a book that has been around since the 1400s. She has to find out where it has been, who looked after it, how it was cared for and why it ended up where it did.
And also on the plus side it is an easy holiday read.
However at times I did feel that the over-arching theme or anti-Jewish prejudice, did not quite work in unifying the stories in the book which take us from the medieval period right up to the present day.
Despite this being fiction, the book itself is a real one. It was probably made in medieval Spain, and is now kept in a museum in Sarajevo. Thankfully it was saved from destruction during World War 2 and during the wars in the Balkans in the 90s. While the real history of the book may not be as dramatic as in the novel, I concluded by feeling that this did not matter.
Book Review: This will be another Richard and Judy Book.
Summary: 4 Stars
This book is a cleverly constructed series of stories telling the history of a book of prayers that has survived the religious and political upheavals of Europe over the centuries and the stories of those who risked their lives to save it regardless of their religious affiliations. The stories intertwine with the those of the life and discoveries made by a UN appointed Book Conservator as she investigates where the book has been and how it was saved.
The stories intertwine throughout the book and serve to keep you reading and wanting to see what is on the next page. A carefully crafted book ans one certain to join the Richard and Judy list of required reading.
Book Review: So captivating I couldn't put it down even when I wanted to!
Summary: 4 Stars
Had I picked this book up in a bookstore and read the plot on the reverse I would have very quickly replaced it into its former position never to give it a second thought. As an Amazon Vine reviewer I was given the opportunity to read this wonderful book without having to wonder if I was wasting my money. This taught me a very important lesson. What is the old saying? "Never judge a book by its cover"? It took maybe three or four pages to get me into the book and living the story. By the end of the first chapter I was hooked and didn't want to put it down.
On entering the second chapter I became a little frustrated. I was confused and had lost my way. I felt as thought I had put 'People of the Book' down and picked up another book, having to start all over with a new set of characters. Now, having finished the story I know it was all worthwhile, but I found the 'bouncing backwards and forwards in time' annoying because I was hooked on Hanna's 'current day' story. I had great expectations of how her life was going to progress. Hanna's passion for the Haggadah and the acquisition of knowledge about the history of the book was immense. Clearly she had a gap in her life that she filled by putting everything into her work. She was good at what she did, even when things took a turn for the worse she never lost her passion or her commitment to uncovering the mysteries of the five-hundred-year history of the book.
Overall a great read despite the frustrations I felt with the necessary interruptions in the flow of Hanna's story. This will be a bestseller. Since writting my review I have looked at what others have said and cannot believe that people have been negative about it. I read one review that describes Hanna as not caring about and having no interest in the Haggadah. Read the book for yourself, I have never been so moved by passion as I was by Hanna's passion for the great historical book that is the Haggadah.