Helpful Score: 16
It is easy to see why Catherine Zeta-Jones purchased the rights of this book to turn it into a movie. One of the best books I have ever read -- Geraldine Brooks writes an amazing story of one very special book, and the lives of the people that may have touched it. Weaving a fictional story based on true events, "People of the Book" moves through the present day of a book restorer, who is asked to work on the Haggadah, a Jewish book on display in Sarajevo, saved by a Muslim historian in World War II, potentially through the Spanish Inquisition, and also potentially saved in the Jewish Ghettoes of Venice. I sawy "potentially" as the author has created additional plot lines that help explain certain items that are in the book that are found by the book restorer -- a butterfly wing, salt, wine, etc. She has created a fictional account of each of the hands that have come into contact with the book, and what life may have been like during their times. Each section is fluidly written, and the adventure that the book takes is unbelievable, and the ending is amazing. The present day main character is a young woman with her own history of family troubles, and it is well told. I ended up researching even more on the Haggadah and am amazed by it; research about it as well, and you will be all the better for it!
Helpful Score: 10
This book caught my eye for its unique cover artwork so I picked it up. Wow - the story insides surpasses the painting tenfold. I loved this novel. Its a wonderful story of a book that is 500 years old - the people who made it, touched it and became part of it. Your main narrator is the book conservator who has been called to evaluate it and repair any damage. She finds small clues to its history as she does her work - an insect wing, a white hair, wine spills and sea salt. As she investigates each of these we are taken back in time to see where these clues came from and along the way we learn the stories of several people connected to the book throughout history. Not only did I love the story but the way the author writes is magically - she has the gift to make her prose almost like fine poetry.
Helpful Score: 10
This has to be in the top 3 books I have read in 2008. Brooks beautifully told the history of the Sarajevo Haggadah, an illuminated Hebrew codex from 15th century Spain, by interweaving the story of Hanna Heath and her examination of the book with stories of the people it touched going back to its creation. Each of the separate stories from the Nazi occupation of Sarajevo and the underground freedom fighters to the story of how the paintings were created in Moorish Spain were totally fascinating. What was really interesting was the cooperation of both Muslims and Jews during different periods as well as the periods of hate during the Spanish Inquisition and World War II. Brooks based her story on some real-life happenings related to the very real Sarajevo Haggadah. High recommendation for this one!
Helpful Score: 7
It's been quite a while since I've read a book that left me thinking "Wow!", but this one did. I had really enjoyed the book "March" by this author, so looked forward to reading "People of the Book." And she didn't disappoint. The author wove a wonderful tale about a fascinating topic, and I loved this historical aspect of it. Books written in two time periods can leave you feeling dazed and confused if it's not done well, but I thought Geraldine Brooks did it seamlessly. Two thumbs up.
Helpful Score: 7
In 1996 a rare and beautifully illuminated Haggadah from 15th century Spain has been found and Hanna Heath, a rare book expert, has been called into examine it. During her inspection of the book Hanna finds an insect wing, a wine stain mixed with blood, salt crystals, probably from tears, and a white hair. Hanna collects these items in order to determine the books history; author Brooks uses them as a jumping off point to tell the story of the Haggadah and how it has survived for 600 years. Traveling back from the present to the creation of the book we meet those people who had a hand in the creation and often desecration of this book, we also meet heroes and villains from all walks of life who play a role in the books surviving. Inter-mixed with the past stories is a current day story involving Hanna and her mother, an unloving and self-absorbed surgeon with whom Hanna has a contentious relationship, and Hanna's love affair with a tortured Muslim librarian, one of the latest saviors of the book. I really loved Year of Wonders by Brooks, and was really looking forward to this book. Happily I was not disappointed as I love the way she wove all these disparate stories into a poignant story of love and hate throughout the centuries, right up to the present day. Excellent story, fabulous book.
Helpful Score: 6
I can hardly believe how much I enjoyed this book. It was riveting to read all the accounts of such history based on one ancient illustrated text the Sarajevo Haggadah. This author is truly a giant in her field. She used her talent, background, and experiences to weave a most compelling and believable account of the creation and existence of such an historical treasure. The People (characters) of the Book are so real, I wish I had known every one of them! I love the structure of the book as well: how the author weaves each Person into the novel while telling Hannas story fascinated me. If I was every going to re-read a book, this might be it. Im sure I missed a lot the first journey through. An inspiring novel of grandiose proportions.
Helpful Score: 4
I can't say enough good things about this book. I devoured it in three days and I will read it again. It's heart-breaking, gorgeous and gripping. I loved the archaeological feel to it as we learned about the book's past and met it's holders. The characters - even in the short chapters - are well rounded and fully realized. And the main character - other than the book itself - is likeable and tough; a strong woman whom I wanted to succeed.
All in all this was very enjoyable and educational reading. I agree with the other reviewer that the fact that this book had some basis in truth made it so much better. Read this book.
All in all this was very enjoyable and educational reading. I agree with the other reviewer that the fact that this book had some basis in truth made it so much better. Read this book.
Helpful Score: 3
Great read. Interesting point of view about the history and incidents of a holy book through hundreds of years and many travails.
Helpful Score: 3
This is a beautifully written, intriguing story - a book I will keep and read again.
Helpful Score: 3
First Line: I might as well say, right from the jump: it wasn't my usual kind of job.
Australian rare book expert Hanna Heath has been asked to conserve the beautifully illuminated fifteenth-century Sarajevo Haggadah, a priceless Hebrew manuscript thought to have been destroyed during the fighting in Bosnia.
"As many times as I've worked on rare, beautiful things, that first touch is always a strange and powerful sensation. It's a combination between brushing a live wire and stroking the back of a newborn baby's head."
As Hanna examines each page with great care and wonder, she discovers a series of tiny artifacts left behind in the manuscript: a fragment of an insect's wing, wine stains, salt crystals, and a white hair. These microscopic bits are the keys to unlocking the centuries' old mysteries of the Sarajevo Haggadah and the catalysts that will change Hanna's life forever.
As the insect's wing, then the wine stains, then the salt and hair are analyzed, we learn the history of the ancient book and the lives of the people who had it in their care. Anyone who has ever picked up a book, caressed its cover, and ruffled through its pages wondering about the identities of previous owners or all the places that book has been will absolutely love People of the Book. As Brooks takes us through the centuries, each time period and each caretaker comes to vivid, aching life.
I was deaf and blind to everything around me as I read this book. It's not the first time author Geraldine Brooks has done this to me, and since her latest book (Caleb's Crossing) is on its way to my door, I don't think it will be the last. She is one of the supreme storytellers of her time.
What Hanna does the last time she's with the Haggadah made me cry and made me smile. It also made me think. Around the world today books are under attack from technology, economy, ignorance and indifference. How many of us would be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their survival?
Australian rare book expert Hanna Heath has been asked to conserve the beautifully illuminated fifteenth-century Sarajevo Haggadah, a priceless Hebrew manuscript thought to have been destroyed during the fighting in Bosnia.
"As many times as I've worked on rare, beautiful things, that first touch is always a strange and powerful sensation. It's a combination between brushing a live wire and stroking the back of a newborn baby's head."
As Hanna examines each page with great care and wonder, she discovers a series of tiny artifacts left behind in the manuscript: a fragment of an insect's wing, wine stains, salt crystals, and a white hair. These microscopic bits are the keys to unlocking the centuries' old mysteries of the Sarajevo Haggadah and the catalysts that will change Hanna's life forever.
As the insect's wing, then the wine stains, then the salt and hair are analyzed, we learn the history of the ancient book and the lives of the people who had it in their care. Anyone who has ever picked up a book, caressed its cover, and ruffled through its pages wondering about the identities of previous owners or all the places that book has been will absolutely love People of the Book. As Brooks takes us through the centuries, each time period and each caretaker comes to vivid, aching life.
I was deaf and blind to everything around me as I read this book. It's not the first time author Geraldine Brooks has done this to me, and since her latest book (Caleb's Crossing) is on its way to my door, I don't think it will be the last. She is one of the supreme storytellers of her time.
What Hanna does the last time she's with the Haggadah made me cry and made me smile. It also made me think. Around the world today books are under attack from technology, economy, ignorance and indifference. How many of us would be willing to do whatever it takes to ensure their survival?
Helpful Score: 2
This was a very fascinating book.I loved they way she wrote it.I really enjoyed reading about in accent Hebrew book that went all over the world and survived and how the things end up in the pages of this book and how they got there and how it happned.I also liked the twist in the book never would have guessed it.
Helpful Score: 2
Based on the true story of a rare 600 yr old Haggadah that surfaced in Bosnia, this is great historical fiction. Geraldine Brooks weaves a powerful story (be warned, some of the anti-semitic history/imagery is very disturbing) that jumps between centuries and countries. The lead character is a book restorer trying to gain insight into the book's history using modern science. Fascinating and educational, I loved it!
Helpful Score: 2
This was an astonishing novel based on a true bit of history. It is the story of the Sarajevo Haggadah. Geraldine Brooks has imagined it's creation and owners over the centuries, who we learn about in chapters that go back and forth in time. In the process we also learn about the restoration of ancient books and art and various periods of history. Obviously lovingly and meticulously researched.
Helpful Score: 2
Yes! This was an excellent read. I was so disappointed when I reached the last page. I just didn't want it to end. It had a tight plot line, engaging characters and colorful descriptive language. I enjoyed the fact that there were captivating subplots and a strong main historical plausible main plot. A very good book!
Helpful Score: 2
This is a well-written, interesting and gripping story. I must admit, though, that I did not finish it. One of the inter-woven story lines was a bit grim for me. It was a best-seller and I can see why, but just not my cup of tea.
Helpful Score: 2
Really enjoyed this book; a forensic tale with unusual twists.
Helpful Score: 1
I really enjoyed this book. Lots of interesting history presented in a compelling manner.
Helpful Score: 1
PEOPLE OF THE BOOK was the October 2013 pick in my neighborhood book club. I wish I had enjoyed it more, but I only finished for the sake of our discussion!
This was a well-written yet boring book about the discovery and analysis of an ancient Hebrew text, the Sarajevo Haggadah.
The narrative was interesting to a point, but then it became as dull and tedious as watching paint dry...going back and forth in time to discover the origin of various spots on the parchment, etc.
The author did attempt to create an interesting personal life for the main character, Hanna, but the subject matter managed to eclipse all her family relationships, romances, etc. So to sum it up, PEOPLE OF THE BOOK, for me, was a well-written snooze. I give it a C.
This was a well-written yet boring book about the discovery and analysis of an ancient Hebrew text, the Sarajevo Haggadah.
The narrative was interesting to a point, but then it became as dull and tedious as watching paint dry...going back and forth in time to discover the origin of various spots on the parchment, etc.
The author did attempt to create an interesting personal life for the main character, Hanna, but the subject matter managed to eclipse all her family relationships, romances, etc. So to sum it up, PEOPLE OF THE BOOK, for me, was a well-written snooze. I give it a C.
Helpful Score: 1
Interesting idea -- tracing the individuals who interacted with an historical book -- but somewhat repetitive and tedious. Alternating chapters of present day researcher and the history of the book. I finished it for a book club discussion. Probably would not have finished it on my own.
Helpful Score: 1
I thought this book was pretty good. I especially enjoyed the parts where they described the book and how it was made. The fact that the story is based on an actual book made it that much better. Even though I found it interesting, it was a little slow in parts. I also didn't like how every section in the book had an unpleasant part to it. I know life isn't all nice and easy but I think it made the book a little depressing and less enjoyable.
Helpful Score: 1
People of the Book is an apt title for this rich, intricate novel written by Pulitzer-prize winning Australian author Geraldine Brooks. Initially Australian rare book expert Hannah Heath provides a contemporary frame for multiple strands of historical narrative when she is commissioned to examine and restore the Sarajevo Haggadah after the Bosnian war. Famed as an extremely rare early Jewish text illuminated with images, the Haggadah yields clues to its past during Hannah's examination. Each specimen--a butterfly wing, a missing clasp, saltwater stains, wine mixed with blood, a delicate hair--launches a tale in reverse chronological order back into the book's past, following its geographical journey back to its creation in Convivencia Spain. Of course, only we readers are privileged to see Brooks sift each layer of the book's origins, as Hannah is left searching for clues and confronting her own past. Brooks creates distinct but interwoven backdrops for each setting, gracefully showing although there is much about the past which is lost, strands remain which connect us with it--and with each other. Ultimately Hannah becomes a 'person of the book' as she helps write the book's contemporary chapter. A beautifully written historical novel based loosely on a real artifact, People of the Book combines rich historical detail, book conservation art and science, and real emotions in flawed but likeable characters into a rare treat. The Red Violin starring Samuel L Jackson is a similarly structured and equally wonderful film.
Helpful Score: 1
Amazing story. Ms. Brooks has interwoven past and present in such an amazing way. While fiction, I never doubted for a moment that at some point in someones life the events happened. Sometimes hard to read from the standpoint of being reminded of humanities inhuman obsurdities, but could not put it down.
This is a terrific read. I'm not a history person, normally that stuff bores me. But the way the history of the book is presented was very compelling and drew me into the story. I enjoyed every moment of this book.
Helpful Score: 1
A woman who restores ancient documents becomes engrossed in the 500 year old history of a Jewish Haggadah. The book moves back and forth among the centuries to identify all the people who touched it and risked grave danger to preserve it and pass it on to future generations. Nicely written. Due to the structure, it's a bit disjointed.
Helpful Score: 1
I tripped across this book accidentally and am so glad that I did. It was intriguing, informative and all-engrossing. The charachters were so well-drawn and the travel of the book so mysterious that I found myself riveted. There is nothing better than a well-told story that also leaves you with far more knowledge finishing it than you had when you started to read it. A book for curious minds who enjoy the well-written word.
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderfully written and a very creative storyline. My book club read this and everyone raved about it. One of my favorite books!!
Helpful Score: 1
I enjoyed this book. I especially liked learning about the Haggadah through the lives of the people who made it, owned it, and used it.
Helpful Score: 1
I really liked the parts about the history of the Haggadeh (sp?). Lots of the present day chapters seemed like it was just filler to make the book longer.
Helpful Score: 1
No need to repeat the story but I must say it is an excellent book. Highly recommend this book.
Helpful Score: 1
A book that keeps your interest peaked and provides the reader with wonderful and historically accurate windows on the experiences of those who lived in earlier times.
Helpful Score: 1
I found this book to be fascinating. It shed quite a light on different time periods and historical events that I knew nothing about. The author did a great job of interweaving thought provoking short stories that kept me turning the pages. I am going to recommend this to my bookclub.So far I have enjoyed this authors books, she is a versatile and engaging writer.
Helpful Score: 1
i have just finished this book .....
i gave it 3 1/2 stars for one reason only . i am a book collector and ex- online book seller . i love books . i especiallt treasure old books . as a piece of fiction it is well written and i did learn a few things about book conservation . what i could have done without are the "choice words " that are occasionally being used and the frecquent descriptions of rape scences or even consented sex descriptions . this is jan 2013 .. this month is a "sexual sex slave awareness "month . in one police crackdown they found girls as young as 18 month being used by any man ... here in the USA ! yes , this was some part of history and the way things were done during war times . but do we need at least one sexual exploit in every chapter ???
because of this , i only gave this book 3 1/2 stars . i would love to see such a book without all the expletatives or the inuendos and discriptions . without these "extras" it would be a fun book to give to a teenager to show them what kind of jobs are out there ... as it goes , i would be ashamed to give this book to any of my kids ...
i gave it 3 1/2 stars for one reason only . i am a book collector and ex- online book seller . i love books . i especiallt treasure old books . as a piece of fiction it is well written and i did learn a few things about book conservation . what i could have done without are the "choice words " that are occasionally being used and the frecquent descriptions of rape scences or even consented sex descriptions . this is jan 2013 .. this month is a "sexual sex slave awareness "month . in one police crackdown they found girls as young as 18 month being used by any man ... here in the USA ! yes , this was some part of history and the way things were done during war times . but do we need at least one sexual exploit in every chapter ???
because of this , i only gave this book 3 1/2 stars . i would love to see such a book without all the expletatives or the inuendos and discriptions . without these "extras" it would be a fun book to give to a teenager to show them what kind of jobs are out there ... as it goes , i would be ashamed to give this book to any of my kids ...
Helpful Score: 1
A fantastic story of a book and the people who are entrusted with keeping it safe through the centuries. The author writes in a way that pulls you into each person's story and makes you feel as though you are there experiencing the plights of each custodian. A real page-turner that I could not put down.
Helpful Score: 1
This book had me from the beginning to the last page.
A wonderful read...captures one's imagination and at the same time educated me.
I highly recommend it.
A wonderful read...captures one's imagination and at the same time educated me.
I highly recommend it.
The November selection for my Bookclub. This interesting novel was inspired by a true story. There is a very old, old book hundreds of years old. This story takes us to different times during the life of the book, the people of the book. Although it took me a while to read I look forward to reading another book by Geraldine Brooks.
Loved the historical fiction and each of the stories within the overall present day framework.
I enjoyed the multiple stories spanning hundreds of years that come together to make up the story of a 500 year old religious book. The modern day central character brings all the stories together in one cohesive history. There are many cultures and important moments in history that weave together this enjoyable book.
One of the best books I have read in the past year.
I was apprehensive about reading this book after a friend of mine tried to read it and declared that she didn't care what or who was found next. However, I found it all fascinating! I come from a Christian background and know relatively little about other religions. Brooks has helped me make some "ah ha" connections amongst the three "cousin" religions in a way that only a good story teller can do. I appreciate the history entwined in the mystery. My only criticism is that the modern main character is lacking, but perhaps this was the author's intent so that the reader can see her flaws more clearly.
This was a wonderful read which was full of research by the author. I recommend it to anyone who is interested in the beginnings of religion. Thought provoking.
An amazing book by Brooks! Writing superb with a grand story behind her. She is one of the best writers on the scene today.
This book is what I'd call a literary not commercial. It's not an action packed fast read. Some might consider it boring. I LOVED IT! The writing and characters are superb. The research into rare books and how they are preserved was fascinating. The history and lives of the people who influenced the book were well researched and fascinating. I wish that every one of the stories from the book's history could be done as a full novel. Rarely have I read short stories where the characters were so exceptionally full rounded. The stories of the people were so real, convincing and unique. I never realized how much the Jewish people have suffered; however, the novel doesn't oversentimentalize what happened and I think that was a good thing. Brooks allows the reader to come to her own conclusions. The conflict between the mother and daughter interesting and realistic. I have tried reading "The Year of Wonders" and "March" but I couldn't get too far because I got so turned off. Particularly March--he was so self righteous. In my honest opinion, this is her very best book. I do plan to revisit the others in case I didn't give them a fair chance. Brooks is an exceptional researcher and writer. I highly recommend this book.
This book held my interest from beginning to end. Brooks has an excellent way of incorporating historical facts into her fiction. Alternating chapters between what the main character discovers and questions and the explanation for these discoveries and answers to the questions was an intriguing way to present this story.
This was the story of Hanna, a book conservator, who in 1996 is called to war torn Sarajevo to restore the Sarajevo Haggadah, a 500 year old Jewish prayer book. She finds interesting historical artifacts while doing her restoration - a white hair, a red wine stain, etc. - which lead to intertwining chapters going back in time telling the story of the book and how those artifacts ended up in the book. Those chapters also take us back to WWII, the Inquisition, and back to 1480 when the original illustrations for the book were created by a Muslim woman in Spain. There is a LOT of religious history in this book and the relationships throughout history between Catholics, Jews, and Muslims. Lots of religious persecution throughout history but also times when the three religions co-existed peacefully (before another religious war would break out). I thought the history was interesting and the short fictional stories about the people in those different time periods and how they connected to the Haggadah was also interesting. I also learned a lot in the chapters about Hanna about book conservation that was very interesting. And in her story there is also the relationship with her mother and different museums and librarians and other conservators. This was a good book and I only give it four stars because the historical chapters were slower reading for me because they were a little dense.
I very much enjoyed this book for being a book about a book. I liked the framing device of a book conservator discovering details and clues in a manuscript, and then jumping to the 'actual' story of "what happened." However, I found the 'modern' details to be a peculiar mix of overwrought and dull... the conflicted relationship with the mother, the unlikely romance, the dying child... I could have done without all of that. The book also suffered from "oh-no-is-my-book-boring?-syndrome" - where I feel that the author, after having got most of the way through writing a quiet yet interesting story, suddenly decides there isn't enough action in it - and right at the end there's a heist! Crime! Murder! Drama! (not to mention a likely exaggeration of security systems... though that might not be such a bad thing...)
That said, I did really like the writing style, and I found the stories of the various people through whose hands the book passed to be compelling.
That said, I did really like the writing style, and I found the stories of the various people through whose hands the book passed to be compelling.
A real page-turner. As you get into the book, it gets even better. It would be useful to be familiar with (common?)Jewish words.
I always enjoy Geraldine Brooks. She prepares thoroughly on her subject matter and I always learn something. I enjoyed the intrigue in this book and found it similar to another fave "Shadow of the Wind".
I thoroughly enjoyed Ms. Brooks' book, "Year of Wonders", and this one was another winner. The novel traces the history of the Sarajevo Haggadah - a famous Jewish codex illustrated with striking images created centuries ago. The story takes off from the present, where Hanna Heath works to analyze and conserve (not restore) the treasure, and takes us back through the ages to important events in the book's past. Each event is a story in and of itself, filled with rich, multi-layered characters all enduring unfathomable horrors which add to the inherent value of the haggadah. Hanna's story, which will become part of the history of the book, is not filled with the wretchedness of the earlier keepers of the book, but it is poignant and interesting. I learned something about the conservation of books and truly enjoyed the mystery aspect added by clues found within and on the pages of the codex.
Each little story (vignette?) leaves you wanting a bit more and, for that reason, this novel is not quite as engaging as "Year of Wonders", but I definitely recommend it and rate it as a 3.5 to 4.0.
Each little story (vignette?) leaves you wanting a bit more and, for that reason, this novel is not quite as engaging as "Year of Wonders", but I definitely recommend it and rate it as a 3.5 to 4.0.
Fascinating read - the elements of mystery, romance, and history are all interwoven into this terrific book. I learned even more about the history and traditions of the Jews in Europe, as well as details about book conservation that I never knew. I really liked how each historical period was represented by minute clues from the Haggadah, and the detailed characters that Geraldine Brooks portrayed. Highly recommended!
One of the best books I've ever read! Complex characters, history, cultures, plot and just well written.
Could not put this down! What an intriguing story that is full of historical facts. The characters grabbed a hold of you and would not let you forget them when you put the book down.
I never felt anything for the contemporary protagonist, Hannah. Her story added nothing to the book and made it 100+ pages too long. I would have much rather known more about the historical characters that told the journey of the haggadah. I enjoyed those portions of the book very much, and think the historical realm is where Geraldine Brooks excels.
Lost interest in and abandoned it halfway through the second part (Sarajevo in 1940.) Enjoyed first part about the book itself, but not the side trip that had nothing to do with the book.
I recognized the name of this author which made me have a bit more interest in this book. When I realized it was the same author who wrote "Year of Wonders: A Novel of the Plague", I knew I had to read this. I think I've learned more about history from reading historical novels than I have from history classes in school. Brooks is excellent at weaving a story around history that makes it a learning experience. This book, about the Hebrew codex known as the Sarajevo Haggadah, opened my eyes to much more than I would ever have known. I found it interesting to learn of Convivencia, when Jews, Christians, and Muslims coexisted in relative peace. Sometimes its refreshing to know that there can be religion without terror and war, book burnings, slavery, suppression, well, you get my drift. I am in fact, drifting right now though, because there was much struggle in this book's "lifetime." In 1996, Hannah, a rare book expert, finds herself delving into history when analyzing a Hebrew haggadah. In the books she finds an insect wing fragment, wine stains, a piece of hair, and salt crystals for starters, and begins to follow the whereabouts of this book, it's past, who may have created it, who risked their lives to save it. Well written, enlightening, a learning experience. Really enjoyed it,
I was not that impressed with this book. Maybe I expected more after reading all the reviews. It took a while to get into each story and once I did, it was over. Interesting, but it's not a page turner. I'm glad I finished it, but I almost gave up on it several times.
This is very much a book for book lovers--anyone really, but a book lover will particularly appreciate this book. While the main story was good, I particularly loved all the tagent stories that were provided to fill in the travels of the book during it's turbulent history. I didn't love this book as much as I did a Year of Wonders, but it is thought provoking.
I bought this as a gift for a friend/neighbor who is always lending me great! books. This was our area library book of the year in 2009 as I recall. I just loved it, so rich in description and characters, so diverse in the history it explores. I bought the author's book March, but I haven't had a chance to read it yet because I lent it to the same friend before the People book arrived. Also got it last year for two other friends. They loved it as well. I surely hope you find it as much a tresure as I did.
The author did an excellent job of weaving the past and future to tell a fascinating story. I am not a historian, but the historical detail woven in felt very real.
A very interesting book!
Read this for my book club. It was an engaging story that really pulled me in a nd kept me tuning pages as quick as I could. The switching between characters was sometimes tough to follow but not overly so. I would def recommend this one.
Excellent read. Wonderfully researched. It held my interest from beginning to end.
I found that I could not put this book down. It documents the journey of the Sarajevo Haggadah from its writing in the 1400's in Spain to its restoration in modern times in 1996. Learning history through the journey of a book certainly makes it alot more alive and interesting. I would recommend this book for anyone interested in history and certainly for any Jewish reader.
I really enjoyed this book -- I thought the writing style was very interesting and made it easy to read and follow.
This is a wonderfully written book and if you are a book lover you will find the story of the Sarajevo Haggadah fascinating. One of the best books I have read.
I really loved this book and found it very engaging! It was a wonderful mix of history and modern day. A story of a religious book that was saved multiple times by people who were not so religious. There were a couple of major plot twists that took me by surprise, but were ultimately satisfying.
Interesting and entertaining story of a centuries old religious book, with imagined tales of it's owners and those who rescued or safeguarded it through the years.
