I keep reading reviews of this book that say the narration is presented as "we"...I didn't notice it at all! Must be because I just finished reading "The Wives of Los Alamos" which is written with a much more startling use of "we"."We" serves to accent the rather closed Jewish community in the book, so picky about rules, so not picky about real charity among each other and especially as to "strangers"...even one who is herself an Orthodox Jew. Supposedly, Jews do not distinguish between those born Jewish and those who have converted...this book tells a different story. A very good read. It is the story of a small knit Jewish Orthodox community, and a woman who moves into the neighborhood who is different than everyone else. What I really enjoyed about the book was everyone's responses to this woman who was different than them. Some were judgemental, some where supportive but afraid to voice a differing opinion, and other's were just kind. It made me think about how I respond to difference. Especially in a community like this Jewish one where there are traditions, family, standards that have been in place forever. The first half of the book, I really liked the character development, it seemed natural and true to life. Some of the issues that characters were facing and feeling were very familiar to me. But as the book approached it climax, I felt like some of the characters were pushed in a direction which didn't exactly feel like natural, they became more caricatures, pushed in order to build the climax and tension of the story. This is a great book to read for book club, because there are so many things to talk about, analyze and reflect, whether you like the read or not.
What do You think about De Damessalon (2000)?
Great story. Thanks to my sister for finding the title of this book. I need to read it again
—MonochromeNeko
I will write a more thorough review later, right now, I have to tend a crying baby.
—blondiee1229
