My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search For His Jewish Past In Kurdish Iraq (2008) - Plot & Excerpts
This fascinating book was a total eye-opener, teaching me things about the Jews of the Middle East, and in particular, of Iraq and Kurdistan, that I new nothing about. I have made aware of a vast gap in my knowledge. It is also a poignant and moving family story, and a timely reminder of the myriad of reasons that people are forced out of their homes. We need this kind of knowledge in our community in ordeer for us to be more open-minded and compassionate towards refugees. Midway through, I find this to be a labor of love from a son to his father. Although I find the use of story-telling chapters from the past to be kind of corny, the chapters that recount experiences in a more straightforward way add up to a very absorbing telling of a fascinating slice of life: the last of the Kurdish Jewish community, fixed in time in dress, manner, language (they spoke Aramaic) and tradition. This book left me with a lump in my throat. I loved reading about this fascinating part of history, I loved his sentimental but informed journey into his family's past, I loved learning a bit about this ancient language.
What do You think about My Father's Paradise: A Son's Search For His Jewish Past In Kurdish Iraq (2008)?
Wonderful book!! Sabar brings the story of the Kurdish Jews to life!
—tbooker
My husband loved this, so I want to give it a try.
—Farha
