Esther's hand raced over the paper as if the colored pencils might be snatched from her, the quivering inside her wild, foreign, thrilling. All this time she hadn't known that "blue" was actually seven distinct shades, each with its own name--azure, Prussian, cobalt, cerulean, sapphire, indigo, lapis. She pressed the waxy pencils on the paper, amazed by the emerging hues....In this stolen hour at Mademoiselle Thibaux's dining-room table, she could draw without being scolded for committing the sin of idleness, God forbid.
I found this book fascinating, especially learning more about the Haredi culture; I couldn't believe the strictures placed on women in this very narrow and pious community. It was pretty eye-opening, and also frustrating and a bit maddening. (And it made me very glad Esther's life isn't mine!) Still, to be able to visit not only Jerusalem, but also Paris in the early 1900s, made for an amazing bookish journey. Both places are always so interesting and fun to read about. As for Esther, her story is moving and poignant and ultimately bittersweet. I cheered for her, cried for her, and wished I could change her world for her...or that she would do something amazing and brave and change it herself. But not all books have happy endings. I can't say I loved this book, but it was an interesting read and Esther is one of those characters I won't soon forget. Probably because I felt so bad for her most of the time.
Happy Reading!
Similar reads:
The Marrying of Chani Kaufman by Eve Harris
The Ladies Auxiliary by Tova Mirvis
At first, I thought, "Yes, I want to read this!" But I don't know, I may have to keep it in mind for another time. I love the idea of the settings and getting an idea of a religious community, but I need happy endings at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI think that's why I didn't love this book...the author tries at the end to make it 'happier' with the epilogue, but it still left me feeling a little sad for Esther. It's a good read...but also a bit depressing. So if you need happy right now, skip this one. :)
DeleteThis does sound interesting but I'm so tired of seeing women treated this way that I think it would just make me mad.
ReplyDeleteIt made me a little mad, too. I definitely got frustrated with Esther's situation, and also with her acceptance of it. I wanted her to break free and be happy...and she just couldn't.
DeleteI love it when fiction opens up a world (and/or time and place) the reader wouldn't be able to access otherwise. Great review!
ReplyDeleteAnd this book really immerses you in another time and place and culture. Carner does an excellent job with that!
DeleteI think I would find this one fascinating too, Lark. I know nothing about the Haredi culture. I imagine it would make me a little mad too in spots. Thank you for bringing this one to my attention!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know anything about them either...and their way of life is definitely fascinating! (And very foreign from mine.)
DeleteThis one sounds both fascinating and interesting, Lark. And that cover is gorgeous, too. I'd hope for a happy ending in all books, but sometimes some stories are meant to be and that make it even a more unforgettable read, well at least to me, that is.
ReplyDeleteI agree. I think I'll remember this story a lot longer because it wasn't all tidied up and happy at the end...which makes it feel more authentic and real. And it's not completely depressing...just bittersweet and a little sad.
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