Thursday, July 5, 2018

People of the Book – Geraldine Brooks


A book conservationist is hired to examine and repair an ancient Jewish book, the Sarajevo Haggadah.  The story tells of her discoveries of minute evidence of its past hidden in its pages which are explained in flashbacks to their origins.  The story is based on a true precious relic that has been a symbol of the various faiths living in harmony for centuries.  This is a work of historical fiction, so the author creates fictional characters to populate the facts.

Brooks has written other books of historical fiction: March which tells the story of the father of Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women; Nine Parts of Desire, which I don’t think I’ve read and Year of Wonders, about a town during the Black Plague. 

People of the Book tells of the terrible tragedies of wars and hatred and the enduring strength of the people who persist despite the hardship.  I learned more about all religions – Jewish, Christian, Muslim and how much they are intertwined.  A wonderful read, highly recommended.

Published:  2008  Read: June 2018  Genre: Historical Fiction

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