by Geraldine Brooks
Hundreds of years of chaotic journeys of the illustrated Sarajevo Haggadah, a Passover Jewish prayer book, thought to have been perished during the war in Sarajevo, are described in this story. The book that originates in 15th century Spain, passes through years of war and Jewish persecution. Its travels tell of a debate between a rabbi and priest in a Venice’s Ghetto, living under the threat of the Inquisition, rising Anti-Semitism in 19th century Vienna, the experiences of a girl in a harem, escaping from Nazis in Sarajevo, and more. The book is saved from destruction by people of all faiths. It moves from the present to the past. In the present is Hannah, an Australian rare book conservator who through missing pieces and tiny objects found on the Haggadah, unearths its past. Hanna’s life and relationships are revealed throughout the story.
As with Sara’s Key, I find myself focusing always on the history and putting aside the present. What I enjoy the most are the little stories and characters that reveal so much about the past. I loved this book and I esteem Geraldine Brooks for offering respect to people of all religions in spite of the turmoil between them.
Hundreds of years of chaotic journeys of the illustrated Sarajevo Haggadah, a Passover Jewish prayer book, thought to have been perished during the war in Sarajevo, are described in this story. The book that originates in 15th century Spain, passes through years of war and Jewish persecution. Its travels tell of a debate between a rabbi and priest in a Venice’s Ghetto, living under the threat of the Inquisition, rising Anti-Semitism in 19th century Vienna, the experiences of a girl in a harem, escaping from Nazis in Sarajevo, and more. The book is saved from destruction by people of all faiths. It moves from the present to the past. In the present is Hannah, an Australian rare book conservator who through missing pieces and tiny objects found on the Haggadah, unearths its past. Hanna’s life and relationships are revealed throughout the story.
As with Sara’s Key, I find myself focusing always on the history and putting aside the present. What I enjoy the most are the little stories and characters that reveal so much about the past. I loved this book and I esteem Geraldine Brooks for offering respect to people of all religions in spite of the turmoil between them.
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