When We See You Again by Rachel Goldberg-Polin

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Late on October 6, 2023, after having Shabbat dinner with his family, Hersh Goldberg-Polin traveled south to join his friends at a festival celebrating love, light, music and dance. Little did anyone in their family suspect that this would be their last Shabbat dinner, their last hug goodbye, their last anything. Because early the following morning, Hersh would experience an invasion of radical Islamic terrorists whose mission was to kill, maim, rape, burn and capture as many Jewish victims as possible, including Hersh himself. Attempting to hide, Hersh sought refuge in a bomb shelter with many others, until the terrorists threw in the grenade that would blow off his dominant left hand. He would then be taken into captivity, starved, tortured, and kept in subterranean tunnels for hundreds of days before being shot and killed at close range by these terrorists.

Immediately on hearing of his being taken captive, his family sprung into action, meeting with anyone and everyone to try to advocate for Hersh’s release. Even in their fog of unimaginable pain from loss and terror for his welfare, they traveled the world, spoke both publicly and privately, trying anything to gain the assistance of anyone who might be able to get Hersh released. What this did to his mother, Rachel, is laid out here in all its pure, raw, raging agony.

I believe it is incumbent upon all of us to bear witness, through these poetic, philosophical, and agonizing words of Rachel Goldberg-Polin, to what happened on October 7, 2023. Because it has affected not just her but thousands of others all over the world. Because it affected Jews, Muslims, Christians, Buddhists, and Hindus. Because it affected people from Israel, Germany, Thailand, the US, Russia, and the UK. Because it was a demonstration of evil so public and so brazen that it changed the world. And because we are obligated to know, to comprehend the atrocities that occurred on that day as it affected individuals in order to understand the impact it has had on a global scale.

This is not just a MUST READ, but an obligatory one.

I Was Anastasia by Ariel Lawhorn

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It’s been years, decades even, that Anna has been fighting in a German court to establish her identity as the Grand Duchess of the Romonov family. She’s been grateful for the support of her loyal childhood friends, who have shuffled her around from sympathizer to sheltering sympathizer. But she resents that she’s been abandoned by her extended family and her former teacher, who have accused her of being an imposter. Through this dual timeline, we learn both of Anna’s traumatic experience of living through the cruelty of the Russian revolutionaries, as well as her fight to survive the aftermath.

A huge fan of this author, I was somewhat disappointed by this particular novel of hers. I am always game for a dual timeline as well as most historical fiction. I was interested in the history and fate of Tsar Nicholas and the Russian Revolution. However, because this timeline skipped around so much, both in time and location – and never in a linear fashion – it became onerous to keep track of. Moreover, the story was relentlessly heartbreaking, with little in the way of lightness. Of course, it is a brutal story, but even the most brutal history can be relayed with moments of tenderness, some expressions of wit. There was poor little of relief in this telling and, so, a heavy load to carry.

That said, I absolutely learned from it and was, in fact, surprised at the ending. Glad I read it? I’m still not sure. But I certainly feel a bit smarter for having done so.

How to Read a Book by Monica Wood

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Violet looks forward to her book club meeting each week. It has become the only time during her week where she can escape the mind-numbing routine of prison life. She finds that Harriet, the volunteer who leads the meetings, while quite a bit older (and who dresses even older than that) is actually pretty cool in her own way. As for Harriet, she feels blessed to be a part of this group; feeling as if here, in this claustrophobic room with a group of outspoken and demanding women, she can be utterly herself. Frank, who helps out in the bookstore where Harriet obtains her books for the group, is pleased to feel useful there. Especially if it might give him a chance to meet Harriet…

This story, with its rotating narrative between these three characters gives us a window into the life of a young woman who has and still is paying dearly for a tragic mistake she’s made. For even after she’s paid her dues, she still must contend with the impact of what she’s done. Whether it is in the challenge of finding employment with a felony record, the guilt she carries about her crime and the impact its had on others, or the abandonment she feels from everyone in her former life.

This is also a story of forgiveness. We see many unable to forgive, and we see how happiness comes to those who do.

It’s a truly heartwarming story stemming from an unlikely beginning.

For the Love of Labor: The Life of Pauline Newman by Cathryn J. Prince

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Born in the Jewish section of a small town in Lithuania in the late 1800’s, Pauline Newman spent her early years in a small but tidy house with her mother, father, and brothers and sisters. Although only a child, she already felt the frustration of being a girl in a world built for men. The boys were allowed to go to school while she was not; the boys were allowed more freedoms, while she was tasked with helping her mother with the housework. When her beloved father (who in fact did sneak her into the school while he taught the young boys) passed away, her mother suspected she’d be safer and have more opportunity as a single mother with children in America. Unfortunately, thousands of Jewish immigrants had the same idea, and opportunities were scarce. Because of the urgent need for a way to support themselves, Pauline was sent to find a job so that she could help contribute to the family, despite her very young age. It was there that she was exposed to the unimaginable work conditions in the sweatshops, there where her ideas on organizing and bargaining for improvements took root. These ideas would galvanize her to making improving life for workers – particularly women workers – her life’s work.

This non-fiction book reads like a novel, telling the true story of an American heroine. Before she was even through her middle teens, Pauline Newman established herself as a force to be reckoned with. Never one to shy away from conflict, her ability to speak and write despite her lack of formal education enabled her to organize women around the issues of the day: namely, the unsanitary, unsafe working conditions that she and so many other women and children endured while working in the sweatshops of the Lower East Side, including the notorious Triangle Shirtwaist Factory. Knowing that their only hope was collective bargaining, she organized groups to strike and bargain from the strength of unions. Little by little, she made headway, working with various organizations and writing for various publications.

Too often non-fiction can be laborious, but I found the writing in this book to be incredibly accessible and readable. I particularly enjoyed the more personal sections, those that focused on Newman’s private life. While often lonely and frustrated, Newman did manage to find love, albeit in someone who, because of their differences, broke her heart in some ways.

I cannot imagine the hours of research that went into this book – but the final product is a gift to those of us willing to read it. It is quite an American, real-life drama! (If you’re interested, you can find it at https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=c049552.)

Code Name Helene by Ariel Lawhon

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

The dual timeline here:

1944: Helene (aka Nancy) finds herself being flown back into France, under the cover of night. From the get-go, she learns that the “rules” don’t count here on the ground and survival is what is of the utmost importance. That and arming, feeding, clothing, and paying the Resistance fighters she is here to safeguard.

1936: Nancy Wake her younger self, one who has boldly talked her way into a job as a journalist (no formal training), one of her first interviews having been with a then little-known, arrogant and aloof politician named Adolf Hitler. Soon after, we are with her as she bears witness to the evil work of his disciples, torturing Jews in a characteristic gruesome fashion in a public square in Vienna. She is immediately spurred on to do something, anything, to fight against this evil force. At the same time, she also attracts the gaze of one of France’s elite and most eligible young men. So as Europe gears up for war, Nancy is falling in love.

This is another magnificent work of historical fiction from the author of The Frozen River (reviewed here relatively recently). We follow larger-than-life Nancy Wake, an Australian national who lived in Paris before the war, just long enough to be tutored by her best friend in the language, the look, and the poise of the French. But Nancy’s accomplishments were all her own. She proved herself in the early days of the occupation by the Nazis, enough to be noticed by the right men in the right positions. Most impressive was the fact that Nancy was able to garner the respect, loyalty, and support of the thousands of men she led in their unofficial battalions of the French Resistance. It was a testament to her courage, bravado, and willingness to put herself in harm’s way for those fighting for justice.

This is most definitely a MUST READ, not only because it is an utterly addictive novel, replete with emotion and suspense, but because it is our duty to honor individuals (and particulary women, who are so often ignored in war stories) who fought so bravely for justice, civility, and democracy.

Honeysuckle Season by Mary Ellen Taylor

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Two timelines and intersecting stories:

In 1941 we begin with Sadie, running from the sheriff of her small, Virginia town, fearful for her life. Forced to abandon the baby she hardly was prepared to birth, she is trying to escape not only the sheriff, but her doomed past.

In 2020, we meet Libby, newly divorced after having survived three miscarriages, she is trying to rebuild her life in the small town where she grew up. She feels just a bit of promise when she is invited to photograph a wedding at the beautiful garden estate she visited annually as a young girl with her late mother. So begins her new connection with this estate and with Elaine, its owner.

This is a moving, sometime painful work of historical fiction, that is simply written and yet engaging. We are drawn in to these sympathetic characters, as both Sadie and Libby have experienced their own versions of trauma. We are also drawn in by our curiosity about how these stories are intertwined. While we might have been kept waiting longer to learn this, in my opinion, there are still surprises that are revealed up until the very end.

One topic addressed here is that of eugenics, the practice of surgically blocking the reproductive capacity of those who are deemed “less than” by whatever group holds power. This reprehensible practice was allowed, even encouraged in many areas of our country – and likely continues in other parts of the world today. It is utterly staggering to conceive of the hubris of those who feel they are empowered to deny others’ freedoms, that they should be allowed to literally play God. It is also not unimaginable in our current, divided, and hate-filled moment that those in power might believe they are entitled to this.

On the more positive side, we are given the gift of meeting strong women characters, such as that of Olivia. Olivia has survived The Blitz in London and has come to the US as a newly married woman. She defies social norms and befriends Sadie, showing her kindnesses and generosity that shock Sadie, who is used to being treated with scorn because of her poverty and lack of education. They develop a truly beautiful friendship that lasts for decades, despite the pressure surrounding them to be apart.

Overall, while the writing is plain, the story a bit predictable, it is still a worthwhile and enjoyable read, in my opinion.

On Earth We’re Briefly Gorgeous by Ocean Vuong

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

In a letter to his mother, Little Dog shares his story, his experience as the son of a Vietnamese woman who has lived through a terrible war, and has come to America with her own mother who has also suffered greatly. Little Dog communicates his own trauma, growing up in an abusive and impoverished household. When he falls in love with his coworker, as a teenager, it is the first time he feels seen, appreciated for who he really is. We learn how this both opens up his world and creates more heartache for Little Dog.

I am conflicted over this book. On one hand, the writing is extraordinarily poetic. The language is, at times, beautiful – creating images, experiences for the reader that are vivid and tactile. Little Dog relays tender moments with his grandmother, who seeks beauty where she can find it. He paints terrifying scenes of abuse at the hands of his mother.

On the other hand, the author also jumps from timeline to timeline, from narrative to narrative – occasionally within the very same paragraph – and it is incredibly confusing to follow. We never know if the next sentence will refer to a time in Vietnam or in Hartford, CT, if it will be describing a scene he has experienced or something his grandmother has survived. The subject/story line shifts as frequently as the pages turn. I appreciate a volley between perspectives, dates; but here it happens without any transition and much too often. It is just too confusing.

There is, underneath it all, a powerful story of generational trauma. But it is quite a bit of work to get there.

As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld
As Bright as Heaven by Susan Meissner: 9780399585975 | PenguinRandomHouse.com: Books

Pauline and Thomas Bright have uprooted their young family from their rural tobacco farm to the city of Philadelphia. The Great War is still raging and yet it feels like the right move. They have just suffered the loss of their youngest child from a heart defect and a fresh start might be just what they need. Moreover, there is opportunity, as Thomas’s uncle Fred has agreed to bring him into his funeral home business and, as Uncle Fred is himself a bachelor, he has plenty of room in his large home for the Bright family. When the Spanish flu descends upon the city, it wreaks havoc on the family, however. On the other hand, it also brings new joy, in the form of baby Alex.

This is an emotional piece of historical fiction, blending the impact of both the first World War and the Spanish flu pandemic – a mighty double blow to our country. While we have the Covid pandemic fresh in all our minds, we forget that we have been here before, coping with a terrifying disease for which we have no immediate cure or vaccine, and from which there were thousands of deaths. While science has moved forward quite a bit since the Spanish flu, and we do have flu vaccines, this story reminds us that we never know what may be around the corner, lurking and waiting to challenge our knowledge, challenge our resources.**

That said, the story on the whole is well-written, providing details through a rotating narration, predominantly via the three remaining sisters in the Bright family. They are poignant characters, both vivid and endearing. Evie, the eldest is the most academic, setting her sights on medicine as a career. Maggie is more the maternal one, interested in helping her mother prepare the bodies for visitation. And the youngest, Willa, gradually finds her (musical) voice and seeks pleasure where she can find it. We come to love them, root for them, and pray for their happiness.

Not quite a “MUST READ” but this novel will move you and engage you.

**Which is why it is terrifying that our current administration has cut back on research funding, particularly for vaccine research. One would imagine that having had such a recent pandemic, we’d be smarter than this…!

The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits by Jennifer Weiner

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

Zoe has always been the outgoing sister, the one for whom social situations have been easy to navigate. On the other hand, Cassie, with her shy awkwardness, her larger body, and without the beauty that nature seems to have bestowed upon her sister, human interaction has always been a challenge. And for most of their formative years, Zoe has been protective of Cassie, admonishing those who insulted her, including her against others’ wishes. But there is one thing Cassie has that Zoe doesn’t – that innate musical gift, that magical voice. When Zoe enters a local battle of the bands, she knows that having Cassie by her side will virtually guarantee her a win – and this is where they begin their journey together. For better or worse…

This is an incredibly moving story, not only about the sisters’ meteoric rise to fame and sudden crash, but also about love and trust and what can become blinding drive for notoriety. It is told from the perspective of both sisters as well as from Zoe’s daughter. It is also told in 3 different time periods. While this might seem confusing, it is not – rather, it is an effective means of building suspense up to the point of discovery of exactly what has fractured the sisters’ relationship, the band disaster, and Cassie’s subsequent self-isolation.

This is also a poignant depiction of how size discrimination can impact one’s entire self-perception. While Cassie is likely autistic, her discomfort with social interactions is hugely magnified because of bitter memories of the many children who picked on and alienated her because of her size. Years later, it is perpetuated by those in the music business, as she is constantly compared to (and compares herself to) her thin, beautiful sister. For example, while her sister is provided with hundreds of wardrobe options, she is given one or two, always black, always ugly – merely efforts to make her appear smaller, disappear. What she can’t see is how inspirational she is to so many girls throughout the country who can identify with her and her challenges.

I worried that this would be a too-light book, a bit of fluff that would not be meaningful. I was quite wrong: it brought me to tears by the end.

I hope their story moves you too, the way it moved me.

The Unseen World by Liz Moore

Posted on by marjorieseidenfeld

It’s early 1980’s and Ada suspects something is going on with her father, David. She knows they’ve always been different – it’s clear from the way in which their friends/neighbors, Liston and her family, are so “normal” and opposite from them in almost every way. Liston’s children go to school whereas she is homeschooled. Liston’s children are noisy, socialize with friends, and are shown physical affection regularly. But although David is not like others, she adores him for his brilliance, his inclusion of her in his work, and the example he has set. But after a lapse from David during a social gathering in his home to welcome his new graduate students into his lab, Ada senses that things will be different now – perhaps forever.

This novel, while not as wildly stirring as the author’s more famous one, The God of the Woods, is a more subtly powerful one: it confronts the devastation of Alzheimer’s Disease, the early origins of the AI bot, homophobia, and what it feels like to be “different” as a child. Ada’s story is told in two time frames – one beginning in the early 80’s and the other beginning in 2009, after she’s grown. We first meet her at the age of 12, and are privy to reflections on her unusual childhood of being homeschooled and taken in as part of the workforce in an academic computer lab. She socializes with grownups, she only knows the parenting of David, immersed in the culture of solving puzzles, challenging the mind, science and nature. Yet she is beginning to long for peer relationships. What would it be like to have a friend her age? What would it be like to go to school? The thought terrifies and intrigues her in equal parts. Sadly, as David’s heath declines, she is soon thrust into the “normal” world and has to figure out a way to survive while still holding onto the David she adores.

The intrigue comes when David is exposed as not being who he has claimed to be. His story has always been that he’s a disowned heir to a famous New York City family, yet as his health declines, and his estate is transferred over to Liston until Ada reaches legal age, there are discrepancies that come to light. This upends Ada’s world, leaving her angry, confused, and feeling abandoned. What we learn about David is unsurprising and still devastatingly sad.

This is absolutely a worthwhile read. It is both a peek into our past and a projection into our future, written with both heart and scientific insight.