This novel introduced me to an new aspect of an era I have read a lot about. I had very little idea about what life was like for holocaust survivors fleeing to Palestine, I knew that many had gone there after the war hoping for a better life but had no idea what happened once they got there. As I grew to care for the characters I wanted to know more about them that Anita Diamant wrote in the novel. I think it would have been a stronger story if she had included more of the back story of the main characters rather than the rough sketches she gave (I also would totally read a follow up book if one was ever written to find out what happened to the girls after the end of the story as it wasn't really the end, rather just a new beginning...which also annoyed me a bit). Still she did a very good job of showing how the camps were run as well as the Kibbutz and made me want to know more about this subject. If you have interest in WWII and don't recognize the word Kibbutz I recommend this book, also if you are interested in Jewish history or just are looking for a good post-war story.
7/10 (Historical - Post-WWII Palestine Internment Camp)
If you enjoyed this book I would recommend:
Night - Elie Wiesle (warning: you will cry WWII biography)
The Secret Life of Bees - Sue Monk Kidd (strong female relationships)
The Magdalene Line Series - Kathleen McGowan (this one I am not sure about, has strong female lead, Christianity and controversy...not sure but I liked it and I normally thumb my nose at religious stuff so I am going out on a limb with this recommendation...)
No comments:
Post a Comment