A compelling historical novel and family saga, both compelling and rich in scope. It takes us from from turn of the Century Russia to the Holy Land, New York and Germany. Sixteen year old Chavala, a courageous and spirited young girl must take charge of her family after the death of her mother in childbirth and after marrying Dov, the family migrates to Ottoman-ruled Palestine. The novel takes us through the trials and tribulations of the Jewish Yishuv (community) of the Land of Israel from the time of Ottoman rule, the heroic work of NILI Zionist network against the Turks during the First World War, and the Arabs pogroms against Jews starting in the 1920's, under the leadership of Mufti Haj Amin el Husseini, while the British armed the Arabs at the as same time preventing Jews from carrying arms of taking basic self-defence measures. Meanwhile the Nazis supported the cause of the Palestine Arabs putting out the canard that the Jews were stealing Arab land under the protection of British imperialism, while encouraging and helping to organize Arab pogroms against Jews in the Holy Land. Brilliantly captures British brutality against the Jews of the Palestine during the British mandate, Nazi cruelty and Arab blood lust. One of Chavala's sisters marries a gentile German and go's to live in Germany, later perishing in the Nazi Holocaust, while Chavala works in New York to set up a jewellery business to support her family in the Holy Land. Excitingly novelizes Jewish history from 1905 to 1948, a story of Jews and Israel, persecution and survival, death and renewal.
Great Historical Fiction
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 15 years ago
It is well written and an excellent read. Just remember the beginning of the book can be a little disturbing (when she gets married...). I recommend this book to people who like to read historical fiction, especially about Jewish Immigrants.
I love this book
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 18 years ago
I am African-American and still could relate to this book. I am reading it as I write this review and it is a total page turner. I originally read Come Pour The Wine by Cynthia freeman and am now hooked to her writing style I have sinced purchased Come Pour the Wine again only in hardcover, Portrait (which I have yet to read) and, No Time For Tears which I currently reading. This is the best writer I have ever come across. Cynthia Freeman may be at rest, but she will never be forgotten with books like this in her legacy.
Eastern Europe
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Excellent Book, especially for someone who can relate to it and understand it. A total page turner!
Eastern Eaurope
Published by Thriftbooks.com User , 22 years ago
Excellent Book! A total page turner. A person who has immigrated from Eastern Europe would definately be able to relate and appreciate this book.
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