THE BOOK FAIR

The author offers insight into the religious Satmar sect of Judaism and does not disparage the community of which she was once a part.  Beautifully and sensitively written, the author rather poses dilemmas that arise from expectations of the community that one may not be able to fulfill.

The story begins in Europe during WW II and follows two families of the Satmar sect.   The novel poses the idea of “beshert”, that what is meant to be, is meant to be, and cannot be altered.  The author also addresses the desire for acceptance within one’s community and the extremes to which one may go to fulfill expectations.   The story follows the hopes and dreams of three generations and the result of the inevitable consequence of betrayal.