THE BOOK FAIR
READ AND FULFILL YOUR LIFE
Naomi Ragan
SOTAH
Author: Naomi Ragan
Published: 1992
Genre: Novel; Cultural
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 490
Review:
“Sotah”, reveals the story of a fallen woman. The American-Israeli author, Naomi Ragen, penned the novel using the religious Jewish community as a backdrop.
Dina Reich resides in the neighborhood of Meah Shearim in Jerusalem, her life circumscribed for her. Dina marries as is expected and soon has a child. When approached by a man who finds her attractive, unfamiliar with the secular world, Dina makes the mistake of pursuing a relationship with him. Judged by the elders, Dina is banned to a Jewish community in New York.
Dina resides with Joan, a secular Jewish woman, who is embarrassed by Dina’s Yiddish. In the new world of New York, nothing for Dina is as it seems. But it is in New York, where everything is unfamiliar, where she must build a new life that she begins to question her choices, the events of the past, the dictates of her community, and to come to terms with what she believes is just.
An engaging, well written, well plotted novel with well rounded, realistic characters. The author offers an amazing relationship between Dina and Joan. The author offers first-hand insight into the ultra-Orthodox Jewish community.
JEPHTE'S DAUGHTER
Author: Naomi Ragen
Published: 1989
Genre: Novel; Cultural
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 443
Review:
Abraham Ha-Levy, a strict, religious Jew living in California, decides to marry his daughter, Bat-Sheva, to a young man who resides in the Jewish, religious community of Meah She’arim, in Jerusalem. Batsheva, although after meeting Issac Harshen, has misgivings, she does not refuse her father’s request.
It is only after the wedding, as the couple lives alone, that irreconcilable differences mount, and Batsheva learns of her husband’s complete authority over her and of his cruelty.
Bat-Sheva learns her husband and mother-in-law can control her every move, and can restrict her even from the slightest of enjoyments. Bat-Sheva befriends the wife of a rabbi who helps her in the community, but she realizes it is not enough to escape the wrath of her husband for her and her small son. Having little choice, Bat-Sheva begins to take drastic measures and plans her escape.
This novel is extremely well written, full of history, informative, descriptive, and incredibly powerful with realistic characters and dialogue.
THE
GHOST OF
HANNAH MENDES
Author: Naomi Ragen
Published: 2009
Genre: Historical Fiction
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 245
Review:
Catherine da Costa, a very wealthy and influential woman, receives a visit from the ghost of Gracia Hannah Nasi, her ancestor and mentor from the 1500’s. Gracia and her husband escaped the fires of the Inquisition and built a financial empire. Catherine, determined to keep her promise to her ancestors that her family will remain Jewish, and that she will keep the business intact, devises a plan to reign in her wayward granddaughters who are selfish, spoiled and care little for their heritage.
To set her granddaughters on the right path, Caroline sends the sisters on a trip to Europe on the pretense of business however, Catherine’s detailed plan leads the young women on an amazing adventure of discovery and love.
The novel, rich in European and Sephardic Jewish history and customs, is coupled with romance, and the appreciation of love for family and heritage.
CHAINS
AROUND THE GRASS
Author: Naomi Ragen
Published: 1995 (1988)
Genre: Historical Novel
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 230
Review:
“Chains Around The Grass” explores the tragic tale of Ruth, who loses her mother as a young child. After her mother’s death, Ruth is raised by her relatives who care little for her. Even though Ruth is a promising student, the family encourages her to finds a vocation. The family convinces Ruth to Marry David Markowitz, a dreamer, with few resources.
However, Ruth has children with David and finds a measure of happiness until tragedy strikes again. Ruth must gain the strength to pull herself together and build a new life.
Well written; interesting storyline, well drawn sensitive and believable characters.
THE
SACRIFICE OF
TAMAR
Author: Naomi Ragen
Published: 1995
Genre: Cultural Novel
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 442
Review:
In the novel, “The Sacrifice of Tamar”, Naomi Ragen, the celebrated American-Israeli author, delves into the themes of intolerance and forgiveness.
Tamar Finegold, a young, religious woman is assaulted by a black man. Tamar, weighs the possibility of pregnancy and fearing shame and scandal, decides not to reveal the ordeal to anyone. When, months later, she and her husband announce a healthy baby boy, Tamar believes her suffering over.
However, events in the future will occur that will force Tamar to reveal the tragic event of her past.
Well written; well plotted, intense, informative and enlightening with well described, believable characters.
THE COVENANT
Author: Naomi Ragen
Published: 2004
Genre: Cultural Novel
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 276
Review:
In the novel, “The Covenant”, Naomi Ragen delves into the history of the Jewish people, the politics of Israel and a realistic view of terrorism.
Elise and Jonathan Margulies, with their five year old daughter, Ilana, live in Maaleh Sara, in Judea, an area outside of Jerusalem. Jonathan, a respected oncologist, practices medicine in Hadassah Hospital in Jerusalem; Elsie is six months pregnant with their second child. Before Jonathan leaves home for the hospital, he reminds Elsie to stay in bed to avoid an early delivery. On the same day, on the drive towards home, Jonathan must choose which road will be safest. Ilana sleeps in the back seat, tired from her dance recital. After listening to a report that roads are clear, he takes the closest road, going through the newly built tunnels to avoid Arab villages. Within minutes of his approach to Maaleh Sara, Jonathan’s car is riddled with terrorist bullets.
The military scourers the scene, Ilana is nowhere to be found. Journalists converge on tragedy plotting for a story.
Excellent writing; excellently plotted. Highly recommended.
THE
TENTH SONG
Author: Naomi Ragen
Published: 2010
Genre: Cultural Novel
Cover: Paperback
Pages: 304
Review:
Abigail and Adam Samuels live a plush life in Boston, MA. Adam, a high powered accountant provides well for his wife and three children, who lack for nothing and enjoy the best of everything. Abigail, busy with her youngest daughter, Kayla’s, engagement party, tends to last minute details.
As staunch members of the Jewish community, Abigail beams with delight, proud that Kayla is soon to marry Seth, a handsome, Jewish, young man and fellow Harvard law student.
However, the family’s safe, secure world crashes upon them when Adam is accused of funding terrorist groups and is arrested by the FBI. Kayla decides to escape the hounds of reporters who plague her family by bolting on a flight to Israel.
Once in Jerusalem, Kayla joins an archeological dig near the Dead Sea. Soon, Adam sends Abigail to Israel to retrieve his beloved, though spoiled, daughter. Abigail reluctantly begins the search for their wayward child. However, Abigail soon finds her adventure much different than she anticipated.
Note:
The meaning of the Tenth Song: The song one sings at the lowest point in life that will retrieve oneself and the world, as well.