People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks
Release date/ Length: 2008 / 368 pages
Synopsis (from jacket cover): In 1996, as rare book expert Dr. Hanna Heath examines the Sarajevo Haggadah, an illuminated Hebrew manuscript from 15th century Spain, she carefully removes a series of artifacts that, under laboratory examination, will offer insight into the remarkable journey of this unusual text. Having survived the Serb-Bosnian war, the haggadah yields precious clues that allow Hanna to reconstruct the attrition of time: the fragment of an insect wing, an apparent wine stain, a white hair, salt crystals. It requires all of Heath’s considerable skills to trace the evidence through the centuries to the book’s origin. One of the earliest illuminated Hebrew books to feature figurative art, this haggadah has been repressed by medieval Jews for religious concerns. Perhaps made in mid-4th century Spain, when Jews, Christian and Muslims peacefully coexisted, the manuscript begins its troubled journey in the Spanish Inquisition and expulsion of the Jews from Spain in 1492.
First line: I might as well say, right from the jump: it wasn’t my usual kind of job.
Review: Exquisite: the first word that came to mind when I finished this novel. I am fortunate to be able to read an average of two books a week, and truly enjoy most of them. But every once in a while I read something like this and I just think “thank you.”
In my opinion, Brooks has now entered the ranks of authors who make any subject fascinating. I loved March and should have read People of the Book sooner, honestly. So, when my book club decided on it for our August selection, I was thrilled to finally make this novel a priority.
A book about a book – what could be better? My only regret is that I would now love to read an entire book about each segment, each moment in history, each character who peoples this book! Brooks deftly switches from the present to the near past to the very distant past, each time introducing us to fasinating people struggling to overcome the bigotry and brutality that so often surrounds the history of the Judeo-Christian tradition. One other regret, actually, is that this book is possible only as a result of the horrific hatred and bloodshed religion has caused in our world.
But beyond the obvious tragedy of what humankind has wrought in the name of “God” – this novel is truly an incomparable work of inimitable art – and a darn good mystery, too!
Since I’m coming to this a bit late — I would love to read what others thought, too!
I loved this book and when I passed it round my reading group there wasn’t a dissenting word to be heard, which is most unusual as we have very different tastes and aren’t afraid the say so. I came to Brooks through ‘March’ which I also thought was superb. Reading this has made me think that I should go and investigate whether she’s got anything new on the way. If she writes it, I want to read it.
I read Year of Wonders by her, and LOVED it. I have both March and People of the Book in my TBR pile (March is from the library and I own People of the Book) and I’m glad to hear you liked them too.
Table Talk, People of the Book is her newest book, and according to her website, Catherine Zeta-Jones has acquired the film rights–we may see it as a movie someday!
This book was truly entrancing. I love books about books. Here is my review on Goodreads – http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/1379961.People_of_the_Book
Thank you, Table Talk and Karina! Now I’m really excited to read Year of Wonders!! I think People of the Book would be a great movie…
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Thanks for the great review. I now have two more books to add to my TBR pile. I love reading books that make me grateful for the gift of reading, and also thankful for the talented authors of the world.
I cannot imagine my life without books!