Description
This warm and engaging story, inspired by the author's own family, offers a glimpse into a life rich with tradition, celebration and love.
Meet the Rabinovitches: mischievous Yakov, bubbly Nomi, rebellious Miriam, solemn Shlomo, and seven more! Papa is a rabbi and their days are full of intriguing rituals and adventures. But the biggest adventure of all is when big sister Adina is told she is to be married at the age of fifteen - to someone she has never met.
Based on the author's real family, the Rabinovitches dance, laugh and cook their way through an extraordinary life in 1920s Poland.
In the classic tradition, this highly readable story is fascinating, engaging and as warm as freshly baked bread.
Review
This is a move away from Anna Ciddor’s usual fantasy books to one based on her orthodox Jewish ancestry in 1920’s Poland.
Seen through the eyes of ten year old Nomi, it looks at many of the traditional Jewish customs, food and celebrations. Her father is the local rabbi and their local community revolves around the large Rabinovitch family leading up to the arranged marriage of their oldest daughter, 15 year old Adina.
It is a terrific tale that looks at Jewish life without even a hint of the holocaust, which is a nice change. It is certainly educational and will be used to show a very different culture to that understood by most Australian students.
Best suited to readers 9-12 years old.
Reviewed by Rob
Teacher notes are available for this title from www.allenandunwin.com
