Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 70 votes)
5 stars
22(31%)
4 stars
26(37%)
3 stars
22(31%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
0(0%)
70 reviews
July 14,2025
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Probably broke my personal record for “slowest read ever”. This book, which was only 270 pages, took me weeks to get through. I found the descriptive writing style to be extremely tedious, and the story never seemed to pick up any pace. I ended up just browsing through the last 50 pages, so I'm not even sure how it finished. But given that nothing major seemed to happen throughout the entire book, I don't think I really missed out on much.


The plot summary is that four or five generations of women are cursed to have their husbands leave them around the time their baby is born. The author attempts to be overly descriptive and poetic, but in doing so, she adds in far too many cliches. It felt as if she was writing the book with the specific intention of it being discussed in book clubs, with phrases like “oh those poor women and the cultural background of inequality, but look at how female sisterhood saves the day” popping up. The overall style felt very artificial and just too cliche for my taste. All in all, this is definitely not my favorite book.

July 14,2025
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Quite nice!

This simple expression holds a world of meaning. It can describe a beautiful scenery that takes your breath away, like a sunset over a calm ocean or a snow-capped mountain range.

It can also refer to a pleasant experience, such as a delicious meal at a favorite restaurant or a great conversation with a friend.

Sometimes, "quite nice" is used to describe a person, perhaps someone with a kind heart and a charming personality.

In essence, "quite nice" is a subjective term that can mean different things to different people. But regardless of its specific meaning, it always conveys a sense of satisfaction and pleasure.

So the next time you encounter something that makes you feel good, don't be afraid to say "quite nice" and share your positive feelings with the world.
July 14,2025
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A rich and sweeping family saga set in Israel over a century unfolds, centering around five remarkable Jewish mothers.

Amal, having given birth to a son and thereby shattering the curse that had plagued the women of her family, delves into the lives of her predecessors. There's Geula, her wayward mother; Pnina Mazal, her grandmother with the ability to read minds; Sara, her great grandmother, a legendary beauty; and Mazal, her great great grandmother, who was forced into an early marriage and abandoned by her husband after giving birth, thus initiating the trend of single motherhood that would burden each woman in the family.

The story is filled with sites, signs, undercurrents, and a plethora of other characters and persons who seem to burst right off the pages.

It is an epic that is rich in humanity, eroticism, irony, and full of twists and turns. It will linger in your mind long after you've finished reading. It sensitively and thoughtfully traces the many generations of Jews who have lived in Jerusalem.

Sadly, some people in the world are unable to recognize humanity. When Shifra Horn appeared on Australian radio to discuss this entirely non-political book, the talk show host aggressively grilled her about the supposed sins of Israel's government, completely ignoring the book she had come to talk about.

Some people in the world refuse to recognize the humanity of Israel's Jews, dehumanizing them in a manner that eerily resembles Europe before the Holocaust. This is a tragic state of affairs that undermines the very essence of this beautiful and poignant family saga.
July 14,2025
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I discovered this book for just $3 at a dollar store, and it was truly a bargain.

The book detailed a "Curse" that was placed upon Mazel. When her husband departed, she and her "friend" came together to bring up her lovely daughter.

What ensued was an engaging story of powerful women being passed down through each generation.

I was slightly perplexed by Geula's narrative as we didn't have much time to get to know her. However, the other characters were fascinating, and the bad luck! Gosh, what a difficult situation to be in!

Overall, despite the confusion regarding Geula, the book had its merits and was an enjoyable read for the price I paid.

I would recommend it to others who are looking for an interesting story with strong female characters.

Maybe upon a second reading, I will gain a better understanding of Geula's role in the story.

Nonetheless, it was a great find at the dollar store.
July 14,2025
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I absolutely loved this book. It was such an incredibly enjoyable read that truly captivated my attention from start to finish.


What I found particularly fascinating was how the author had the remarkable ability to almost effortlessly transport the reader to Israel and the specific time period in which the story was set. It was as if I could vividly picture the landscapes, the people, and the events unfolding right before my eyes.


The book also delved deep into the theme of love, exploring how it can grow to great depths in some individuals while remaining shallow in others. This exploration added an extra layer of complexity and depth to the story, making it not only an entertaining read but also a thought-provoking one.


Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a engaging and well-written story that will both transport them to another place and time and make them reflect on the nature of love.
July 14,2025
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Saga famigliare e letteratura israeliana, per me un connubio quanto mai felice.

This family saga is a remarkable piece of Israeli literature. The novel vividly narrates the vicissitudes of four generations of women. Interestingly, the men are deliberately left aside, almost becoming an accessory within the narration.

All these women are united by a curse. The men in their lives either disappear, die, or abandon them. This curse seems to haunt their family for generations. However, hope finally arrives when the last woman gives birth to a healthy and strong male child. This event marks the end of the curse and brings a new beginning to the family.

The atmosphere of the novel at times reminds me of the works of Garcia Marquez, where reality seamlessly blends with magic. It also beautifully merges with the traditions of Hebrew culture, creating a unique and captivating reading experience.

Overall, this novel is a powerful exploration of family, curse, and hope, set against the backdrop of Israeli culture and literature.
July 14,2025
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Recensione il 21 giugno su www.lalettricecontrocorrente.it.


This review was posted on June 21st on the website www.lalettricecontrocorrente.it.


The website www.lalettricecontrocorrente.it is known for its unique and diverse content. On June 21st, a review was added to this platform.


Perhaps the review covered a new book, a movie, or an event. It could have provided valuable insights and opinions, helping readers make informed decisions.


Visitors to the website can expect to find interesting and thought-provoking reviews like this one. Whether they are looking for entertainment or seeking to expand their knowledge, www.lalettricecontrocorrente.it has something to offer.

July 14,2025
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In fact, there are five mothers, but the entire novel (set in the territories of present-day Israel and Palestine) focuses particularly on one of them. The others are always seen in relation to the life of the one who is considered the matriarch of the family, Sarah. At the beginning of the narration, some central questions are raised for the narrator (the last mother, the great-granddaughter of Sarah), but then they are lost in the course of the story and become marginal. There is also an error (I don't know if it's a translation error) in which Sarah's mother is at one point indicated as her grandmother.

The novel oscillates between magical realism and (to a lesser extent) historical fiction. Some facts are reported that allow the events to be dated (the passage of Halley's Comet in 1910, World War I with the fall of the Ottoman Empire, World War II, and, at the end of this, the intensification of the clashes between Jews and Arabs), but without going beyond the citation and delving into the relationships between these events and the changes in the social context in which the protagonists live, despite the profound influence on their lives. Historical figures and news events are also mentioned, but in the end, everything is disjointed and poorly integrated into the narration.
July 14,2025
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This book has been sitting in my bookcase for ages.

It has been there for what seems like countless ages and years.

And let me tell you, it was truly wonderful.

It was chock full of all my favorite things.

There were generational stories that spanned across time, magical realism that added an enchanting touch, Judaism which provided a rich cultural backdrop, and it had a fairy tale feel that made it truly captivating.

The only thing that it needed, in my opinion, was an epistolary chapter.

If it had that one additional element, I would've毫不犹豫地declared it perfect. ;)

It's amazing how a single book can hold so much charm and potential.

I often find myself thinking about this book and wondering what it would be like if it had that epistolary chapter.

Maybe it would have added an extra layer of depth and intimacy to the story.

Who knows? But one thing is for sure, this book will always have a special place in my heart.
July 14,2025
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Israel is a country with a rich and diverse history. It is a land that has been home to many different cultures and religions over the centuries. One way to explore the essence of Israel is through the stories of its people, and in particular, through the experiences of its mothers.

In the article "Un ritratto magico di Israele attraverso le storie di quattro madri" (A magical portrait of Israel through the stories of four mothers), we are given a unique glimpse into the lives of four Israeli mothers. Each mother has her own story to tell, and together their stories paint a vivid picture of life in Israel today.

Through their experiences, we learn about the joys and challenges of raising a family in Israel, the importance of community and tradition, and the impact of political and social events on their lives. The article takes us on a journey through different parts of the country, from the bustling cities to the quiet countryside, and introduces us to a wide range of people and experiences.

http://www.lindiependente.it/un-ritratto-magico-di-israele-attraverso-le-storie-di-quattro-madri
July 14,2025
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A friend of mine couldn't stop raving about this particular book. So, out of curiosity, I decided to get a copy for myself. Little did I know what I was getting into.

At first, I thought it was going to be a real page-turner. I kept thinking to myself, "Something's gotta happen soon." And so, I pressed on, eager to see what would unfold. But alas, nothing happened.

The book seemed to be about four generations all crammed into a single volume. There was a daughter who hated her mother but admired her grandmother. She managed to mess up her life in various ways and then had a baby. Or something like that. To be fair, I've already forgotten the details.

In the end, not only did the book fail to live up to my expectations, but it also didn't even help me get into my friend's pants. What a disappointment.
July 14,2025
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This is a very earthy book,

dealing entirely with women's business.

I really enjoyed it.

The story unfolds in a simple and relatable way,

depicting the lives, emotions, and challenges of women.

It explores various aspects such as relationships, career, and self-discovery.

The characters are well-developed and their experiences resonate with readers.

The author has a unique writing style that makes the book engaging and easy to read.

It offers valuable insights into the female psyche and provides a platform for women to reflect on their own lives.

Overall, it is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in women's literature.

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