I wasn't eager to read this book for my book club.

The cover art alone didn't intrigue me; I found it unlikable.

The beginning of the book was slow for me, even with my familiarity with some of the traditions and culture it referenced.

Some reviewers have mentioned inaccuracies regarding these elements, but I have no such knowledge.

Still, the pace of the story wasn't encouraging.

I relegated the book to my bathroom read. This meant I read only a few pages every day.

Suddenly, to my surprise, I found I had read over one half of the book.

I also realized that I had reached a point where I wanted to finish the book.

Partly I was impatient to do so to get the book over with, and partly because I now truly wanted to and hear the end of the author's story.

I don't believe that I will be recommending the book to family and friends.

But I would not declare the book a bad one.

It had its flaws, especially in the beginning with the slow pace and unappealing cover.

However, as I read more, it managed to draw me in and make me curious about the conclusion.

Perhaps it's not a book for everyone, but it did have some redeeming qualities that made it worth reading to the end.

Overall, my experience with this book was a bit of a mixed bag.

Not BRILLIANT writing...but ok.

About four generations of women in Jerusalem - novel, not bio/auto/memoir...it is ok.

It tells the story of these women, each with her own unique experiences and challenges.

The first generation may have faced the hardships of war and displacement.

The second generation might have grown up in a changing city, trying to balance tradition and modernity.

The third generation could have been dealing with the pressures of career and family.

And the fourth generation, perhaps, is finding its own identity in a globalized world.

Despite not being the most outstanding piece of literature, the novel offers an interesting glimpse into the lives of these women.

It shows how they have coped with the various circumstances that have come their way.

Overall, it is an ok read that can provide some entertainment and food for thought.

Something may have gone astray with the translation from Hebrew.

Upon careful examination, a few words were found to be missing and there were some unusual uses of language.

However, despite these flaws, the story has a captivating quality, much like a fairytale.

It draws the reader in and holds their attention, perhaps due to its unique charm and the way it unfolds.

The missing words and unusual usages might even add an element of mystery and intrigue, making the story all the more interesting.

Even though the translation may not be perfect, the essence of the story shines through, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

It is a reminder that sometimes, even with imperfections, a story can have a powerful impact and transport us to another world.

While each individual story of each woman is presented in a well-done manner, the connections or threads between these strong characters seem to be rather thinly stretched. It's almost as if each generation lived in a state of isolation from the others. This lack of a more profound and tangible connection between the different generations of women can sometimes make the overall narrative feel a bit disjointed. However, despite this, the characters themselves are still powerful and engaging.

It is always interesting to read a story that is firmly grounded in a place that one is interested in but does not know well. In this case, the setting provides a backdrop that adds an element of mystery and allure. The author's ability to bring this place to life through the experiences and stories of the women makes the reading experience both captivating and enlightening.

Even though the story has its flaws in terms of the connections between the characters, the overall charm and appeal of the narrative, along with the powerful characters and the interesting setting, make it a worthwhile read.

The matrilineal descent of a Middle Eastern family, which is infused with magical realism, truly brought to my mind Dora Levy Mossanen's Harem. Interestingly, both of these remarkable authors were born in Tel Aviv.

Four Mothers, an award-winning work initially published in 1996 in Hebrew and which I had the pleasure of reading in its English translation, and Harem, published in 2002 in English, seem to have a certain connection. In fact, I would be extremely surprised if the influence didn't originate from Shifra Horn.

I often find myself at a bit of a loss when it comes to these long family sagas that lack an obvious endpoint or goal. However, I am undeniably attracted to the magical elements they contain. I firmly believe that I will always remember the severely autistic son, who lives at home, having never been diagnosed with anything and never receiving an education, and the fascinating effect that the rose distillery has on the horses of Jerusalem.

These unique and captivating aspects add a layer of depth and intrigue to the stories, making them truly unforgettable.

A wonderful family saga.

This is yet another book that I devoured in just a few short hours. However, it wasn't because of simplistic content or easy language. On the contrary, it was truly magical and fascinating, precisely the kind of book that I adore.

Although it's not a pure fantasy book, it does possess an element of fantasy that weaves throughout, in a way that strongly reminds me of 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'.

This remarkable book was written by an Israeli author. Even though it chronicles the story of an Israeli family and of Jerusalem over four generations, it has the distinct feel of an English book that has been translated into Hebrew.

20.3.07

I have to concur with another reviewer.

The work in question was indeed good in certain aspects. The writing style was engaging, and the characters were somewhat developed. However, there was a significant flaw.

There was no real point or central theme that tied the story together. It seemed to be a collection of events without a clear purpose.

Moreover, the ending was highly unsatisfactory. It lacked any real closure on the story. The loose ends were left hanging, leaving the reader with a sense of incompleteness.

It's a shame because with a bit more focus and a stronger conclusion, this could have been a truly great piece of work. As it stands, it falls short of its potential.

A family saga unfolds, captivating readers with the tales of four consecutive generations of mothers. Each of these women is burdened by a curse that presents itself as serious husband problems. By any measure, these are fascinating individuals, yet most of them could be considered complete eccentrics.

Throughout a significant portion of the book, there is a thick layer of folklore interwoven. This infusion of folklore gives the story an exotic allure, transporting readers to a world filled with mystery and charm.

The writing in this family saga is truly lovely. The author's skillful use of language brings the characters and their experiences to life in a vivid and engaging manner. It is this beautiful writing that elevates the book above the typical family saga, making it a must-read for those who enjoy stories that explore the complexities of family relationships and the power of folklore.

Fascinating!

This is truly different from anything I've read before. It has a unique charm and吸引力 that immediately grabs my attention.

The content is presented in a way that makes it both engaging and thought-provoking.

It takes me on a journey through different ideas and perspectives, expanding my knowledge and understanding.

Each sentence seems to be carefully crafted, adding to the overall impact of the piece.

I find myself completely immersed in it, unable to put it down.

This article is a gem, and I'm looking forward to reading more like it in the future.

It has opened my eyes to new possibilities and激发 my curiosity.

Overall, it's an excellent piece of writing that I highly recommend.

A book that combines magical realism, popular superstitions and cultural rituals.

It is a story of strong, beautiful women who, when necessary, can be terrifying.

The writing of Shifra Horn is simple, smooth and effective.

She weaves a captivating tale that draws the reader in from the very first page. The use of magical realism adds an element of mystery and wonder, while the exploration of superstitions and cultural rituals provides a rich and detailed backdrop.

The characters are well-developed and engaging, and the reader can't help but root for them as they face their various challenges.

Overall, this is a must-read book for anyone who enjoys a good story with a touch of the supernatural and a deep understanding of human nature.

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