As encouraged by Maria, Kelly and Mel when I wrote my first non flash fiction post for my blog, here is a book review… a first for my flash fiction only blog 😱
Please Say Kaddish For Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Reviewed by Kelvin M. Knight
The format of a book I want to read is important to me. I reluctantly read this book in Kindle format, on my iPhone rather than on my Kindle because my Kindle refused to download this book or any other book on Amazon for that matter. I say reluctant because I tried purchasing Please Say Kaddish For Me in paperback format from the author directly (so I could get the book signed while hopefully also getting a personal message). Despite Rochelle’s best efforts, the price of shipment from America to the UK was too high for me.
The point in telling you this? Simple. Resigning myself to reading this book on my tiny iPhone 5c screen, getting re-used to percent complete rather than page numbers, did not deter my enjoyment. Quite the reverse, actually; the ability to top up my usual regimented reading times by dipping in and out of this book, wherever I was, whenever I had a spare five minutes or so (my iPhone is on my person always, unlike my manbag containing books, wallet, key and lunchbox), actually enhanced my enjoyment. And, and, the icing on the cake – Rochelle sent me a homemade card by airmail, with the covers of her four books on them and a lovely handwritten and signed message inside. The best of both worlds.
The ability to dip in an out of this book is poignant as the story dips in and out of the characters’ lives. And what a cast of characters. No… what an extended family. This theme of family extends from this book in a way that is both heartwarming and heart-aching. Right from the first chapter, where the heroine, Havah, flees for her life, you know you are in the hands of a capable storyteller.
The tone of narration has a familiar feel to it, which I think is due to the psychic distance of the omniscient viewpoint, where we always remain close to the storytelling character’s viewpoint, and never slip into the author’s viewpoint, which can jar and, if done too frequently, can jerk a reader out of the fictive dream.
There is no jarring or jerking in this prose. The narration feels smooth, despite the hardships heaped upon Havah and those she cares for. She is a true survivor, and indicative of the spiritual backbone of the Jewish faith. Don’t get me wrong, this is not a religious book, but there is a quiet strength of faith about this story and in the delivery of this story, that I was often left with a sense of peacefulness whenever and wherever in my busy day I found time to read more.
The other thing I enjoyed about this book were the topics tackled: from the graphic portrayal of amputation, to the loveliness of child birth; the beauty of love, to the tragedy of death; the passion of true love to the duty of love unfound and unfounded. There are so many human emotions all bundled up believably in this story, and overarched by loss. And yet, as typified in Fruma Ya’el, who literally breathes love, there is always hope.
This theme of hope, this trust that things will turn out for the best, no matter what the hardship, is the main theme I loved. One that even now, while performing a final edit of this review for self-publication, still brings a tear to my eye.
If my review has encouraged you to want to sample or purchase this book, please find links to Amazon etc on the author’s site -> here.
Have you ever thought about adding a little bit more than just your articles? I mean, what you say is valuable and everything. But imagine if you added some great pictures or videos to give your posts more, “pop”! Your content is excellent but with pics and clips, this blog could definitely be one of the very best in its niche. Fantastic blog!
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Have you ever thought about writing an e-book or guest authoring on other websites? I have a blog centered on the same ideas you discuss and would really like to have you share some stories/information. I know my viewers would enjoy your work. If you’re even remotely interested, feel free to shoot me an email.
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Haha I hope you don’t have to butter your ears too much! All your stories resonate with me, Rochelle, in some way or another, I think because your show compassion and empathy in all you write.
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Morning Kelvin, how are you? I haven’t got a clue how to leave a message under your current post, so I’m here instead. At long last I have nailed a plot for my novel. I want to sell it to pay off my Barclaycard. You might remember me as Bay Arnold xxx
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Evening Marnie, how lovely to hear from you. I am so glad you have finally nailed that novel plot. Well done! 😄
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Very well thought out, well written review. I have read Rochelle’s novels, short stories, flash fiction other works over the years, and am continually amazed at the quality, obvious research and detail of her writing.
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And I didn’t even have to pay him. 😉 Nothing better than that kind of support from one’s husband.
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😂🤣
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Thank you, Jan. You sound so supportive.
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Rochelle’s writing is beautiful and this sounds very moving! I picked up my copy today.
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I know you will enjoy. 😎
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I can’t help smiling. Thanks, Karen. 😀 😀 😀
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Reblogged this on Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple and commented:
Many thanks to Kelvin M. Knight for this wonderful review of PLEASE SAY KADDISH FOR ME. It’s the kind that every author hopes for.
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That’s very kind of you, Rochelle.
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Dear Kelvin,
Thank you for such a magnificent review. I will have to butter my ears to get my inflated head through the door. Seriously, I’m pleased that my Havah’s story resonated with you. I have an iPhone 5s so I know what a challenge it is to read on one. You have my undying gratitude.
Shalom,
Rochelle
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Haha I hope you don’t have to butter your ears too much! All your stories resonate with me, Rochelle, in some way or another, I think because your show compassion and empathy in all you write.
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