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Tuesday, August 26, 2014

The Angel of Losses: A Novel by Stephanie Feldman

(Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!)
about book:

The Tiger’s Wife meets A History of Love in this inventive, lushly imagined debut novel that explores the intersections of family secrets, Jewish myths, the legacy of war and history, and the bonds between sisters.

When Eli Burke dies, he leaves behind a mysterious notebook full of stories about a magical figure named The White Rebbe, a miracle worker in league with the enigmatic Angel of Losses, protector of things gone astray, and guardian of the lost letter of the alphabet, which completes the secret name of God.

When his granddaughter, Marjorie, discovers Eli’s notebook, everything she thought she knew about her grandfather—and her family—comes undone. To find the truth about Eli’s origins and unlock the secrets he kept, she embarks on an odyssey that takes her deep into the past, from 18th century Europe to Nazi-occupied Lithuania, and back to the present, to New York City and her estranged sister Holly, whom she must save from the consequences of Eli’s past.

Interweaving history, theology, and both real and imagined Jewish folktales, The Angel of Losses is a family story of what lasts, and of what we can—and cannot—escape.

my thoughts:

The Angel of Losses is an entertaining read about love, loyalty, theology, and Jewish folk tales.  The imagery and descriptions are beautifully mesmerizing.  I fell in love with this story and couldn't put it down.  This idea of a notebook filled with stories that contain so much depth, secrecy, and history was spellbinding.  I loved Feldman's creativity with merging old folk tales and this family's personal (his)story - it was fantastical!

Marjorie and Holly are sisters who have had a falling out.  One is obsessed with studying their grandfather's notebook of stories, whilst the other one has embraced her husband's religion.  A medical scare brings the siblings together and leads one to further research their grandfather's past and the stories he once told them in the hopes of discovering a cure of sorts.  Its an emotional and fascinating read.  The dreams, the concept of fate, the old man - everything combined to create a truly magical read.

Stephanie Feldman's novel, The Angel of Losses is an interesting and unique read that will cater to fans of fiction involving culture and religion, and fans of magical realism.  I would definitely recommend this book!  I loved it!

Check out the TLC Book Tour schedule for: The Angel of Losses
Thank you to the publisher and TLC Book Tours for providing me with a copy of this book!

4 comments:

Lark said...

I like the idea of that notebook, too; one filled with secrets, and mysteries, and stories. It's quite a draw. I think this book just moved up higher on my to-read list. :)

Nadia said...

Lark, that's what drew me to the book :)

Heather J @ TLC Book Tours said...

With a description like "beautifully mesmerizing" how I could not want to read this one?!

Thanks for being a part of the tour. I'm featuring your review on TLC's Facebook page today.

Nadia said...

Heather, I really enjoyed this one ;) Thanks!