The blurb that had me running, sprinting, dashing to read this book: "An epic historical adventure novel—FIDDLER ON THE ROOF meets Tarantino—set in the Pale of Settlement during the final years of the Russian Empire." This book was good, but the blurb might be a bit too much hype.

The book starts off strong, there is definitely a lot of tragedy and gore (enter the Tarantino or even Cohen Brothers vibes) but I stopped reading the book about 2/3s in and never picked it up again. Unfortunately, it becomes too long and very confusing as it jumps to different characters, timelines, and stories. I have a very hard time keeping those straight when the main storyline isn't referenced or brought back in as a connector. That being said it is a good story, you just need to be focused and ready to remember where you are and who you are reading about!

I absolutely love this book. As a mom, as a Jewish woman, as a historical reenactor of a 19th century trade (which is very specific). And because of this I felt this book was meant for me.

Why did it take so long to review? This books should be savored, in its language and use of dielect as well as the fact that the translation is absolutely beautiful, no holds barred.

Fanny is, undoubtedly, one of my favorite female protagonists. The complex relationships she carries with her on her journey add spice to a tale, really a fable, that allows a peek into the religion and culture as it would have been in a time of self preservation (are there any times not of self preservation for The People?). What makes this one stand out is simply the constant pull of surprise that carries to the very end!

This is one to read again and again.

The Slaughterman's Daughter is an instant classic. In some ways, Ickovits has written an updated version of Sholem Aleichem's tales. But this novel is so multilayered that it will appeal not only to readers who love tales of Chelm, but also to readers who are looking for a good story, to those who devour historical fiction, and to those who seek deeper meaning in more "serious" literature. I loved this book and have purchased a print copy for my personal library.

In this witty novel, a fierce and brave daughter of a slaughterman leaves her family to chase down her good-for-nothing brother-in-law

Amidst the growing body of "shtetl stories", Iczkovits crafts a wild and captivating tale about family and vengeance. Iczkovits' characters are caricatures of those you would find in the Pale of Settlement at the turn of the 20th century. Expressive and detailed, fans of historical fiction and Jewish literature will love The Slaughterman's Daughter.