I very much enjoyed this book, though it really took me far longer than I anticipated. It was fascinating to see the potential of life in Israel as a reader, rather than a what if scenario in my personal case.

Great realistic characters, familiar sights (since I’ve been to Jerusalem and Israel), and a story that will resonate with anyone interested in an immigrant experience.

An interesting look at an unexplored era of Soviet history, as Jewish citizens were granted permission to emigrate to Israel as part of Gorbachev's effort to "open up" to the rest of the world. Distelheim tells an intriguing story of a family caught up in this culture clash. The plot is a bit breezy and I wish there was a bit more tension, but it was a decent exploration of identity in the decline of an era.

This was such an interesting story and so very believable. I had to think that this was largely based in personal experience (??). Now is a time when immigration is so prevalent in the news; it’s so moving to read a book of “strangers in a strange land”. At times I found this novel laugh out loud funny. At times it nearly broke my heart.

Highly recommended!

(I was part of the blog tour for this novel in October, 2020. Full review is on my blog at drbethnolan.com)

There is no doubt that the late Rochelle Distelheim is a massive loss to the writing community; this is a really interesting and informative book, with a good splash of humour!

Manya and Yuri Zalinikov are Russian Jews, both highly skilled in their fields. Manya is a concert pianist and Yuri, a mathematician was recently dismissed from his position and now runs a (black) market stall where the couple, along with their adult daughter, receive a sinister visit from a threatening man with a gun. Deciding to leave their Russian home, Yuri decides to take the family to Israel, where they can freely practice their faith. Manya and Galina aren't quite so convinced that all their problems will be solved by moving to Jerusalem but, nevertheless, they set out. That's only the beginning of their journey, they have so much more to experience and suffer - not without a few laughs along the way!

This is a culture I thought I knew nothing about up until now, but this novel is bursting at the seams with lots of interesting details - some were vaguely familiar, others completely new. This isn't a candy-coated tale; rather it's an honest version of each member of the family struggling to fit in with a different way of practising their faith, in a new country where they should communicate in a different language to the one they are used to. I'm not sure how well I would fare doing the same, although I'd like to think I'd give it a good go! (Certainly my daughter embraced another culture and a second language easily.) Manya is a strong character, beautifully portrayed and I sympathised with her often. Yuri was shown as a bit stubborn, but trying to do the best for everyone and Galina was just being young! Their experiences make for a very entertaining read and I really have learned an awful lot about things new to me. A very worthwhile read which I'm happy to give four stars, and a recommendation to those happy to embrace new cultures through books.

My thanks to Midas PR for providing my copy and my spot on this tour; this is - as always - my honest, original and unbiased review.

What a wonderful plotline and brilliant title! This novel has so much potential, but unfortunately, the narrative voice and the characters weren't for me.

I really enjoyed this book. The overall subject are is not something I know anything about so as well as reading a story I felt like I was learning. I was very impressed.

This was my first book by this author, It was pretty enjoyable. I would give this book a 3.5 star rating! It was a pretty Quick and easy read!

A lovely story of a woman who has recently moved with her family from Russia to Jerusalem. Culture shock, learning to adjust to the orthodox ways of her fellow citizens, trying to get her daughter married so that she doesn't have to serve in the army, a little infatuation with her boss and her husband's overly attachment to new ways of living.
I loved the writing and storytelling. Manya, the protagonist, is likeable.
I recommend this book to those who love to read books of the genre literary fiction.