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About this Book
Hardcover
384 Pages, 6.55 x 9.65 x 1.35 in
January 1, 2008
Viking USA
067001821X
9780670018215
From the Publisher
From the Pulitzer Prizeawinning author of "March," the journey of a
rare illuminated manuscript through centuries of exile and war
In 1996, Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, is offered
the job of a lifetime: analysis and conservation of the famed
Sarajevo Haggadah, which has been rescued from Serb shelling during
the Bosnian war. Priceless and beautiful, the book is one of the
earliest Jewish volumes ever to be illuminated with images. When
Hanna, a caustic loner with a passion for her work, discovers a
series of tiny artifacts in its ancient bindingaan insect wing
fragment, wine stains, salt crystals, a white hairashe begins to
unlock the bookas mysteries. The reader is ushered into an
exquisitely detailed and atmospheric past, tracing the bookas
journey from its salvation back to its creation.
In Bosnia during World War II, a Muslim risks his life to protect
it from the Nazis. In the hedonistic salons of fin-de-siA]cle
Vienna, the book becomes a pawn in the struggle against the cityas
rising anti-Semitism. In inquisition-era Venice, a Catholic priest
saves it from burning. In Barcelona in 1492, the scribe who wrote
the text sees his family destroyed by the agonies of enforced
exile. And in Seville in 1480, the reason for the Haggadahas
extraordinary illuminations is finally disclosed. Hannaas
investigation unexpectedly plunges her into the intrigues of fine
art forgers and ultra-nationalist fanatics. Her experiences will
test her belief in herself and the man she has come to love.
Inspired by a true story, "People of the Book" is at once a novel
of sweeping historical grandeur and intimate emotional intensity,
an ambitious, electrifying work by an acclaimed and beloved author.
About the Author
Geraldine Brooks is the author of two acclaimed works of nonfiction, "Nine Parts of Desire"&"Foreign Correspondence". A former war correspondent, her writing has appeared in "The Wall Street Journal", "The New York Times", &"The Washington Post". She lives in Waterford, Virginia.
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Heather's Review
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Heather Reisman
2 years ago
My very first Heather’s Pick – and still one of my favourite stories – was 'The Secret Book of Grazia Dei Rossi'. A love story between a poor young woman and a dashing Count, set against the backdrop of all that was happening in the time of the Medicis, the richly imagined saga was inspired when author Jacquie Parks came across two letters in the young woman’s hand archived at The New York Public Library.
Similarly, People of the Book, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Geraldine Brooks, takes… + read more
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Reviews from the Community12 Reviews
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DooBeeDooBeeDoo
5 weeks ago
Heather's guaranteed good read? First book that i have ever returned for my money back. Seriously returned. Boring and predictable. Nothing on the cover spoke about all the blah blah about the jewish religion contained within. No tension or suspense and the storyline that had fragments found in the binding of the "mystery book" were uncovered in such a snore-fest as to be laughable.
Pass!
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arrial
4 months ago
The Sarajeva Haggadah surfaces and book expert Hannah Heath is called in to study its' history. Through a series of clues, Each clue brings the book to different areas of the world, cultures, and people who will stop at nothing to protect this volume. This story although fiction, is partially true, and will bring you on a great historical ride. . If you liked the "Red Violin" you will like this.
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Ester Siegler
4 months ago
After the first 50 pages, I knew this was going to be one of my favourite books. Geraldine Brooks is a master at turning words into dazzling narratives. It’s the story of book conservator Hanna Heath, who is commissioned to restore the Sarajevo Haggadah, told in reverse chronological order from mid-1990s Sarajevo through its travels over centuries across Europe, from the perspective of one owner to the next. The history of the Haggadah is revealed as Heath examines clues like an insect wing… + read more
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Frankie
- Top Contributor
- Most Interesting
4 months ago
It's about the about the illuminated prayer book through centuries & centuries of problems with the world. This book is inspired by a true story. Hanna Heath, an Australian who analyzes rare books is asked to examine the illuminated prayer book when she does she finds some unusual things on & in the book which intrigues her to find out about the deep mysteries of the book.
I would recommend this book highly it is a fantastic read.
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Christine L
8 months ago
Hannah Heath, a rare book expert is called to Sarajevo in 1996 to take a look at the Haggadah, and illuminated Jewish religious volume. While restoring the book she discovers and insect wing, a wine stain, salt crystals and a single white hair. Her investigation into these clues leads the reader through not only through the history of the Haggadah, but through history itself. This is a fictionalized account of what may have been the Haggadah’s journey through time, but (and I may be mistaken… + read more
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