When Addie Baum’s 22-year-old
granddaughter asks her about her childhood, Addie realises the moment has come
to relive the full history that shaped her.
Addie Baum was a Boston girl, born in 1900
to immigrant Jewish parents who lived a very modest life. But Addie’s
intelligence and curiosity propelled her towards a more modern path. Addie
wanted to finish high school and to go to college. She wanted a career, to find
true love. She wanted to escape the confines of her family - and she did.
Author: Anita Diamant is an American
author who was born on 27 June 1951. She has so far published five novels. “The
Boston Girl” is a New York Times bestseller. She has also published guides on
contemporary Jewish themes.
My thoughts: I read “The Boston Girl” last
month, but I first came across this book last summer in a book fair. Sadly, I
didn't pay attention to it back then. Since then, I've heard good things about
it and now I would recommend it to everyone! If I had to use one word to
describe “The Boston Girl” it would be “captivating”. It is such a lovely book
and very easy to read. Addie, now aged 85, tells her life story to her
granddaughter, Ava: her education, friends, family, love affairs, happy
marriage, jobs, hopes and struggles... Basically, she grew up in the early
1900s in the USA as a poor Jewish immigrant from Eastern Europe. “The Boston
Girl” is a work of fiction, but it feels so real. Addie’s story is quite simple
and gentle, but extremely absorbing. Whilst reading it I was reminded of
“Angela's Ashes” by Frank McCourt. If you allow me to use one of my bizarre
expressions, this book “reads like a candy”.
I bet many of our grandparents/ great grandparents have wonderful stories to tell - to capture them would be a great gift.
ReplyDeleteWhat you say is true. I am always fascinated by the history of our eldest. Thanks Monica!
DeleteYou are the second person recently to give this one a favorable review. I will have to put it on my list.
ReplyDeleteThis doesn't surprise me because it really is a nice little book. Thanks Judy!
DeleteI'd love to add this to my reading list, but I'm just not making enough time to read these days! Thanks for the review nonetheless.
ReplyDeleteI understand... anyway, thank you for reading my review. I really appreciate it.
DeleteIt's funny how at times books can seem more appealing to us than before, such as the case for this book! It sounds like a good - I imagine touching - story. Once again, you've encouraged me to read more :)
ReplyDeleteaglassofice.com
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I'm very pleased to hear that I am inspiring you to read more. Thanks Gaby
DeleteI've never read a female memoir book before, but I might be tempted to read this one! This book sounds really interesting - A great way to unwind after a busy day.
ReplyDeleteWell.... there is always a first time for everything, Charles! ;-))
DeleteJe suis fan de livres qui couvrent une vie entière des protagonistes, je sens que je vais aimer cette histoire. Bisous ma belle. Chantal
ReplyDeleteMoi aussi, je suis fan de ce genre de livre. Bisous et bon weekend ;-)
DeleteI like that expression: it reads like candy. NIce review. I did like the same author's book The Red Tent -- so I'm thinking I'd like this book as well. thx
ReplyDeleteHahaha...great! Yes dear, I'm sure you will love it too.
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