Scan barcode
100pagesaday's review against another edition
4.0
The Angel of Losses is a beautiful and unique mix of history, Jewish folklore and family. I was originally interested in this book because I am familiar with the story of the Wandering Jew. This story ended up being so much more. Right from the beginning Grandfather Eli tells his young granddaughters, Marjorie and Holly a beautiful but dark tale with no ending; I was hooked after that.
Years later, Eli has passed on, but his stories about the mysterious White Rebbe have stuck with Marjorie. She knows there is more to learn from him, if only she could find all the notebooks that his stories were written down in. Along with her grandfather's stories, Marjorie is hard at work on a thesis project that might be connected. Holly, the younger sister is married to Nathan, pregnant and converted to his religion, Judaism. Marjorie and Nathan have never gotten along, causing a fallout between the sisters. Once Holly's baby is born with a rare genetic disorder, Marjorie must find out what her grandfather had hidden for so long in order to save the baby and bring her family back together.
My favorite parts of the book were Eli's stories. These folktales were intriguing and elegantly written combining known folklore with Eli's character's own history and a bit of magical realism. The way the stories were revealed throughout the book, slowly and not in order, made the reveal and their meaning all the more interesting. Marjorie's character was the best for me. She is by no means perfect in the beginning, but extremely easy to relate to. It is her journey to discovery that enables her to grow and eventually bring her family together.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Years later, Eli has passed on, but his stories about the mysterious White Rebbe have stuck with Marjorie. She knows there is more to learn from him, if only she could find all the notebooks that his stories were written down in. Along with her grandfather's stories, Marjorie is hard at work on a thesis project that might be connected. Holly, the younger sister is married to Nathan, pregnant and converted to his religion, Judaism. Marjorie and Nathan have never gotten along, causing a fallout between the sisters. Once Holly's baby is born with a rare genetic disorder, Marjorie must find out what her grandfather had hidden for so long in order to save the baby and bring her family back together.
My favorite parts of the book were Eli's stories. These folktales were intriguing and elegantly written combining known folklore with Eli's character's own history and a bit of magical realism. The way the stories were revealed throughout the book, slowly and not in order, made the reveal and their meaning all the more interesting. Marjorie's character was the best for me. She is by no means perfect in the beginning, but extremely easy to relate to. It is her journey to discovery that enables her to grow and eventually bring her family together.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
carolynaugustyn's review against another edition
3.0
I ultimately enjoyed this but the journey was tricky. There were several parts towards the start that were confusing and I found myself a little bit lost. I pushed through, and I'm glad I did, but I did almost give up a few times out of confusion. This is a eventually a neat little mystery and magical realism type story and I was intrigued by the Jewish tales. I absolutely flew through the last 75 pages or so of the book, I was so drawn into the story by that point. I'm glad I pushed through the slow beginning and that my confusion was short lived. Truly a unique book unlike anything else I'd ever read.
alixgb's review against another edition
4.0
This book really reminded me of the Tiger's Wife. It used lots of family history/lore to connect to a larger cultural fairytale. I liked the characters and the culture clash. It's a fun read and I would definitely recommend it.
librarianna81's review against another edition
3.0
shelfnotes.com
Dear Reader,
This book...what DID I think of this book? I have a hard time coming to any conclusions, because it is all still pretty muddied in my mind. I loved a lot of the imagery Feldman employs; her writing is beautiful. And the parts of the book about Marjorie, those that took place in the present day? Those were really enjoyable to read. However...I think I might have missed something with the White Rebbe stories. They never really felt wholly fleshed out or complete, and I think that must have a lot to do with my feeling entirely lost when it comes to the Jewish faith. I know very little about Jewish mysticism and the religion's stories and legends, and I felt like I must have been feeling so confused because of my unfamiliarity. I can't otherwise explain why I didn't love those parts of the book as much as I thought I would. Again, the writing in the four stories about the White Rebbe (I still am not 100% certain what a "rebbe" is...) was wonderfully done, and the stories danced along on magical writing just like my most beloved fairy tales. However...there was just something that didn't quite fall into place for me. I'm not sure I understood what it was that Marjorie was searching for, really, or how the White Rebbe and/or the White Magician (were they the same person?) related to her studies. I wasn't sure how all of this related to her brother-in-law Nathan, either. Or how and why they both thought they could save their loved ones. It felt, essentially, like there was a lot left unexplained for me, and perhaps that might have to do with the magical realism of the book itself? In which case, that is fine - I am just not much for that genre, and so I can entirely blame myself. However, I have to emphasize how much I really did like Feldman's writing, particularly those parts which examined Marjorie's family life close up. I would probably try another one of this author's books, provided it was a bit less heavy on the magic. (Which is so funny, because I love sci-fi & fantasy books! I just don't love magic being blended so closely into the real world, I suppose.)
On a slightly different note: I have to say, I really adore the cover of this book. I want to frame that image, it's so beautifully done!
Yours,
Arianna
Dear Reader,
This book...what DID I think of this book? I have a hard time coming to any conclusions, because it is all still pretty muddied in my mind. I loved a lot of the imagery Feldman employs; her writing is beautiful. And the parts of the book about Marjorie, those that took place in the present day? Those were really enjoyable to read. However...I think I might have missed something with the White Rebbe stories. They never really felt wholly fleshed out or complete, and I think that must have a lot to do with my feeling entirely lost when it comes to the Jewish faith. I know very little about Jewish mysticism and the religion's stories and legends, and I felt like I must have been feeling so confused because of my unfamiliarity. I can't otherwise explain why I didn't love those parts of the book as much as I thought I would. Again, the writing in the four stories about the White Rebbe (I still am not 100% certain what a "rebbe" is...) was wonderfully done, and the stories danced along on magical writing just like my most beloved fairy tales. However...there was just something that didn't quite fall into place for me. I'm not sure I understood what it was that Marjorie was searching for, really, or how the White Rebbe and/or the White Magician (were they the same person?) related to her studies. I wasn't sure how all of this related to her brother-in-law Nathan, either. Or how and why they both thought they could save their loved ones. It felt, essentially, like there was a lot left unexplained for me, and perhaps that might have to do with the magical realism of the book itself? In which case, that is fine - I am just not much for that genre, and so I can entirely blame myself. However, I have to emphasize how much I really did like Feldman's writing, particularly those parts which examined Marjorie's family life close up. I would probably try another one of this author's books, provided it was a bit less heavy on the magic. (Which is so funny, because I love sci-fi & fantasy books! I just don't love magic being blended so closely into the real world, I suppose.)
On a slightly different note: I have to say, I really adore the cover of this book. I want to frame that image, it's so beautifully done!
Yours,
Arianna
rodiemom's review against another edition
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
vivielex's review against another edition
4.0
️ ✔️ A book with ✨Magic ✨ in it: The Angel of Losses by Stephanie Feldman. This book could definitely also fit the siblings category because the heart of the book was about two sisters, their relationship, and the intergenerational bounds of perseverance and love. Jewish mysticism and folklore and magic provide the meat of the story which makes this a satisfying read. 4 out of 5 Stars. #26bookswithbringingupburns
acinthedc's review against another edition
3.0
A quick read about Jewish folklore, family bonds, and religious devotion. The main character, Marjorie, has a tarnished relationship with her sister, a strong dislike for her brother-in-law, an idealized love for her grandfather, and we're told a sharp tongue that can be off putting to others. That sharpness never really materialize, and Marjorie's relationships are much less interesting than the stories her grandfather left in his journals and his history that she uncovers. The jumbled timeline and lack of character depth/development make this an okay read. Overall 2.5 out of 5
abookishtype's review against another edition
5.0
Marjorie's grandfather had secrets. Everyone has secrets, of course, but none quite like Grandpa Eli. Even after Eli's death, those secrets could get people killed. This introduction makes Stephanie Feldman's The Angel of Losses sound like a thriller. The novel is something quite different. Grandpa Eli's secrets have to do with a centuries-old family curse, Jewish mysticism, and an angel. Feldman's novel is an extraordinary book that had me reading well past my bedtime...
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
Read the rest of my review at A Bookish Type.
devrose's review against another edition
4.0
I spent this entire book trying to figure out if it was general fiction or fantasy. I'm still not sure. The only thing I am sure of is that I went to bed way too late one night because I could not for the life of me put the book down.