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sjgrodsky's review against another edition
1.0
The author writes poetically beautiful sentences. But oh my god, she needs to work on plot and pacing. For the first 200 pages or so, almost nothing happens. The pace picks up some when the family moves to Aden. And then, in the last 50 pages or so, the protagonist is married, betrayed by her own cousin, divorced, relocated to Israel, remarries, has children, and discovers that her cousin and ex-husband died gruesome deaths in Auschwitz.
One can almost hear the editor demanding a completed manuscript already. And the author dispensing with her beautifully crafted sentences and evocative dialog as she rushes to resolve the subplots.
I commend the author for attempting to illuminate this little explored corner of Jewish history. But I would have learned more, and gained a more reliable picture, had I read one of the sources she lists in her note on history.
I hope the book group discussion is stimulating. Without that prospect, I would have quit this book hundreds of pages ago.
One can almost hear the editor demanding a completed manuscript already. And the author dispensing with her beautifully crafted sentences and evocative dialog as she rushes to resolve the subplots.
I commend the author for attempting to illuminate this little explored corner of Jewish history. But I would have learned more, and gained a more reliable picture, had I read one of the sources she lists in her note on history.
I hope the book group discussion is stimulating. Without that prospect, I would have quit this book hundreds of pages ago.
lisawreading's review against another edition
5.0
A truly beautiful book about a little-known facet of history, focusing on the Jewish community of Yemen in the early 20th century. The writing is lush and lovely, and the story itself is moving and compelling. Highly recommended.
Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
bsmorris's review against another edition
5.0
The Prologue drew me right in, and I immediately fell in love with Adela, the protagonist. Nomi Eve creates a rich, complex family life for Adela and Adela herself is a strong, dynamic and interesting character. I wasn't expecting to get so emotional about the end - the climax and resolution really pack a punch, but it's easy to see how the whole story builds to this. This is a story that will stay with me for a long time.
If you like historical fiction, are interested in the Middle East, henna, women's traditions, and the history of some of the Jews in the 20th century, this is a fascinating read.
If you like historical fiction, are interested in the Middle East, henna, women's traditions, and the history of some of the Jews in the 20th century, this is a fascinating read.
tschonfeld's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoyed this much more than I expected to. An original story, well told.
seifknits's review against another edition
3.0
My SLJ Review:
http://blogs.slj.com/adult4teen/2014/11/06/historical-fiction-round-up/
http://blogs.slj.com/adult4teen/2014/11/06/historical-fiction-round-up/
chicagobob's review against another edition
3.0
The first 240 pages were great. A lovely look at the Jews of Yemen, living this mystical, pre-Enlightenment life throughout the 1920s and 1930s. Told first person by a girl with Henna of course as a recurring linking theme.
The plotting and tone fell down at the end.
The plotting and tone fell down at the end.
wanderaven's review against another edition
3.0
I admit that I approached this book because of the cover and because of my interest in henna. Scribner offered an early look and I took them up on the opportunity. If you’re also intrigued with henna, you’ll find some history and symbolism and magical-realism sort of association with the subject in this novel.
You'll also find an interesting history of Jewish families in Yemen in the early 20th century. I feel my education in these areas, in general, is sorely lacking and so much of it was new to me (though it appears to have the same novelty to other reviewers).
I enjoyed the first and last quarters of Henna House the most, though it does feel that the general tone of the book shifts halfway through. The scope is wide: family, love, betrayal, fascinating laws and rituals.
You'll also find an interesting history of Jewish families in Yemen in the early 20th century. I feel my education in these areas, in general, is sorely lacking and so much of it was new to me (though it appears to have the same novelty to other reviewers).
I enjoyed the first and last quarters of Henna House the most, though it does feel that the general tone of the book shifts halfway through. The scope is wide: family, love, betrayal, fascinating laws and rituals.