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A review by deecreatenola
The Book of Separation by Tova Mirvis
5.0
I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated Tova Mirvis' memoir about leaving not only her marriage but her religion. I knew almost nothing about Orthodox Judaism so the book was an eye opener into this culture. It actually reminded me a lot of evangelical Christianity - closed and insular, with a lot of unyielding rules. Mirvis describes how she chafed under these rules that dictated strict gender roles. Quite frankly, it sounded exhausting to be Orthodox, constantly feeling watched and judged for the clothes you wear, the covering on your head, what you say and write, and how you observe the religion.
Although this is her story of leaving her religion and marriage, I think the story resonates with anyone leaving something so crucial to their identity. Even after the divorce is finalized, it was hard for her to completely abandon long-held rituals. Her relationship with everyone - children, parents, siblings, and community - had to be reformed to take her new role into consideration.
I would not normally pick this book up but heard her speak at a readers' event during the Southern Independent Book Assn. annual conference, and I'm glad I did.
Although this is her story of leaving her religion and marriage, I think the story resonates with anyone leaving something so crucial to their identity. Even after the divorce is finalized, it was hard for her to completely abandon long-held rituals. Her relationship with everyone - children, parents, siblings, and community - had to be reformed to take her new role into consideration.
I would not normally pick this book up but heard her speak at a readers' event during the Southern Independent Book Assn. annual conference, and I'm glad I did.