Please Say Kaddish for Me: A Novel for Everyone

~ Amy Reese

PleaseSayKaddishForMe

From the first page of Rochelle Wisoff-Fields’s novel Please Say Kaddish for Me, I was swept up in Havah Cohen’s story. I was spellbound, so much so, I didn’t want to put this book down. The book is simultaneously driven by character and events at a quick pace, divided into four parts. The year is 1899 in Czarist Russia, a time marked by Jewish pogroms in which entire families are randomly massacred. 

The book begins with the horrible tragedy of Havah Cohen, our main heroine, and the slaughter of her family in the middle of the night. When we meet her, Havah is driven from her home, shocked and grief-stricken, and wanders barefoot, reciting the Hebrew prayer of Kaddish, a prayer for the living for the dead and the bereft.

Because Havah is a rabbi’s daughter, she is well versed in its study which was uncommon at the time. So, when a father and son, Yussel and Arel Gitterman, find Havah at their doorstep, mumbling Kaddish, they are awestruck and quickly come to her aid. What’s more, Arel who has been promised to another since the age of 13, is completely captivated by Havah’s presence. When Havah is conscious and recovering, she too becomes aware of her forbidden connection to Arel. At the heart of this book is the romantic and passionate love story between Havah and Arel, and the barriers that they face.

This story is also about the love of family and of community, and how this love transcends the horrible acts inflicted upon them. There are many characters in Ms. Wisoff-Fields’s story, but I was never overwhelmed, but rather carried along, almost as an eavesdropper, but just as easily a participant, for it is hard not to get wrapped up in the anguish of this community and the depth of their suffering. Her descriptions of the horror of these brutal acts are gruesome, vivid,  and difficult to read, I believe as they should be.

I am struck by the authenticity and honest portrayal of this dire time in history, and by this family’s resilience, their bravery, and the way that they lift up one another. Their Jewish faith holds them together, but their traditions and customs are also challenged in the face of all that is at stake and with the complete upheaval of their lives.

Wisoff-Fields’s storytelling is keen and her writing is both crisp and fluid; but underneath it all, the author’s passion is undeniably present. There are no words wasted here. As I read, I felt as though I was standing next to them, hearing them breathe and listening to them speak. It’s not often I feel this way when I read a book. Her characters are well-drawn and, as the author is also a talented artist, she has also illustrated many of her characters and provided character studies. You can find them posted on her blog Addicted to Purple and on her publisher’s website Loiacono Literary Agency.

As many of you may know, Rochelle is also the host of a wonderful writing community, Friday Fictioneers. There, I have enjoyed many of her well-crafted stories. It is with great pleasure that I recommend Please Say Kaddish for Me. As I read the last page, I thought to myself, “Everyone should read this book.” Now, more than ever, this story needs to be read and shared, because, unfortunately, the world is not a more kind and gentle place. With its message of compassion and courage of the human spirit, I hope this story also finds a place inside the classroom,

Please note this story is the first part of a trilogy. Her sequel, From Silt and Ashes, is also just recently published and available.
fromsiltandashes

You can find Rochelle’s books here on Amazon and from W&B Publishers. 

32 thoughts on “Please Say Kaddish for Me: A Novel for Everyone”

  3. Great review, Amy! I’m looking forward to reading “Please Say Kaddish For Me.” Thank you for the introduction. It sounds amazing. I have been interested in the history of the European Jews for a long time. My introduction to energy healing came from a wonderful rabbi with whom I studied for about three years in Miami in the late eighties.

    I look forward to reading it!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

    1. Thanks, Cathy. I’m so glad to hear it! I think you’ll really enjoy the book and Rochelle’s writing. I had no idea your introduction to energy healing came from a rabbi. See, I just never know what I’ll learn when I write a post. With your interest in the history, I think you’ll find it very meaningful. Enjoy!

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  5. Amy, I can wholeheartedly say that I read the whole thing on a flight back to the United States and I felt I was in their shoes. The climax goes fast and it packs a wallop. You’ll be ready, willing and wanting to read the next book immediately.

    I miss you and the Fictioneers, but I hope to be back. 😉

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply

    1. I agree it was a page turner from start to finish, Kent. I can see why you read the whole thing in one gulp. If I wasn’t interrupted, I bet I would have too! I’m definitely ready for the next book.
      I miss you, too. Come back!

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  8. Couldn’t agree with you more, Amy! You did a way better review than I did…
    I am currently reading “From Silt and Ashes” and it is just as good (if not better, according to Rochelle, herself!)

    Liked by 2 people

    Reply
  10. Pingback: 26 February 2016 | Rochelle Wisoff-Fields-Addicted to Purple
  12. Pingback: Road Fever – Friday Fictioneers – The Bumble FIles

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