People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

Summary

This is a work of fiction inspired by the true story of the Hebrew codex known as the Sarajevo Haggadah. In 1996, a thirty year old Australian rare book expert, Dr. Hanna Heath, is hired to examine a fifteenth century haggadah (a book used by Jewish families during the seder that tells the story of the exodus from Egypt) which was created in medieval Spain. The manuscript is lavishly illustrated, ironically at a time when Jewish beliefs were against such illustrations. As Hanna unravels the history of the haggadah, the reader is transported back in time: 1940 Sarajevo, 1894 Vienna, 1609 Venice, and 1480 Seville. In each of these time periods there is a historical conflict between a person protecting the book and those wanting to defile or destroy the book. In the present, Hanna discovers clues in the form of a wine stain, missing clasps, a drop of salt, etc., which helps in tracing the history of the haggadah which she also learns has survived overwhelming odds. She becomes romantically involved with the savior of the haggadah - a Muslim librarian - which is her first meaningful relationship. The journey of this book helps Hanna find out more about herself as well as truths she never knew existed.  Geraldine Brooks is the Pulitzer Prize winning author of March.

Discussion

-We all enjoyed this book (about a book) and how well researched it was, not only the various time periods and the events and politics that took place during those time periods, but also the knowledge the author imparts about manuscript preservation.

-Hanna and her mother have a very unusual relationship. They are both very intelligent, successful, and strong women, yet they continually spurn and antagonize each other. The mother is a highly respected neurosurgeon who belittles Hannah’s work.

-The book demonstrates how powerful a mentor in both academia and in professional matters can be.

-Themes of anti Catholicism run throughout the story and we are reminded of how anti-Semitism was practiced even centuries ago. We are also reminded of the many eras throughout history where Jews, Muslims, and Christians coexisted peacefully.