A Remarkable Kindness by Diana Bletter
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: William Morrow Paperbacks (August 11, 2015)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 0062382446
ISBN-13: 978-0062382443
Through a largely hidden ceremony . . . four friends discover the true meaning of life
It’s 2006 in a seaside village in Israel, where a war is brewing. Lauren, Emily, Aviva and Rachel, four memorable women from different backgrounds, are drawn to the village. Lauren, a maternity nurse, loves her Israeli doctor husband but struggles
to make a home for herself in a foreign land thousands of miles away from her beloved Boston. Seeking a fresh start after a divorce, her vivacious friend Emily follows. Strong, sensuous Aviva, brought to Israel years earlier by intelligence work, has raised a family and now lost a son. And Rachel, a beautiful, idealistic college graduate from Wyoming, arrives with her hopeful dreams.hopeful dreams.
The women forge a friendship that sustains them as they come to terms with love and loss, and the outbreak of war. Their intimate bond is strengthened by their participation in a traditional ritual that closes the circle of life. As their lives are slowly transformed, each finds unexpected strength and resilience.
Brimming with wisdom, rich in meaningful insights, A Remarkable Kindness is a moving testament to women’s friendship, illuminating a mostly unknown ritual that underscores what it means to truly be alive.
Thoughts
I thought this book was very good. I can’t imagine having to go through what these ladies did and while I was reading the book I tried to think what I’d do if I ever was. I enjoyed reading how they reacted to different situations and how they tried to make a life for themselves in Israel.
The book will bring out a lot of emotions in you. I felt sorry for these women at times, but I also felt anger and admiration.
The story and the women are very well written. I loved that they bonded over a circle of life ritual and I also loved learning a bit about Israel.
I’m not really a fan of this genre, but the synopsis grabbed my attention and I’m very glad I didn’t pass it up.
About Diana Bletter
Diana Bletter is a writer whose work has appeared ina wide variety of publications, including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Commentary. Her first book, The Invisible Thread: A Portrait of Jewish American Women, with photographs by Lori Grinker, was shortlisted for aNational Jewish Book Award. In 1991, she moved from New York to a seaside village in northern Israel where she lives with her husband and children, and volunteers in a burial circle.
Check out the author at her website, and connect with her on Facebook and Twitter.
Tour Schedule:
Tuesday, August 11th: 5 Minutes For Books
Wednesday, August 12th: Becca Rowan
Thursday, August 13th: Patricia’s Wisdom
Friday, August 14th: Into the Hall of Books
Monday, August 17th: Kahakai Kitchen
Tuesday, August 18th: Novel Escapes
Wednesday, August 19th: Mel’s Shelves
Thursday, August 20th: I’d Rather Be At The Beach
Monday, August 24th: Raven Haired Girl
Tuesday, August 25th: Svetlana’s Reads and Views
Wednesday, August 26th: JulzReads
Thursday, August 27th: Bibliotica
9 Responses to “A Remarkable Kindness by Diana Bletter”
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Vicki, I like the sound of this book. I’m glad you enjoyed it. Lovely review!
When a book outside of your comfort zone resonates with you, you know it’s a good one. My book club will be reading this soon and I’m looking forward to it.
This sounds really interesting!
I this book somewhere else and thought it sounded so interesting. I’m going to be on the lookout for it. Thanks for reminding me!
This sounds really interesting. I haven’t read much about Israel and know very little about it.
I’m glad this venture into a genre you don’t generally enjoy was such a success in this case.
Thanks for being a part of the tour!
Hello Vicki,
I am so happy to hear that you read my book and enjoyed it! That is great. What I wanted to do was write a book that transcends a specific genre and give readers a peek into a different culture and tradition. And to everyone who hasn’t read it, let me know what you think! Diana Bletter
[…] “The book will bring out a lot of emotions in you. I felt sorry for these women at times, but I also felt anger and admiration. The story and the women are very well written. I loved that they bonded over a circle of life ritual and I also loved learning a bit about Israel…I’m not really a fan of this genre, but the synopsis grabbed my attention and I’m very glad I didn’t pass it up.” Vicki, I’d Rather Be At the Beach […]
[…] Thursday, August 20th: I’d Rather Be At The Beach […]