View our feature on Geraldine Books’s People of the Book.From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of March, the journey of a rare illuminated manuscript through centuries of exile and war In 1996, Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, is offered the job of a lifetime: analysis and conservation of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, which has been rescued from Serb shelling during the Bosnian war. … rescued from Serb shelling during the Bosnian war. Priceless and beautiful, the book is one of the earliest Jewish volumes ever to be illuminated with images. When Hanna, a caustic loner with a passion for her work, discovers a series of tiny artifacts in its ancient binding—an insect wing fragment, wine stains, salt crystals, a white hair—she begins to unlock the book’s mysteries. The reader is ushered into an exquisitely detailed and atmospheric past, tracing the book’s journey from its salvation back to its creation.
In Bosnia during World War II, a Muslim risks his life to protect it from the Nazis. In the hedonistic salons of fin-de-siècle Vienna, the book becomes a pawn in the struggle against the city’s rising anti-Semitism. In inquisition-era Venice, a Catholic priest saves it from burning. In Barcelona in 1492, the scribe who wrote the text sees his family destroyed by the agonies of enforced exile. And in Seville in 1480, the reason for the Haggadah’s extraordinary illuminations is finally disclosed. Hanna’s investigation unexpectedly plunges her into the intrigues of fine art forgers and ultra-nationalist fanatics. Her experiences will test her belief in herself and the man she has come to love.
Inspired by a true story, People of the Book is at once a novel of sweeping historical grandeur and intimate emotional intensity, an ambitious, electrifying work by an acclaimed and beloved author.more
Great history and incorporation of materials & procedures in the conservation of historical manuscripts.
Fascinating. Twists and turns.
One of the best books I’ve ever read! My husband did not want to read it because he said it was “chick lit”. I finally got him to read it, and he loved it as well. Actually thanked me for being persistent.
It’s about a book. What’s not to like?
I read this ages ago but I always recommend it as a great book.
A spectacularly well written historical novel with a cultural mystery wrapped in it. One of the best books I’ve read this year. The language is beautifully wrought and the story skillfully woven. Unforgettable.
Well written, compelling read as it traces the history of a book of religious significance through different eras.
Loved it and learned a lot about how old books are kept, some history. But mostly just enjoyed the book.
Geraldine Brook’s explores an Imagined history of the Sarajevo Haggadah. Well worth reading.
Excellent. The Sarajevo Haggadah is a magnificent book with a fascinating and mysterious history.
This is a wonderful read… I learned so much through the story. Fascinating!
Such a great read! The flow of the book is beautiful and I love how the writer connected the past with the present. I loved the ending of this book.
I enjoyed this book like I used to enjoy Nancy Drew Mysteries as a girl. I didn’t want it to end, and yet I did want to know the ending. Ms. Brooks did an enormously fabulous job with this story that is based on a real book. I don’t think a minute of reading this book could be called time not truly well spent! Thank you, Geraldine Brooks!
I have read it twice and plan to read it again.
Keeps you engaged. Interesting place in History. Based on historic events but story line very fictional.
Conveys the haunting past and lyrically imagines the unknown bits
I enjoyed reading this book. It kept me up a few nights for longer than I had intended to read. I had to know what happened next. Great character, great details of the scenery and the time frame. I was reminded of the suffering of so many, and the sacrifices of others. A creative and well weaved together book.
Powerful, great depiction of characters of vaious backgrounds
I really enjoyed the story of tracing back through time all the people who were connected to a valuable and historical ancient book. Following the people takes you to different countries, cultures, and times. Very interesting.
Beautifully written!