Becoming Gershona (A Puffin Book) [Paperback]

Nava Semel (Author), Seymour Simckes (Translator)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1, 1992 | Series: A Puffin Book

Living in Tel-Aviv in 1958, twelve-year-old Gershona experiences first love, learns a family secret, and crosses the line between childhood and adulthood.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Although more than 10 years have passed since the end of World War II, the Holocaust has left its mark on all the adults in Gershona's world; everyone, even her new friend Nimrod, has a sad and secret past. A life spent skirting the miseries of others has made Gershona awkward and lonely. But when her long-lost grandfather comes to live in Tel Aviv, Gershona's life takes a turn for the better. As various family secrets are revealed, the girl comes to understand and accept her place in her family and the world. This is a thoughtful novel of a girl's growing up; its strongest components are Gershona's delicate, precise observations. Unfortunately, perhaps because of the translation, these moments are often obscured by ponderous narrative and stilted dialogue. Still, readers capable of sifting through the stiff writing will enjoy both Gershona's story and the author's depiction of everyday life in the young state of Israel. Ages 10-14.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From School Library Journal

Grade 5-7-- Gershona, 12, is a serious, introspective youngster whose experiences have made her both wise beyond her years and, paradoxically, innocent. The story is set in Tel Aviv in 1958, two years after the Sinai War. Food rationing remains a fact of life, and the standard of living is minimal. Horrors of the Holocaust are vivid memories; dead relatives are mourned and missed daily, and radio broadcasts about missing persons help reunite families. There is, however, a sense of joy and enthusiasm as well; new immigrants flocking to Israel provide a sense of optimism and promise for the future. The plot is minimal; this is more a mood piece with an in-depth exploration of character growth and development. Gershona's grandfather, who went to America and never sent for his wife or son, is now coming to Israel to be with his family. Gershona struggles to understand the complexities of preadolescence, as well as of relationships and emotions resulting from her grandfather's reappearance. Throughout the novel, Gershona grows toward responsible adulthood; her emotional growth and maturity is acknowledged and accepted by her family. An excellent sense of time and place is conveyed. The narrative, however, is at times awkward and cumbersome. Gershona and her grandfather are well-developed, three-dimensional characters; others are either background figures or one-dimensional. The fact that pivotal questions remain unanswered interferes with plot development and resolution. Although there is some degree of universality to the theme, this book will be enjoyed most by those interested in the setting. --Susan Kaminow, Arlington County Public Library, VA
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Puffin (December 1, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140360719
• ISBN-13: 978-0140360714
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 0.8 ounces
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,147,514 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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