Customer Reviews

Brothers

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This was the first Bernice Rubens book that I have read and I could not put it down! I found it on a "take one, leave one" shelf in a hostel and I'm glad I took it - spent a lovely week on the beach reading it nonstop.

I was sorry when it ended. She creates characters with depth and humanity and it almost too easy to identify with their sorrows, internal struggles, and external stressors. But it's not all sad- there are certainly moments of joy, as well.

If you are a fan of Jewish literature and studies of family bonds, loyalty and relationships, then you will enjoy this book even more!

I am looking forward to reading more of her novels.

Enjoy!

The powerful story of the struggle for survival of 6 generations of the Jewish family Bindel, from early 1800s Russia into Wales, and Germany and back to Russia up to 1980. Wonderful family drama, interesting characters, full of the fascinating history of that time and area all wrapped up in a beautiful simply- written style.
Its always fun to read a book that teaches while it entertains; I felt like I came away with a much better idea of the overall struggle for survival of the European Jews.
Highly recommend .

Amazon please correct the error pointed out by a previous reviewer !

Bernice Ruben's absorbing narrative takes one on an unforgettable literary journey following the lives of four generations (from Tsarist Russia where service in the army equalled 25 years to Stalinist Russia and life in its horrifying Gulags) of the Bindel family as they fight for survival in an anti-semitic and very hostile world. One of my top 10 of all time reads - and I am indeed a voracious reader - Ruben's extraordinary book epitomizes human endurance, resilience, faith and love

Buyers beware! BROTHERS by Bernice Rubens is NOT, and has nothing to do with BROTHERS by Ted Van Lieshout. I have no idea why AMAZON confuses the two, nor do I have any information on Ms Rubens book, but Van Lieshout's book BROTHERS was marketed as a teen novel. It is not and should not be restricted to that market. It is for anyone with a heart, a profoundly beautiful and well written slender volume of about 155 pages that will fill your heart with love and understanding as the 16 year old narrator comes to terms with his family life, his homosexuality and his grief by writing in the diary of his deceased younger brother. You will want to, and be able to, read this in one evening, but you will never forget it. The Dutch author is a highly rated poet as well as a children's book author in his native Holland. While his prose is certainly poetic, it is direct and simply worded in a voice believably teen. The translation is equally direct, admirable and transparent. The ISBN number is 0 00 711231 9. That is the one to get if it sounds anywhere near as wonderful to you as it actually is. Not only does AMAZON wrongly list this Ruben book here as the hardcover version of Van Lieshout's book, but it gives no info or review of Ms Ruben's work, which surely is a diservice to her and her publisher. Do get Van Lieshout's book, you will love it! My five star rating applies to his book, not Ms Ruben's, and I apologize to her for that, but I know nothing about her book.

This is the third time I'm reading this book. My mother-in-law first gave it to me over 20 years ago. Over the years I re-read it and while on a cruise I wondered what to take for pleasure reading and this book came to mind. You get deeply involved in the character's lives and you get an honest feeling for what life must have been like for the Jewish people who migrated across Europe and to the U.S. If you like historical fiction this is a great book. And if you like stories about Jewish history, The Source by James Michener would be another great read. Book arrived in great condition and was as described by seller. Can highly recommend this seller also.