Customer Reviews

Shtetl - the story of a life no more (as told from the hereafter) (Jewish Historical Fiction)

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Othniel Seiden's narrator in "Shtetl" is so much that of a storyteller that it feels like he is sitting across the table having coffee. The book begins as the story of one Jewish family living in a small village, or "shtetl", in Poland. The narrator tells the story of his family through the generations that continue to present day. The journeys that the family take to live the life it wants or to protect itself are fascinating, particularly one journey on foot through Eastern Europe to Israel. The book describes how Jews came to live in Poland, the scapegoating of Jews in Eastern Europe and supplies the facts of Jewish resistance. What is particularly striking about this book is the voice of the narrator. The writer manages a closeness, never writing from behind a curtain, although the material is painful at times. I like this book so much that I plan to read parts of it again.

What a fascinating book. An entertaining historical and educational read. I highly recommend this book! Do you really know your family history?

We all wish we knew more about our personal heritage. One's search often leads to names, facts, places, etc. Othniel's book provides you a "heritage journey" that leads directly into you heart. I am so honored to recommend this book!