Customer Reviews

A Time of Angels

5 star:		(17)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I was frankly shocked to read reviews that found this book boring. I've read all of Karen Hesse's works, and find this to be far and away the best. I am a fifth grade teacher, and can usually count on my 14-year-old daughter to let me take her cast-off books to supply my classroom; this was one that she won't part with, even after several years. "A Time of Angels" is high on my list of books to recommend for my higher-level readers.

The story line, taking place during the influenza pandemic of 1917-18, is grippingly realistic -- entire neighborhoods are nearly wiped out by the dreaded disease, and panic-stricken residents don't really know how to deal with the enormous problem. Meanwhile, Hannah and her two younger sisters are left in Boston with an aunt, since her mother is trapped in WWI Russia caring for relatives and her father is off fighting in the war -- and neither have been heard from.

When influenza tears Hannah's family apart, circumstances take her far away where she ends up in the care of a gruff old farmer who has been isolated from other townsfolk because of his German heritage. The relationship that forms between the two of them is sweet and tender, and Hesse crafts it beautifully.

Truly, Hesse's characterizations and descriptions make this book nearly magical to read. She weaves in bits and pieces of Jewish culture, American history, and wonderful mystical interludes with an angel who saves Hannah's life more than once.

Boring? Don't believe it. This is a book you shouldn't miss!

The book A Time of Angels was definity one of the best books I have ever read. It was a beautifully written story about a girl with influenza in World War I. The characters were very realistic. They all had very intriguing personalities. I enjoyed the book's brilliant style and detail. I would recommend this book to anyone with a love for detail and excellent liturature. You will fall in love with this book.

I truly enjoyed this book by Karen Hesse. As a future teacher I will add this to my list of historical fiction in teaching social studies and language arts. I had no idea so many people died of the flu in 1918 - nearl two and one half times the number that died during WWI! Karen Hesse does an excellent job of placing ourselves into the life of a young Jewish girl named Hannah. She and her two sisters must live with her two aunts in a crowded Boston apartment because their father is fighting in the war, and their mother is trapped in Russia. She must eventually leave Boston alone because the flu is ravishing the city and her loved ones. She gets lost and is also stricken with the deadly flu. She is nursed back to health by a German farmer and a beautiful friendship develops. She eventually returns to Boston with the help of an angel to find the fate of her family. This is a must read book!

war separates Hanah from her parents in I think 1918,she moves in her aunt's crowded tenement in Boston. Hannah and her aunt struggleto protect Hannah's two young sisters,but whwn a deadly influenza epidemic strikes her family is torn apart even more.Guided by a girl with violet eyes,Hannah,who has also has come down with the dreaded flu,is driven from Boston to a caring old gentlemanin Vermont,where she remaines until sheis healthy.She is determined to reunite her family,but does she hae the strength? Awesome book.The best Hesse has written !!! :)

This book, literally, moved me to tears as I read it cover-to-cover. If you don't read it, I don't know what you're missing.

THIS IS MY FAVOURITE OF ALL OF KAREN'S BOOKS AND I WOULD RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE!!! IT MADE ME CRY FOR HANNAH'S SORROW, BUT MY SADNESS TURNED TO JOY AT THE DELIGHTFUL ENDING. A TRUE TREASURE!!!!!

I thoght the book was very good. The things were so sad and realistic. Although the ending was really good.

This book has some of everything..adventure, romance, history, emotions, and endurance. Hannah's strong faith and belief in angels is the backbone of this book. The characters are wonderful. I feel like I know them all. My Mom and I had fun quizzing each other about this book. It's great reading for all ages.

I was given this book as a gift when I was a young teen and I have read it dozens of times! I think I might be crazy because I truly believe I have seen the sights, smelled the smells, heard the noises, and tasted the food described in this book! As the oldest child, I identify so much with Hannah, the main character. Hesse does an amazing job of painting a picture with words without boring you to death. It is also interesting to learn more about the Jewish culture. A great read!

Historical fiction is one of my favorite genres, and definitely my top fave when it comes to young adult literature. Karen Hesse is well-respected in the field, and her Out of the Dust is a masterpiece (and one of the few really good YA historical fiction novels set in the time of the Great Depression).

However, A Time of Angels fell short for me. The setting is Boston, during the great influenza epidemic (1918). I had high expectations, but found the story to be awkwardly told. Many things were under- or unexplained, and this is a failing when it comes to YA novels (not all kids have adequate background knowledge, and a skillful YA writer will make sure to weave the necessary information into the flow of the story). I expected Hesse to be able to carry off this novel quite a bit better than it actually came off, at least for me.

However, this is a time period and topic that has NOT been exhaustively addressed, especially in YA fiction, and the books does have several good qualities, in particular, the exploration of the cultural context of orthodox Judaism in the story's time/place. This wouldn't be a bad addition to a classroom library or 10 - 12 year old's personal bookshelf.

For a fantastic treatment of an epidemic era, check out Fever 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson - an extremely well-received read-aloud in my classroom for several years.