46 pages • 1 hour read
Bread Givers
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Book Brief
336
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1920s
1925
Adult
14+ years
Super Short Summary
Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska follows Sara Smolinsky, a young Jewish-American girl growing up in 1920s New York, as she defies her father Reb's patriarchal beliefs to pursue education and career aspirations amidst her family's struggles. The novel delves into themes of traditional values versus modern aspirations, patriarchal control, and the complexities of assimilation and identity. This material contains themes of misogynistic treatment of women and derogatory language towards people with disabilities and mental illnesses.
Challenging
Melancholic
Gritty
Inspirational
Emotional
Reviews & Readership
7,495 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Anzia Yezierska's Bread Givers compellingly depicts the struggles of a young Jewish immigrant woman in 1920s America. Praised for its authentic portrayal of cultural and gender conflicts, it also faces criticism for a somewhat predictable plot. The novel’s strong, relatable protagonist and rich historical context outweigh these minor shortcomings.
Who Should Read Bread Givers?
Readers who appreciate Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska are often drawn to immigrant narratives, feminist themes, and coming-of-age stories. Those who enjoy books like A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith and The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros will find this novel compelling for its portrayal of resilience and cultural identity clashes.
7,495 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Reb Smolinsky
Reb Smolinsky
Sara's father, who is deeply religious and authoritative, upholding patriarchal values within the family while prioritizing religious studies over providing for his household.
Shenah Smolinsky
Shenah Smolinsky
Sara's mother, who is a dedicated and hardworking woman, supporting her family under challenging circumstances and navigating the pressures of her husband's patriarchal rule.
Mashah Smolinsky
Mashah Smolinsky
Sara's older sister, initially focused on her beauty and personal desires, who undergoes significant changes as she faces the hardships of family expectations and married life.
336
Novel • Fiction
New York City • 1920s
1925
Adult
14+ years
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