53 pages • 1 hour read
Kantika
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Turkey, New York • Early 20th Century
2023
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
Published in 2023, Elizabeth Graver’s Kantika is a multigenerational saga following a Sephardic Jewish family led by Rebecca Cohen as they journey from early 20th-century Istanbul to Barcelona, Havana, and finally New York, addressing themes of displacement, cultural preservation, and women's strength. The source material contains depictions of antisemitism, child loss, infertility, xenophobia, wartime violence, genocide, and ableism.
Nostalgic
Emotional
Inspirational
Contemplative
Reviews & Readership
6,066 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Elizabeth Graver's Kantika is widely praised for its lyrical prose and rich cultural tapestry, captivating readers with its intricate storytelling. Some critiques note a slow pace and dense historical context that may challenge casual readers. Overall, the novel's emotional depth and detailed depiction of heritage and identity resonate strongly.
Who Should Read Kantika?
Fans of historical fiction with a focus on cultural identity and resilience will appreciate Kantika by Elizabeth Graver. Similar to readers of Julie Orringer's The Flight Portfolio or Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits, these individuals enjoy rich, multi-generational sagas intertwined with historical events.
6,066 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
304
Novel • Fiction
Turkey, New York • Early 20th Century
2023
Adult
18+ years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.