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44 pages 1 hour read

People of the Book

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008

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Book Brief

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Geraldine Brooks

People of the Book

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2008
Book Details
Pages

372

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Various Decades

Theme
Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks follows book conservator Dr. Hanna Heath as she unravels the intricate history of the famous Sarajevo Haggadah through clues found in the manuscript, revealing rich narratives across various historical periods and locations, including World War II, Vienna, Venice, and Spain, ultimately uncovering the origins and incredible journey of the Haggadah. The book includes themes of war, loss, and trauma.

Mysterious

Contemplative

Emotional

Bittersweet

Inspirational

Reviews & Readership

4.2

159,356 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book impresses with its detailed historical research and engaging plot, following Hannah Heath's journey to restore a valuable manuscript. While praised for its rich narrative and complex characters, some reviews note occasional pacing issues and predictability. Overall, it’s a commendable work blending history and fiction seamlessly.

Who should read this

Who Should Read People of the Book?

Fans of historical fiction and literary mysteries will relish People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. Ideal for readers of Tracy Chevalier's Girl with a Pearl Earring and Umberto Eco's The Name of the Rose, this novel interweaves art, history, and religious intrigue in a captivating narrative spanning centuries.

4.2

159,356 ratings

76%

Loved it

18%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Dr. Hanna Heath (Sharansky)

Hanna is a skilled book conservator hired to restore the famous Sarajevo Haggadah. Despite being confident in her work, she struggles with self-doubt due to her critical mother, Sarah. Throughout the story, Hanna discovers her identity, embraces her father Aaron Sharansky's surname, and distances herself from her past.

Sarah is a renowned neurosurgeon and Hanna's mother. Critical and emotionally distant, she often questions Hanna's career choices. Sarah believes her behavior is justified by her struggles to succeed in a male-dominated field, but her strained relationship with Hanna leads to estrangement.

Heinrich is a German book conservator and Hanna's advisor, with expertise in ancient Jewish texts. He is haunted by his past during World War II and plays a crucial role in the fate of the Haggadah, driven by a desire to protect it from destruction.

Ozren is the chief librarian of the National Museum and a key figure in preserving the Haggadah during its disappearance. He is a courageous figure who risks his life to save the Haggadah during wartime and becomes romantically involved with Hanna.

Lola is a young Jewish girl living in Sarajevo in 1940 who dreams of love and adventure. As the Nazis invade, she becomes a Partisan fighter and eventually moves to Israel, where she encounters the Haggadah again later in life.

Serif is the chief librarian at the National Museum and an advocate for preserving Jewish culture. He shelters Jews during WWII and protects the Haggadah from Nazi looting, taking significant risks to ensure its safety.

David is a Jewish scribe living in late 15th-century Tarragona, Spain. He creates the Sarajevo Haggadah using illustrations and faces persecution during the Spanish Inquisition due to his family's religious ties.

Ruti is David's daughter, secretly studying Kabbalah and involved with a married lover. She survives her family's persecution during the Inquisition, ensuring the safety of the Haggadah and her nephew.

Zahra is a black slave girl trained in painting. She eventually contributes to the Haggadah's illuminations while living in Seville. Zahra's artistic skills play a pivotal role in the creation of the Haggadah.

Book Details
Pages

372

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Various Locations • Various Decades

Theme
Publication Year

2008

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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