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36 pages 1 hour read

Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012

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Book Brief

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Deborah Feldman

Unorthodox

Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012
Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 2000s

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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Super Short Summary

Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman is a memoir about her upbringing in the insular Satmar Hasidic Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Raised by her grandparents due to her mother's departure and her father's mental health struggles, Feldman secretly reads English books and questions her community's strict traditions. At 17, she enters an arranged marriage but faces significant marital challenges. After moving to Airmont and having a son, she ultimately leaves the Hasidic community to find her true self. The account involves themes related to restrictive religious practices and challenges within personal relationships.

Emotional

Inspirational

Challenging

Mysterious

Contemplative

Reviews & Readership

4.3

78,626 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Deborah Feldman's Unorthodox is widely praised for its courageous and insightful portrayal of her escape from a restrictive Hasidic community. Reviewers appreciate the raw, honest storytelling and emotional depth. However, some criticize it for perceived embellishments and a disjointed narrative. Overall, it provides a compelling look into a cloistered world.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Unorthodox?

Readers who would enjoy Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman are typically drawn to memoirs about self-discovery, cultural rebellion, and personal transformation. Fans of Tara Westover’s Educated and Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle will appreciate Feldman’s insight into breaking free from rigid, oppressive environments.

4.3

78,626 ratings

77%

Loved it

19%

Mixed feelings

4%

Not a fan

Character List

Deborah

The narrator and author, who recounts her journey from growing up in the Satmar Hasidic Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, to starting a new life in Berlin, Germany.

Deborah’s grandmother, who provides parental guidance and instills Hasidic values while creating a sense of safety for Deborah through shared time in the kitchen.

Deborah’s grandfather, a frugal scholar and businessman, who upholds traditional values and discourages Deborah's interest in reading and English.

A maternal figure for Deborah before her marriage, who assists Deborah in traditional practices and helps her prepare for her wedding.

Deborah’s husband, initially charming but ultimately contributing to her decision to leave the community due to their challenging marital relationship.

Deborah’s mother, who left the Satmar community and Deborah’s life due to her own personal journey of self-discovery, including her sexual orientation.

Book Details
Pages

272

Format

Autobiography / Memoir • Nonfiction

Setting

Brooklyn, New York • 2000s

Publication Year

2012

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

16+ years

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