PEOPLE OF THE BOOK

by Geraldine Brooks

 People of the Book is an engrossing work of historical fiction, inspired by the true story of the Sarajevo Haggadah.  The actual Haggadah is a priceless scripture dating back to fifteenth century Spain, containing lavish illuminations that violate ancient religious injunctions against any kind of illustrations.  Brooks weaves a rich tale that takes the reader on a voyage through six centuries of emotionally laden history involving a brilliantly conceived and vividly portrayed cast of characters.

The book opens in Australia in 1996 when Hannah, a rare book expert is called upon to restore the precious Jewish text, brought to light during the Bosnian war. The story of her dedicated search plunges her and the reader into the intrigue of fine art forgery and international intrigue that tests Hannah’s belief in herself and the man she has come to love.

I found this book riveting.  It introduced me to a world of intrigue and passion with which I was totally unfamiliar and to the individual characters who brought this tale to life.

Susan Barron