by Geraldine Brooks. It is a work of fiction inspired
by a true story about the Sarajevo Haggadah, which is
a book of prayer used at a Jewish Seder meal. This
haggadah dates back to 14th century Spain.
The author creates stories in an attempt to trace the
origins of this beautiful old codex over the centuries.
I came to love each of the characters in each of the
stories who added something to the value of this book.
One added beautiful art, one added Jewish script, one
added book bindery skills and several added risk of life.
Their were many Muslims who protected this Jewish tome.
One of the author's most thought provoking statements is:
Ozren says: I have spent many nights, lying awake in this
room thinking that the haggadah came to Sarajevo for a
reason. It was here to test us, to see if there were people
who could see that what united us was more than what
divided us. That to be a human being matters more than
to be a Jew or Muslim, Catholic or Orthodox"
It is a truly captivating and beautiful novel. I highly
recommend you find it at your library.
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