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People of the Book
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People of the Book (2008) (edit title/settings)

by Geraldine Brooks (Author) (edit contributors)

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Description edit see section history

From the Pulitzer Prize–winning author of March, the journey of a rare illuminated manuscript through centuries of exile and war. In 1996, Hanna Heath, an Australian rare-book expert, is offered the job of a lifetime: analysis and conservation of the famed Sarajevo Haggadah, which has been... read more

Summary edit see section history

The story starts off in 1996 with book conservationist Hannah Heath receiving a phone call from her mentor. He offers her a chance to view and record the famous illuminated Jewish Hagaddah, a book that had "almost" been destroyed many times over the past six centuries since it's conception in... read more (warning: may contain spoilers)

The story starts off in 1996 with book conservationist Hannah Heath receiving a phone call from her mentor. He offers her a chance to view and record the famous illuminated Jewish Hagaddah, a book that had "almost" been destroyed many times over the past six centuries since it's conception in the late 15th century. The book's origins, creators, and it's journey are a mystery that's slowly unraveled in a reverse chronological order. As Hannah finds a "mystery" in a chapter that involves her study of the book, the truth is unveiled in the following chapter. The unveiling is like watching a movie of the turbulent pasts of Jewish, Muslim, and Christian Religions. The title references, both literally and figuratively, "People of the Book", which are how Muslims catagorize Monotheistic Abrahamic religions that are older than Islam. Several times the Jewish treasure is saved by Muslim museum curators, as well as a famous Catholic priest (Vistorini).

Characters/People edit see section history

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First Sentence edit see section history

I might as well say, right from the jump: it wasn't my usual kind of job.

Table of Contents edit see section history

Hanna, Sarajevo, Spring 1996
An Insect's Wing, Sarajevo, 1940
Hanna, Vienna, Spring 1996
Feathers and a Rose, Vienna, 1894
Hanna, Vienna, Spring 1996
Wine Stains, Venice, 1609
Hanna, Boston, Spring 1996
Saltwater, Tarragona, 1492
Hanna, London, Spring 1996
A White Hair, Seville, 1480
Hanna, Sarajevo, Spring 1996
Lola, Jerusalem, 2002
Hanna, Arnhem Land, Gunumeleng, 2002

Glossary edit see section history

  • Ifriqiya: the area along the north African coast from Tunisia to Algeria; origin of the name "Africa"
  • gainsay: challenge
  • exegesis: a critical analysis, especially of a religious text

Series & Lists edit see section history

This book is in KCPL Discussion Kit (Aug2010). (community list)

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

  1. Geraldine Brooks (Author)

Other Contributors:

  1. Edwina Wren (Narrator) - Blackstone Audiobooks; MP3 Una edition (Jan 2008)

First Edition edit see section history

Original Language: English
Publisher: Viking Penguin
Country: United States
Publication Date: January 1, 2008
ISBN: 9780670018215
Page Count: 372

Classification edit see section history

  • Library of Congress: PR9619.3.B7153 P46
  • Dewey: 823.914

Notes for Parents edit see section history

Reading Level: Add the suggested reading level for this book.

There are definite adult themes such as Jewish persecution; a priest is painted as a drunk; a devout Jewish person is a chronic gambler. There are stories of coercion into sex, adulterous affairs and a daughter that cannot effectively love her mother.

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