At times funny, at times horrifying…Please Say Kaddish For Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

A real page turner!
Antisemitism isn’t an invention of the Germans and Hitler, it has been around, more or less violent, for a long time. Rochelle Wisoff-Fields shines a light on the pogroms and terror Jews in czarist Russia were subjected to. And while this is a serious theme and a well-researched piece of historical fiction, it is also wildly entertaining; at times funny, at times horrifying, gut-wrenching and then, again, heart-warming. She tells her story by focusing on an extended family, with the protagonist Havah Cohen at the center. She is the center that connects all the story strands, all the characters and families. But these people are by no means minor characters. Each of them is interesting, well-rounded, with a backstory, with plans and needs. As readers we can’t help but laugh with them, cry with them, cry for them. The fates of the characters are harsh, and the author isn’t glossing over anything. She paints a complete picture of good times and bad, of love and hatred, happiness and terror. It’s a great read.

From Silt and Ashes is a great sequel to Please Say Kaddish For Me by Rochelle Wisoff-Fields

While From Silt and Ashes could stand on its own, it is best read right after the first book in the series, Please Say Kaddish For Me. In this sequel, Rochelle Wisoff-Fields continues the story of Havah Gitterman-Cohen and her family. They have now moved to the USA and face different problems, not the least of them is coming to terms with the horrors they’ve just escaped. Back in Russia, the reader fears for and hopes with the friends and families that were left behind.
This book is another page turner that tells in cruel detail how horribly Jewish people and everyone else who didn’t run with the in-crowd of the time were treated. Again Havah is at the center of events, meeting new people, not all of them friendly. We also get to meet some historical figures, which adds some extra spice. Like the first book, From Silt and Ashes is well-written and expertly researched. The characters are interesting, likeable, and well-rounded. Not an easy read, but perfect for learning about history in a captivating and entertaining way. I can’t wait to read the upcoming third book in the series: As One Must, One Can.

• By Gabriele L.