Kaaterskill Falls

An excellent book

Allegra writes some of the most complex and interesting characters I've ever read. I loved the book.

Subtle extrodinary story

This book is not a page turner, yet I tore through this book over the weekend. It is a delicate story of a group of Jews that have similar observances and cultural practices as orthodox Jews. One reviewer complains there may be no tense climaxes, but there is great character development and the characters do have their own struggles, joys, and woes to work through. A brilliant story and a gentle relaxing novel to read.

Interesting, but not memorable

There is a lot going on in this novel. A careful study of orthodox Jewish values; an almost biblical study of the relationship between father and sons; a woman's quest to realize personal goals; the struggle to maintain the sanctity of a community (both religious and not) - to grapple with these many ideas, the author introduces a Dickensian-list of characters. Some of these portraits are stronger (especially the description of Renee and her non-Jewish friend), but too often, the reader feels that only the surface is touched upon, and wants to know more. In this story, the parts are not greater than the whole.

An excellent read with information on the Jewish religion.

This was an excellent read in the fact that the author puts you into the life of a Jewish community. Although the plot was not exciting the story held me because I was in a situation and life that I had never been into before. This book will make you think and feel things differently even long after you have put it down.

Six Characters in Search of a Plot

This is probably the longest short story you'll ever read, but a novel it is not. There is no plot, no climax, no resolution, no dramatic tension, just a few interesting characters, just not the ones who hang around long enough to move the story along. About 100 pages from the end I ran into a member of my book club who had finished the book and asked her if anything was going to be resolved by the end. I promise not to spoil the ending for anyone ...if only there were one to spoil.

No text was provided for this review.

No text was provided for this review.