People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

The Basics

Book Info: People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks.  It’s a work of historical fiction in the sub-genre that I like to call “books about books”.  I was given this book as a review copy, although it was already on my “to be read” list.  I’ve also read her books Nine Parts of Desire and March.

Genre: Historical Fiction

Overview: This is a fictionalized account of the Jewish Haggadah found in Sarajevo, a beautifully designed codex (in reality, little is known about it).  Hanna is flown in to preserve and analyze it, and she’s left to piece together its history.  There are so many questions surrounding the book, and its a very unusual piece for its time.  We see a modern day perspective through Hanna’s eyes, and a historical perspective through the stories told using the voices of the people who owned the book over the years.

Jumping In

Importance of the Title:  Muslims call Christians and Jews “People of the Book” to show that they honor their sacred scriptures. I can only think that in a larger sense the title is in reference to that common phrase, especially since Brooks has spent so much time in the Middle East and is familiar with the culture. However, there is a dual meaning here as well- People of the Book is written in such a way that we really get to know each of the people who owned the book, how they came across it, and their personal histories.  It truly tells the story of the people of the book.

Style: Brooks employs a unique style to tell the overall story. I became interested in what was going on, so I have to admit to not even realizing that there was a pattern going on until later in the book.  We initially see the book through Hanna’s modern day perspective. However, as we learn more about the Haggadah, we also learn more about the people who owned it at the time, and we get to see their perspective along with the history of the era.  Each time Hanna learns something new, we jump back in time and get to see the “how and why” firsthand. It was an interesting way to compare history with the modern day.

Major Themes: Overall, there are strong religious themes going on in People of the Book. It’s fascinating to see how the three major monotheistic religions have argued throughout time, and how this even exists today. Whether it is fighting in the Middle East region, or remnants from the holocaust, all cultures are still feeling the effects of religious wars from centuries ago.  It was sad then, and it’s still sad now. 

Additionally, I was excited to see the strong female characters that Brooks wrote about. She made the point that women have played central roles throughout history, and that it is merely the writer of the history that often leaves these important parts out.  Furthermore, the women in her story of the Haggadah had not just an overall strength, but a strong faith as well. Point well taken!

My Notes

I really enjoyed People of the Book.  Having read some of Brooks’s other material prepared me well for her narrative style. She didn’t disappoint. I was intrigued with her characters and the larger story of the Haggadah.  Some have found the historical characters much more interesting than Hanna’s story herself- until the end (which seems to be universally loved). However, I would argue with that. Hanna developed more fully as a person and came into her own because the story of the Haggadah came into its own.  This is a story of parallels, and Brooks makes this last point by using the central character herself. 

Definitely recommended. Check it out if you’re into contemporary literature, historical fiction, or cultural studies.