Hanna Heath is a rare-book expert and
conservator. In spite of her youth, she received the job to restore the Sarajevo
Haggadah, an illuminated manuscript originating before the expulsion of the
Jews and the Inquisition in 1492 Spain. People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks follows Hanna efforts regularly by historical
interludes connected to clues found in the manuscript. For example, a butterfly
wing leads to the story of how the book was saved from the Nazis.
A pair of missing silver clasps leads
to anti-Semitism in late 19th century Vienna. Wine stains send the
investigation to the original ghetto in early 17th century Venice. Salt
crystals are traced back to the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492. The
artist, a black African slave, is discovered from a white hair. Through these
clues, a broad overview of European history is traced with an emphasis on anti-Semitism.
Hanna Heath is an Australian who is
struggling to find herself having grown up with no father and an over-achieving
mother who was alternately unavailable and disapproving. Her passion is restoring,
conserving, and researching manuscripts. Through the boo, she struggles with
the insecurity and mystery of her childhood but eventually comes to peace with
life.
The phrase “People of the Book” is
used by Muslims to include all Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The people who
rescue the Haggadah from the brink of destruction are often Muslims.
If you are interested in European
history, especially anti-Semitism, this book spans 15th century
Spain, the original Ghetto in Venice, World War II, and the Bosnian conflict.
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