slb80's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mychaelann's review against another edition
4.0
I really liked this sweet story written in letters. I love historical fiction and this was a engaging, quick read.
abookishbarista's review against another edition
5.0
Growing up, this was one of my favorite books. I received a copy from my sister, and I read it numerous times over the course of six or seven years. I remember being so fascinated by Rifka's story - I still think back to it today. Occasionally, when I grab a banana, I remember Rifka laughing about how people on the island used banana's to tell if someone was a new immigrant. I want to have a copy of this book to keep and read for years to come and then to pass on to newer readers.
mrsbond's review against another edition
4.0
Through letters to a beloved cousin a young girl documents her family's escape from Russia to the United States. Rifka shows great hope for the future and compassion for others as she makes her way through frightening situations. Story is based on the immigration of the author's Aunt Lucy.
mjfmjfmjf's review against another edition
4.0
From our shelves, but I don't think it's a re-read. On a Hesse kick mostly to avoid starting anything longer. A journey book from Russia to Ellis Island. One of many it seems. This one is from a young Jewish girl who ends up alone in Belgium for a time. To a large degree it avoids the horror of the times. Rifka experiences typhoid and ringworm and losing her hair. But she also learns Polish and Flemish and English and has chocolate and ice cream.
summeri94's review against another edition
informative
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
meaganmart's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
rebeccasfantasyworld's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0