saarahn's review
4.0
Meaningful
This book had such meaning for me- it was, in simple terms, about feeling confined in a lifestyle you no longer agree with: that is no longer right for you. That's Esty's story, she doesn't belong, and feels like an alien- an imposter- so, she decides to leave the haredi lifestyle (the lifestyle of an Orthodox Jew) and moves on. Of course, as expected, there are a number of hurdles she has to first get over: her family doesn't seem very accepting, her community disapproves and then there's Mark.
She likes Mark and, believes he may be good for her. But, will she fit into his secular lifestyle? She can't hold his hand without flinching, she finds it wrong whenever they sit too close. But, funnily enough, it can't be more right. She's moving on, independently. But will she be able to keep going?
I liked this story, mostly because I could relate: I don't always feel as though I'm free to take up certain things- because of my religion, though I'd say it was more to do with culture. And I sometimes battle with my thoughts, when I'm rebelling against what my culture's principles dictate. It is difficult to leave behind, or ignore, your upbringing- it's your community. Not only do you face isolation, but confusion- you hardly know what goes on behind the other side of the fence. How the other half live, and the author of this book acknowledges that.
I just had a slight issue with the main character, she was making a big life choice and it seemed weird that she didn't know what she was getting herself into- then again, she was a young nineteen year old. But I felt that seemed to imply she was too naive to know any better. Then there was how she automatically fell for Mark, describing him to have been handsome and the connection between them. It was too fast, and seemed improper, a stark contrast, from her actual attitude towards men- as is revealed later when she is hesitant towards Mark's touch. Though, aside from this- the book was a delightful, engaging, read.
This book reminded me of a poem I once read titled, 'Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan' by Moniza Alvi. Both this book, and this poem, represent the feelings of disillusionment, confusion of one's identity and isolation, the idea of being an 'in-betweener', neither here nor there.
I received this book through NetGalley.
This book had such meaning for me- it was, in simple terms, about feeling confined in a lifestyle you no longer agree with: that is no longer right for you. That's Esty's story, she doesn't belong, and feels like an alien- an imposter- so, she decides to leave the haredi lifestyle (the lifestyle of an Orthodox Jew) and moves on. Of course, as expected, there are a number of hurdles she has to first get over: her family doesn't seem very accepting, her community disapproves and then there's Mark.
She likes Mark and, believes he may be good for her. But, will she fit into his secular lifestyle? She can't hold his hand without flinching, she finds it wrong whenever they sit too close. But, funnily enough, it can't be more right. She's moving on, independently. But will she be able to keep going?
I liked this story, mostly because I could relate: I don't always feel as though I'm free to take up certain things- because of my religion, though I'd say it was more to do with culture. And I sometimes battle with my thoughts, when I'm rebelling against what my culture's principles dictate. It is difficult to leave behind, or ignore, your upbringing- it's your community. Not only do you face isolation, but confusion- you hardly know what goes on behind the other side of the fence. How the other half live, and the author of this book acknowledges that.
I just had a slight issue with the main character, she was making a big life choice and it seemed weird that she didn't know what she was getting herself into- then again, she was a young nineteen year old. But I felt that seemed to imply she was too naive to know any better. Then there was how she automatically fell for Mark, describing him to have been handsome and the connection between them. It was too fast, and seemed improper, a stark contrast, from her actual attitude towards men- as is revealed later when she is hesitant towards Mark's touch. Though, aside from this- the book was a delightful, engaging, read.
This book reminded me of a poem I once read titled, 'Presents from my Aunts in Pakistan' by Moniza Alvi. Both this book, and this poem, represent the feelings of disillusionment, confusion of one's identity and isolation, the idea of being an 'in-betweener', neither here nor there.
I received this book through NetGalley.
chocolatelady1957's review
3.0
A sweet book, and a nice little love story placed in a situation that isn't often found in novels. Drori has a good eye for finding a unique twist to the usual "boy meets girl" plot. You can read my full review here https://tcl-bookreviews.com/2014/11/28/abandonment-and-devotion/
booksteacupnreviews's review
4.0
You can read all my review on Blog - Books Teacup and Reviews
Neither Here Nor There was simple romance that was made beautiful because of its setting in Jerusalem. Story revolved around Haredi Judaism, Esty’s struggle who left the orthodox ways, challenged its beliefs and lifestyle to live life of secular that can have meaning, freedom, and love. It was about struggle of transition in lifestyle; orthodox vs tradition, secular and extremism; strength and determination; going against the flow; understanding different culture and adopting the best in it.
What I Liked:
Book started with Esty leaving her parents’ home, culture she knew and grew up in to discover new life, life of secular, a life in which she can have freedom to make choices, actually live it and enjoy it rather than getting married, take care of house and giving birth every year. But it was never easy, she was in middle situation, Neither Here Nor There, after leaving her family. What challenges she will face in this in-between path? Will she able to cross it and transform into lifestyle of other side? Can she cut off with her family and friends? How her decision will affect her family? Will she discover new friends and true love? It was great to discover answers to all these Esty inner turmoil.
I believe she was lucky to find good people on her way towards new lifestyle. It wouldn’t be this easy for all.
I loved theme of this book. Author portrayed lifestyle and belief of orthodox people so well. It was not just about differences between orthodox, secular, and traditional but was about extremism. Being extremist is most dangerous and not just for orthodox but for secular as well and this controversial matter was well conveyed here.
Esty learned many things through her observation of secular world, different lifestyle and people she met. The doubts she had for what she was taught in schools and by community before leaving the old world proved right, she saw secular world is not that bad as she was taught, she could see how people in her community are following their belief not because they fear God or because they were pure and other are malign but because they want to please others in their community.
Every chapters ended with the question, doubts Esty and Mark had regarding their life and relationship that made me think about the situation, about community and their age-old beliefs, religion along with them. Characters turmoil, struggle and emotion was the central part of the story.
Romance was simple. It didn’t have that juicy drama or complicated issue we usually read in romance novel but it was nice to see both Esty and Mark evolve, taking baby steps in their relationship. They had some simple and realistic issues, Esty trying to adopt new world and Mark trying to go slow and let her grow out of her discomfort but I liked how they both made efforts to strengthen their bond.
Turns in the book were good. It made story interesting. I did guess those endings but it didn’t affect the ending. I liked the happy ending.
Why 4 Stars:
As I said things were comparatively easy for Esty. In real life there might be lot of problems and I was little annoyed character didn’t see things realistically. She should have expected the problems she faced and when her sister thought to follow her footstep she felt wrong about it! Come on, that’s clearly selfish.
Overall, it was interesting, insightful and unique but simple contemporary fiction that dealt with controversial subject. I recommend this book. It is short, fastpaced that you can finish in one sitting.
*** Note: I won this book in giveaway ***
Neither Here Nor There was simple romance that was made beautiful because of its setting in Jerusalem. Story revolved around Haredi Judaism, Esty’s struggle who left the orthodox ways, challenged its beliefs and lifestyle to live life of secular that can have meaning, freedom, and love. It was about struggle of transition in lifestyle; orthodox vs tradition, secular and extremism; strength and determination; going against the flow; understanding different culture and adopting the best in it.
What I Liked:
Book started with Esty leaving her parents’ home, culture she knew and grew up in to discover new life, life of secular, a life in which she can have freedom to make choices, actually live it and enjoy it rather than getting married, take care of house and giving birth every year. But it was never easy, she was in middle situation, Neither Here Nor There, after leaving her family. What challenges she will face in this in-between path? Will she able to cross it and transform into lifestyle of other side? Can she cut off with her family and friends? How her decision will affect her family? Will she discover new friends and true love? It was great to discover answers to all these Esty inner turmoil.
I believe she was lucky to find good people on her way towards new lifestyle. It wouldn’t be this easy for all.
I loved theme of this book. Author portrayed lifestyle and belief of orthodox people so well. It was not just about differences between orthodox, secular, and traditional but was about extremism. Being extremist is most dangerous and not just for orthodox but for secular as well and this controversial matter was well conveyed here.
Esty learned many things through her observation of secular world, different lifestyle and people she met. The doubts she had for what she was taught in schools and by community before leaving the old world proved right, she saw secular world is not that bad as she was taught, she could see how people in her community are following their belief not because they fear God or because they were pure and other are malign but because they want to please others in their community.
Every chapters ended with the question, doubts Esty and Mark had regarding their life and relationship that made me think about the situation, about community and their age-old beliefs, religion along with them. Characters turmoil, struggle and emotion was the central part of the story.
Romance was simple. It didn’t have that juicy drama or complicated issue we usually read in romance novel but it was nice to see both Esty and Mark evolve, taking baby steps in their relationship. They had some simple and realistic issues, Esty trying to adopt new world and Mark trying to go slow and let her grow out of her discomfort but I liked how they both made efforts to strengthen their bond.
Turns in the book were good. It made story interesting. I did guess those endings but it didn’t affect the ending. I liked the happy ending.
Why 4 Stars:
As I said things were comparatively easy for Esty. In real life there might be lot of problems and I was little annoyed character didn’t see things realistically. She should have expected the problems she faced and when her sister thought to follow her footstep she felt wrong about it! Come on, that’s clearly selfish.
Overall, it was interesting, insightful and unique but simple contemporary fiction that dealt with controversial subject. I recommend this book. It is short, fastpaced that you can finish in one sitting.
*** Note: I won this book in giveaway ***
More...