A review by the_vegan_bookworm
The Matzah Ball by Jean Meltzer
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
I really wanted to like this book, because I've never read a Hanukkah romance before!
But the characters were flat and one dimensional. There was a weird amount of detail to Jacob's appearance compared to virtually none for Rachel's. The chemistry was based almost entirely on their relationship from age 12. It's fine to have the origins of your love story start from a young age, but if virtually all of your feelings and perceptions of that person are from that time, it gives me a weird vibe. The conflict between Jacob and Rachel felt a bit ludicrous, and the ending seemed kind of rushed and unrealistic.
But the characters were flat and one dimensional. There was a weird amount of detail to Jacob's appearance compared to virtually none for Rachel's. The chemistry was based almost entirely on their relationship from age 12. It's fine to have the origins of your love story start from a young age, but if virtually all of your feelings and perceptions of that person are from that time, it gives me a weird vibe. The conflict between Jacob and Rachel felt a bit ludicrous, and the ending seemed kind of rushed and unrealistic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Genocide