People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks was a wonderful story that crossed continents, religions, history and personalities. I wasn't sure what to expect from this book, I had mixed emotions about whether to choose this or one of the 40 other books I have waiting to be read. Something kept bringing me back to this title and now I know why.

I just finished the story of Hannah Heath and her search for truth about the rare Sarajevo Haggadah, one of the earliest Jewish religious volumes to be illuminated with images, which survived centuries of purges and wars thanks to people of all faiths who risked their lives to safeguard it. Geraldine Brooks did her research and must have enjoyed every moment of the fact finding, interviews and storytelling that went into completing this book. The characters are beautifully developed and the details of life through different times in history is rich with emotion and passion.

"Hanna Heath, an impassioned rare-book expert restoring the manuscript in 1996 Sarajevo, it yields clues to its guardians and whereabouts: an insect wing, a wine stain, salt crystals, and a white hair. While readers experience crucial moments in the book's history through a series of fascinating, fleshed-out short stories, Hanna pursues its secrets scientifically, and finds that some interests will still risk everything in the name of protecting this treasure. A complex love story, thrilling mystery, vivid history lesson, and celebration of the enduring power of ideas." --Mari Malcolm

Personally, I adored every aspect of this book and could strongly identify with Hannah Heath in both her journeys and relationships. I am a lover of art, art history and religion - this book brought all of that together for me in a stunning story that I highly recommend.

To get your own copy of People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks, please buy from your local independent bookseller:
http://www.indiebound.org/book/9780143115007