Book Review: People of the Book

I read Geraldine Brooks' People of the Book last week and it was great! Brooks' novel follows Hanna Heath a rare books expert as she is brought to Sarajevo to examine the Sarajevo Haggadah (the illuminated manuscript that contains the illustrated traditional text of the Passover Haggadah which accompanies the Passover Seder-thank you wikipedia!). The story jumps between1996 with Hanna's discoveries in the Haggadah - an insect wing, a missing clasp, wine stains, saltwater, a white hair- to the stories of how each made it's way into the book working back in time from 1940-1480.

I liked the parts in the story that explore Hanna's personal life, her relationships with her mother, father, and those involved with the Haggadah, but I really enjoyed the history of the Haggadah. I thought it was fascinating how much information you can get from what are basically old stains-if you have access to the right equipment!!

In book club last week one of the members used the criteria "would I read it again" to distinguish a really good book...soooo would I read this book again...hmmmm probably not-but I would definitely recommend it!