TLC Review: The Angel of Losses by Stephanie Feldman

The Angel of Losses
• Hardcover: 288 pages
• Publisher: Ecco (July 29, 2014)

 

The Tiger’s Wife meets A History of Love in this inventive, lushly imagined debut novel that explores the intersections of family secrets, Jewish myths, the legacy of war and history, and the bonds between sisters.

When Eli Burke dies, he leaves behind a mysterious notebook full of stories about a magical figure named The White Rebbe, a miracle worker in league with the enigmatic Angel of Losses, protector of things gone astray, and guardian of the lost letter of the alphabet, which completes the secret name of God.

When his granddaughter, Marjorie, discovers Eli’s notebook, everything she thought she knew about her grandfather—and her family—comes undone. To find the truth about Eli’s origins and unlock the secrets he kept, she embarks on an odyssey that takes her deep into the past, from 18th century Europe to Nazi-occupied Lithuania, and back to the present, to New York City and her estranged sister Holly, whom she must save from the consequences of Eli’s past.

Interweaving history, theology, and both real and imagined Jewish folktales, The Angel of Losses is a family story of what lasts, and of what we can—and cannot—escape.

Purchase Links

Amazon | IndieBound | Barnes & Noble

About Stephanie Feldman

Stephanie Feldman is a graduate of Barnard College. She lives outside Philadelphia with her husband and her daughter.


My Review: 

Okay I'm going to say this straight out the gate, I know very very very little about Jewish folklore. I really loved the family dynamics, the history and the way the writer slide the folklore in. It was fun to read, got me in the feels a few times, and wasn't like anything I've read before.

I wouldn't say this was a "quick" read, but it is one that will make you wanna sit down for a few hours with it. That's what I did, and it didn't feel like that long either!

Were there flat notes for me? Yeah, there was one that got me. I don't know if it's because I read and ARC or what, but the switching of the viewpoints (between the notebook and present day) left me a bit confused a few times. This did snatch me back to reality here and there, but I was eager to get back into the story.

All in all I would say that this was a very solid read. I will definitely keep my eye out for more from Stephanie Feldman. If you are looking for a family drama/folklore-y kind of tale then this is one you should definitely check out!