The Charlotte Jewish News - August 2018 - Page 5
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This month’s recommendations
would be excellent suggestions
for Book Clubs.
The Bridal Chair, Gloria Goldre-
ich
An exquisite, haunting explora
tion of the complex mind of Marc
Chagall through the eyes of his
daughter. Brimming with historic
personalities from Europe, Ameri
ca, and Israel, The Bridal Chair is
a stunning portrait of love, forti
tude, and the sharp divide between
art and real life.
Beautiful Ida Chagall, the only daughter of Marc Chagall, is blos
soming in the Paris art world beyond her father’s controlling gaze. But
her newfound independence is short-lived. In Nazi-occupied Paris,
Chagall’s status as a Jewish artist has made his family targets, yet his
devotion to his art blinds him to their danger.
I especially enjoyed reading this work of historical fiction which
explores the complex mind of Marc Chagall and the symbolism in his
paintings. Additionally, the complicated relationship between Marc
Chagall and his daughter Ida offered not only an insider’s view into
their personal dynamics but a backdrop of discovery into the intricate
efforts masterminded not only by Ida Chagall bnt by American jonmal-
ist Varian Fry to rescue artists during the Holocaust.
Another book that might interest readers of The Bridal Chair is The
Marriage of Opposites by Alice Hoffman which explores the life of a
Jewish artist Camille Pissarro. And this fall, the CJE Book Club will
gain insight into the artist Gustav Klimt when we read Stolen Beauty
by Laurie Lico Albanese.
All Who Go Do Not Return, Shulem Been
All Who Go Do Not Return is a moving and revealing exploration of
Hasidic life, and one man’s struggles with faith, family, and communi
ty. As a member of the Skverers, one of the most insular Hasidic sects
in the US, Shulem Been knows little about the outside world - only that
it is to be shunned. His marriage at eighteen is arranged and several
children soon follow. His first transgression - turning on the radio - is
small, but his curiosity leads him to the library, and later the Internet.
Soon he begins a feverish inquiry into the tenets of his religious be
liefs, until, several years later, his faith unravels entirely. In All Who Go
Do Not Return, Been bravely traces his harrowing loss of faith, while
offering an illuminating look at a highly secretive world. (Amazon)
All Who Go Do Not Return, a 2017 CJE Book Club selection, was
the basis for a thought provoking and stimulating discussion. This in
sider’s look at an insular world educates readers regardless of religious
affiliation about a little known community’s beliefs, customs, and cul
ture. As the author wrestles with the painful actions that will impact
not only himself but his family and community as well, the reader is
left to sort through his own feelings and beliefs. I highly recommend
this memoir which was enthusiastically endorsed by the members of
our book club.
If you are interested in read
ing related books on this subject,
I suggest / Am Forbidden by
Anouk Markovitz, Cut Me Loose
by Leah Vincent, The Book of
Separation by Tova Mirvis, and
Disobedience by Naomi Aider-
man. *5*
Please join us for
our next Book Club
meeting on Wednesday,
August 15, when we
will be discussing the
highiy engrossing book
Waking Lions by
Ayelet Gunder-Goshen.
For more information,
piease contact me at
sueb.littauer@jewish-
chariotte.org.
704.556.8322
PARK ROAD
704.542.4242
BLAKENEY VILLAGE
\
704.541.0943
ARBORETUM
704.892.9020
LAKE NORMAN
Join us on October 23rcl
for an Alaska presentation.
Hampton Inn at Philips Place
6pm
RSVP at www.manntravels.com/events
g^MANN TRAVELS
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• Member, Board of Directors of the Levine
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