Almonds and Raisins

Almonds and Raisins #1

by Maisie Mosco

The first in a trilogy about a Jewish family who flee Eastern Europe in the early 20th century and settle in Manchester, England.

In the cold world of Manchester in 1905 the family Sandberg found the good things of life scarce and the hardships bitter as the chill northern winds.

Sarah, the mother. A born survivor stranded in a land of strangers by the vicious tides of persecution.

David, the eldest son. Growing to manhood in a new world and torn between the clear-cut lines of duty and his own driving ambition.

Through the Great War and the Depression, through the first fears of darker years to come, the Sandbergs reach out for the bitter and the sweet of life, the almonds and the raisins.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Jewish, Fiction, British Literature, Family, 20th Century

480 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1979

About the author

Maisie Mosco was born as Maisie Gottlieb. Her parents were of Latvian Jewish and Viennese Jewish descent, and both emigrated to England around 1900.

She left school at the age of 14 to help in the family business. At the age of 18 she joined the ATS and at the end of World War II was helping to teach illiterate soldiers how to read. After the war, she edited the Jewish Gazette, and subsequently wrote radio plays for the BBC.

Mosco wrote 16 novels between 1979 and 1998. These included the 'Almonds and Raisins' series, which contained elements of her own family history.

She married twice: to Aubrey Liston in 1948, then to Gerald Mosco in 1957.

Reviews

[Lesley Arrowsmith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I grew up roughly in the same area that is described in this book. That's why I read it, for the local history of Manchester, and to find out something more about why there is such a big Jewish community in Manchester. One of the best things about it was that I could go and discuss the story with my gran, who lived through the same times as the book, and was actually a "Sabbath goy" for one of her neighbours. She remembered it being just like the book.
I recommend it highly, and the sequels, to anyone who is interested in Jewish history or the history of Manchester. (I'm just sorry my gran can't be around to make comments for any new readers!)
I read the book first over thirty years ago, but I still have a copy that I look at occasionally.

[Mirta Trupp · Rating 5 out of 5]

A traditional family saga; the narrative reminded me of an Edna Ferber or Belva Plain novel. The storyline will ring true for many descendants of Jews who escaped the pogroms and persecution of Eastern Europe in the early 1900's. Whether they immigrated to the United States, England—or in my case—Argentina, Mosco's insightful novel is evocative of the era. Readers are introduced to many characters right off the bat—almost too many—however, I eventually resonated with Sarah. She reminded me of the women in my family, women who will pillars of strength and courage. I saw the story unfold through Sarah's experience, through her heartache, hopes and fears. In today's world, where we are used to a different writing style—a different pace or depth—some may find this novel to be old-fashioned or trite. Not so for me. I thought it was a gem and am grateful I found it!

[Felicity Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good 'old-fashioned' saga (and I in no way do I mean that derogatorily), by far best read in order from the beginning and if at all possible, with the ending of each book left wide open for the next instalment, one after the other.

OK, so a bit long winded at times and the turns the plot takes, on occasion glaringly obvious but ...

My favourite book in the trilogy, Almonds And Raisins, an epic tale which follows the lives of first generation immigrants, Sarah and Abraham, is a tremendous bitter-sweet story of family, of the struggles they face; of the bonds that tie; of Jewish culture. Read it (though sadly no longer in print, second hand copies are available) and I bet you'll find yourselves caught up in the lives of matriarch, Sarah, and her brood, longing to know more.

Copyright ... Tracy Terry @ Pen and Paper
NB Some of this review may be replicated in my reviews of parts two and three in the trilogy ('Children's Children' and 'Scattered Seed'.

[Paul Gaya Ochieng Simeon Juma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Am not in the mood of writing reviews. However, I feel obliged to ssy something. This year, I have led so many novels whose stories have been archestrated in a family setting. This book reminds me of 'Evergreen' by Belva Plain. There is a lot of similarities except that one has its story based in America while in this one, the story is based in England. Now, one must definitely have an idea of what am talking about. Here, we are told about Jewish migrants who have settled in England in order to find and weave for themselves a better life. We get to learn and see the different personalities of the members in Abraham's family. We also get to share in their joyous celebrations, struggles, and breakthroughs. I would highly recommend the book to those who like family sagas.

[Fi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this gave me an idea of what it must have been like for Jews fleeing the Russian pogrom, & the origins of the Manchester 'rag trade'; it also gave me far more insight into the practices & beliefs of the Jewish faith. Great book: I was delighted when I discovered it was the first of a trilogy - although in fact it turned out to also be the best book of the trilogy.

[Joanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Almonds & Raisins, Scattered Seed & Children's Children a trilogy about a Jewish family who flee Eastern Europe in the turn of the century and settle in Manchester England.
They are three of the best books I have ever read. My Husbands side of the family are Jewish and my late mother in law gave me the first one to read, as she would pass books on to me. she had good taste.

[Lu Newman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almonds and Raisins is about a Jewish family who fled from persecution in Russia, sacrificing everything, to live in Manchester in the UK.

This first book of the trilogy maps the journey they made to re-establish their lives in England at the beginning of the 20th Century. The conditions they suffered just so they would be able to live in safety. What strikes you about this tale right at the beginning of the book, is the sense of community between the Jews. The main family and many like them, flee to England and stay with families they barely knew in their homeland but who provide them with refuge. Even if it was just a floor to sleep on.

I cannot imagine how those Jewish refugees must have felt having to leave their country, their culture and their families in order to live. Travelling to a strange land over the sea on a traumatic voyage. To only hope someone you barely know might provide you and your family with shelter and food. Having to ignore the trade you learnt and learn a new job just so you can rent a damp house. Starting from scratch. It is hard to put yourself in their place, yet the writer really does give a vivid aspect of what growing and living during that era must have been like. It is a interesting insight into the Jewish way of life and community during the first part of the 20th Century.

This book takes you up too there lives in Manchester just before World War 2. "Mr Hitler" has been mentioned a couple of times. I am looking forward to the next one.... The Scattered Seed. The only issue I have with the book is while it is very descriptive, it is a little long winded in places. It is also quite predictable but it has more good points than bad.

[Arch Bala · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read this first during my teen years and I still got my copy until now. I've forgotten the names of its characters but most part of the story stayed with me. Those were the years when I've succumbed myself into a lot of Belva Plain and Larry McMurtry's paperbacks and I'm that nerdy kid who always shop at second-hand bookstores to get my book-fix. I was lucky to stumble upon this beautiful, heartbreaking story of a family of Jewish immigrants who came to the United States during the first world war. I just remember how bitter the two sons of the immigrants here. One who's handsome and almost always favored but has a gentle heart and the other was the bitter one because of his inferiority to his better looking brother. It was rather sad because of the things, people and feelings they have to sacrifice to carry on with life or to better themselves. I've been planning to reread it one of these days but I want to get the copy of the rest of the supposed trilogy first. Gosh, this reminds me so much of the "Evergreen" saga by Belva Plain. That was life since forever.

[Candy Sparks · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been telling my book worm friends lately that I am tired of the romeo and juliet themed stories or the stories that the main character finds out she/HE has some new powers... you know how the rest reads. I was leary on what to read next because I needed a book with real issues and problems. I needed a novel that would give me sorrow and happiness.

This was the perfect book for my reader soul. I was not dissapointed with this book at all. There are many characters that you fall so in love with. You feel their pain, their saddness, and their joys. You read how the survival of a good willed jewish family stays together in such hard times.

I can't tell you how much I love this novel. I love love love it! I love it as much as I loved reading The Book Theif, The Thirteenth Tale, and Jurassic Park.

[Siobhan Blackwell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was shared with me by my partners grandmother, an attempt to keep alive family experiences which are becoming more distilled with each passing generation.
I tend to read fiction only if the subject matter furthers my understanding of the world in some way. Almonds and Raisins is a simple yet engaging narrative of the transgenerational struggles of a Jewish Russian family to establish themselves in Manchester, having escaped the Jewish pogroms of the early 1900's. The author skilfully transfers narration through each passing generation thus providing diverse perspectives on a community all too frequently perceived as homogenous.
This book provides insight to yet another ethnic group that contributes to the diversity of the UK. I'm thoroughly looking forward to reading the subsequent novels in this series.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

There was no real depth to this novel but it was interesting and worth reading nevertheless. It offered an insight into how the persecuted Russian and Austrian Jews made a new lives for themselves. This is the first book in a trilogy and it was certainly left open for the second book to follow on. It was rather like a TV series and you got to know the characters in that kind of way. It would be a safe novel for adolescents to read and would provide an interesting focal point for discussions about similar events in our current world. It explained Jewish traditions well and it was a book which did much to give insight into how you get to value peole who are not like you and vice versa. The characters were well drawn and the story moved smoothly. A good read for holidays or commuting.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this in a Free Little Library in a largely Jewish neighborhood and I was intrigued. I grew up with many New York Jews but I knew nothing of the Jewish experience in England. The writing is not the best and the plot devices are very obvious, but it was easy to put those things aside and just enjoy the story and learn a little bit of what is was like to be those people in that time and in that place. And the Yiddish was fun to remember. I will try to track down the other books in the series.

[Hayley M. Mills · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved reading Almonds and Raisins. my mother had recommended it to me some time ago knowing i was interested in our history and as Maisie Mosco was a friend of my families back in the day. As my great grandmother fled the Pogroms in Poland and My Great Grandfather fled Russia they immigrated to England ending up in Manchester, They were Tailors and machinists. I was born in Manchester. So The feel of the story was familiar and took me through what it was like for them in those times. It was beautifully written with heart and humor.

[Maggie Anton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book on the whole, but I didn't really like any of the characters. It was a fascinating family saga with some excellent description of the Jewish immigrant experience in early 20th century England, but I wasn't engaged enough by the characters to care what happened to them.

[Hermien · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed the historical background and the description of Jewish life and immigrant experience. The writer does not seem to have a favourite character so you don’t get to know any of them really well but an overall pleasant read.

[Shrdlu-junction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! So close to my own family's story. Can't wait to read the sequels.

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great historical fiction. It is the first book in a series of four (4).

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent read, couldnt put it down.

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read this book, and series, several times, and still some of my favorites. Highly recommend to anyone who enjoys novels about family, love and sacrifice.

[Susan sm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reading this book was like being welcomed home.

[Sherry Rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm sure I read this when it was first published and it was well worth the second read. This series tells the story of two Jewish families that arrive in England around 1905. One family escaped the terrible pogroms of Russia and their close friends came from Vienna. I love all the characters, especially the matriarch Sarah Sandberg, and have started on the next book. The eldest son, David, is the strongest character one would have very mixed feelings about. Although some of the English expressions and words were difficult to understand that just made it more authentic. As with any religion, it shows how some characters aspire to power and money, while others are content without. As a second-generation Jew I can relate to the difficulties between the generations as Jews begin to assimilate. I am so happy this series became available on Kindle and I look forward to the rest of the series.

[Jaqui · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a really lovely book.

Family saga set in Manchester, England.

Fleeing persecution for being jewish, the Sandberg family arrive in Manchester, England, fleeing prejudice and pograms in Russia circa 1905 with all the hopes and dreams common to all new immigrants.

This is a beautiful story, and I identified very much with the members of this family and their friends and neighbours as well as all the family's tribulations as they settled and began slowly to find jobs and to prosper while attempting the retaining their traditions and identity assimilating but with conflict and heartaches.

Life, death, love, marriage, and conflicts - it's all here, tenderly and sensitively done.

I loved the book so much that I immediately bought the next one in this family saga. I hope it's as lovely a read as Almonds and raisins.

[Natasha Maddock · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don’t normally read family sagas, but was recommended this by a friend. I really enjoyed it. I live near Manchester so know the areas discussed. I did find the random loss of years tricky and the first time had to reread a few paragraphs as I couldn’t work out what has happened.
Looking forward to reading the next book.

[Joan Novatt · Rating 5 out of 5]

My mother and her family were from Manchester which is why I wanted to read this. Very sad that they had such a tough life there but good for me because they came to America! Beautifully written. Was very upset the way it ended but then saw there was a part 2 which I’m reading now.

[Johanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Old school family saga comfort reading. A reminder of the struggles of migrants from previous generations and historically well-grounded. I have a sneaking suspicion that I read this whole trilogy from the library in about 1980s when I was on a family saga kick!!

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book and enjoyed reading about all the Jewish traditions...brought back memories for me. I would love to read her other books to continue the story of the family. Would recommend it.

[Tamara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Started out really slow, but once I got into it, it was hard to put down.

[John · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just ok

[Eleanor Cunningham · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 3.5/5 stars. Borrowed from my Nain.

Obviously took me a while to read it all. However, I’d argue that it was only the first half up until Sarah became pregnant with Nathan that was a bit slow because after that the family drama pushed me through. The ever changing family dynamic makes for the emotional read.
The pacing is very interesting as there are time jumps of months within the same chapter. This was difficult for me in the beginning as I was still trying to get to know the characters. As the characters aged and their situation changed it became more interesting as the next page would contain a time jump with a major twist.
All the characters make difficult decisions and their different personalities inform their decision making. You could agree with one character in one circumstance and then disagree with them in the next.
Ready for the next book in the series soon.

[Beth]

Jews emigrating to England during the day 1900's faced assimilation and a whole new way of life. The story centers around the Sandberg and Moritz families. Two generations intertwine in love and friendship. Sarah is the strong matriarch still rooted in traditions and ways of life that quickly become antiquated. We follow each of her children as she guides them through their lives. They each first d their own form of happiness and despair. Fabulous detail and rich characters fill this muktigenerational story.