The Cross and the Pear Tree: A Sephardic Journey

by Victor Perera

15 photographs in text.

Genres: Judaism, Biography

282 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Luis · Rating 3 out of 5]

Victor Perera takes us through his family’s journey through the various countries that lived in and finally to his native Guatemala. Victor, a descendant of Sephardic Jews, intends to trace his family’s genealogy to better understand the situation of his ancestors. I gave the book 3 stars because though it is an interesting read, the middle parts where he investigates the French, Spanish, and Portuguese Pereira as potentially connections as a genealogist don’t really do it for me. There seems to be more a social/spiritual and “same surname so we must be family” connection rather than a genealogical journey into finding his ancestors. It also took me longer to read than I expected, the storyline at times feels burdensome to read.

[Joelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I started reading this book because it's about Sephardic Judaism. while a memoir about one family I found it intriguing. However in the last few chapters it became much more about the author's direct life and I found much outdated language that made me uncomfortable.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

An exploration of the author's Sephardic roots, told through a potted exploration of the Marranos persecution and expulsion from Spain and the lives of his family in Jerusalem and Guatemala. Unexpectedly interesting in places, tedious in others

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

This should be mandatory reading for all high school students.

[Elyse Walters · Rating 2 out of 5]

Much to 'text' book for my 'pleasure' reading