A Stranger to my Brothers

by Henye Meyer

Historical young adult fiction.

He's maladjusted. He has an attitude. And once, the village priest tells him, he was a Jew. When a survivor of the First Crusade persuades Martin to explore his heritage, Martin has no idea what he's in for. It's nothing like what he imagined, and it's hard work. And across the Golden Horn lies Constantinople, the most exciting city in the world. Why should Martin stick it out in the Jewish community? Through the choices he makes, Martin begins to understand relationships and responsibility, people and societies, and develops a commitment to a Jewish life. This is a crossover book which will be enjoyed, on different levels, by readers from 12 to adult. Previously published as Fall of the Sun God. Now with glossary added.

Genres: Jewish

338 pages, Paperback

First published February 15, 2005

About the author

I grew up in the US, but I've lived in the UK for over forty years, now, and it was the smartest move I ever made (after marrying the most wonderful husband in the world). As a writer of historicals, it's almost inspiring to live so close to a couple of thousand years of history (or at least historical remains).

Reviews

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Henye Meyer, whose books rely heavily on in-depth historical research and involve complex characters. This one follows Martin, a young Jewish orphan in England, raised as a Christian by an abusive stepmother. When the local priest fears Martin will end up in trouble if he lingers at home, Martin is sent off to the first Crusade.

Martin is quickly disgusted by the vicious behavior of his fellow Crusaders. He takes up with a Jew fleeing murder at the Crusaders hands. He finally makes his way to Constantinople, home of the last Roman Emperors.

Martin is pulled in two directions--join the military and live as a Gentile, or live a less exciting life settled quietly among his fellow Jews.

The characterizations are generally excellent, but the pacing at the beginning is uneven. A long voyage over land, sea, and river to Constantinople whips past at an unlikely speed. While most of the characterizations are very, in-depth, one major character (the boy Martin flees the Crusades with) is very underdeveloped despite his pivotal role in Martin's life.

There's quite a bit of violence for a Jewish book, although not unreasonably so, as this is a bleak period of Jewish history. Ages 12 and up.

[Alizah Teitelbaum]

The book is brilliant. One of its strongest points is its humor. The dialogue is often laugh-out-loud witty. The last line of the book is one of the best I've ever read.

It has obviously been well-researched as you get a strong sense of the time. The different Jewish communities are colorfully distinct and there are cultural details showing the transition from pagan worship to Christianity. For example, some pagan-turning-Christian characters go to church to offer a sacrifice to the god, Thor. You get a strong sense of the effect of the Crusades, the well-organized care of the Jews toward their destitute fellows, and more.

The characters are complex and realistic and colorful. I think a lot of teens would be able to identify with the main character.

This is a good example of a "crossover" novel because adults enjoy this book as much as, if not more than, younger readers. One friend I lent the book to returned it to me with the comment, "I just wish it had gone on and on. I never wanted it to end."

[Chana Keren · Rating 5 out of 5]

The historical research the author did for this book is mind-blowing. The setting, the descriptions, the way the people speak and act...you feel transported to another era. Historical fiction aficionados will be fascinated. You will follow Martin's journey, hoping and rooting for him. Perfect for young adults, to learn about a little known era in Jewish history, as well as powerful lessons in faith and courage for the challenges every person faces personally at some point. There's humor in this book, too, which relieved some of the heaviness of the era the book is being written about.

[Verity Brown · Rating 3 out of 5]

Intriguing and almost good

The concept of this story is really good. But the construction of it feels rather wooden. All the emotions seem to be held at arms length. That makes it a little more difficult to like Martin than it should be, because he's surprisingly likeable, despite being a little snot a lot of the time.

The historical setting is fascinating. That alone makes this book worth reading.

My only other complaint is the typeface and the fact that the pages are a set size. It's a bit hard on the eyes.

[Perlie · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had trouble getting into this. There didn't seem to be a character to like. It had a slightly flippant tone for a dark time. The chapter about arriving in Constantinople did make me want to go there!

[Rose Hershkovich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read

Very well written historical fiction about a turbulent time in Jewish history. The characters were not the usual heroes. A lot of interesting twists and turns.

[Frum Books]

When Martin joins up with the Armed Pilgrims looking for a world bigger than his isolated village, he comes face to face with the horrors of the Crusaders - and with Ephraim, a survivor who becomes his new travel companion. Persuaded to explore his roots, he agrees to try life in Jewish Pera, which gives us laugh-out-loud scenes as Martin clashes with his gruff host. But despite his attempts to fit in, the grandeur of Konstantinope calls calls, where he tries and fails to find the glory he yearns for. The unique main character is moody and confused, and bristles and chafes at the life expected for him. Detailed and vibrant writing reveals a depth of history that opens an authentic world and draws a stark picture of communities finding their places in a changing world.