Somehow I Am Different: Narratives of Searching and Belonging in Jewish Budapest

by Alyssa Petersel

How do we come to be who we are spiritually? How does our political and social environment influence our development of self? What drives us to commit to our passions and to contribute positively to the world?

A young American author immerses herself in modern Jewish Hungary. The twenty-one stories she shares will make you laugh, make you cry, and make you want to be your own best self. Somehow I Am Different provides an opportunity to connect in a world that otherwise begs us to stand alone. This book serves as a reminder that in spite of the factors working against us, we have the power to stand up and make a difference.

In their own words, Hungarian participants will tell you about their views on the world, themselves and their city---

“Instead of emphasizing our victimhood, we should really tell another story.” – Tamas Buchler

“I am I. Maybe I am not perfect. Maybe I am not gorgeous, maybe I am not skinny, or fancy, or rich. But I am me. At least I am me.” – Devora Hurwitz

“After a while, you have to realize that you have the power, too. Our work is to put the power in everyone.” – Vera Feniasz

345 pages, Paperback

Published March 22, 2016

Reviews

[Lois Petersel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alyssa Petersel's prose brings the sights, sounds and smells of the interviews to life and makes the reader feel as if he or she were there in person. The interviewees are varied in age, gender and background but are united in their optimism and spirit, which comes through in the clear voice of Petersel's writing. The book is moving and inspirational.

[Betsy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Somehow I Am Stunned. It takes guts to go to another country, conduct interviews with people across religious and social spectrums, and then share it as a deeply intimate manuscript for us to glimpse insights and gain invaluable learning from.

Split into interview-like-chapters, headed by a photograph of the person and a quote forming their essential wisdom, Petersel gives the power back to the Jews that were quite frankly either murdered physically or spiritually in Hungary. It makes me want to visit and meet these wonderful faces with strong spirits.

At times the writing can feel repetitive, some phrases are used excessively. But I did appreciate seeing through her eyes, drinking at her favourite bars, the comments that give that extra line of reality to the drama unfolding, like the way the waiter dropped a glass, or the only true smile of an interviewee as his wife walks in. It gives the stories, and the people sharing them, weight.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book features interviews from different Jewish people living in Budapest. It teaches a lot about Jewish identity, religion, culture, and life in Hungary in general. The beautiful part is that the stories in the book come from a variety of voices who share a common thread. Even while often discussing heartbreaking history and the struggle to reclaim identity, each interviewee shines with a resilient heart and passion for discovering who they are as Jewish people. The story of how the author wrote the book is very interesting, and her discoveries about her own identity are touched upon. The end of the book features an essay about Hungarian history and politics which was very informative and helps to build a better understanding of where the interviewees are coming from when they speak of how the past and the present in Hungary weave together. I closed the book feeling like I had made some new friends who so graciously shared parts of their lives with me, and what lives they live! Alyssa Petersel is an exceptional writer and interviewer and this book was simply fantastic to read. Five stars!

[Energy Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

The younger generation has been influential in bringing forth a Jewish Budapest that sat dormant for decades. Petersel talks about the shift from generation to generation, in the views of religion, she interviews various people living in Budapest and gives us their stories.

The common theme among them is that they were searching for community, and what it meant to them. As someone who has recently spent time studying Kaballah and Jewish mysticism, I can relate to the desire to learn more and become a part of something bigger. It was interesting to read the desire to move past the heartache and devastation of the past and find what Judaism meant to the interviewees.

The stories are compelling and Petersel has done an excellent job in giving voice to such a wide variety of people. In between the interviews, the author included her own story, how she came to travel and speak to each person, and she writes wonderfully. Very well done.

[Love2read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Very well done. Alyssa worked hard and it shows.

[Julie D. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book as it gave me a great insight to the Jewish people of Hungary and all that they endured under the oppression of others.

The author talked with many people, from all different walks of life, of what happened in their families when faced with other's cruelty because of who they are. So many families either abandoned their faith all together or were secretive about it. I think it would be so awful to have to make a choice like this. Faith is important and, this is very evident when Alyssa states that when the Communist Regime ended in 1989, religious doors flew open - young people adults were hungry to find their religious roots.

I really enjoyed feeling as though I was actually visiting Budapest because the author draws you in with her excellent writing and wants you to know the place and the people she is sharing in an intimate way.

I was so compelled by these stories and it was hard to put the book down. I learned so much about what happened and what these people endured and, while it's heartbreaking, it's also inspiring to see how they learn to survive and come through. I also found it interesting to know what happened to these families after the oppression and war.

This is an excellent book and I highly recommend it. It's important to know our history - bad and good - so we don't repeat it and this book is very compelling and interesting. I give this book 5 out of 5 stars.

*This book was provided to me by Acorn Publishing. I received a copy of this book to review but I was not financially compensated in any way. The opinions expressed are my own and are based on my observations while reading this book.

[Ramcy Diek · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very interesting collection of short stories about Jewish people living in Budapest, their past, their families, their dreams, their roots, and their religion. All the voices are unique, their experiences different from one-another in almost every expect.
This is a work of non-fiction. A must read for anyone who wants to know more about what the effects of the holocaust have been for the generations that came after, and more.

[Lena D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a fascinating account of a part of Jewish History not often documented in mainstream history about the Jewish faith. Alyssa found some interesting characters and really immersed herself in the Jewish community of a country that still seems to be emerging from its communist past. The writer has listened to their stories and captured the mood of a new generation now embracing their religion. Great insight. Great read.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing read!

[Amonie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book. It gave an inside look to other people's lives.