The Heart Is Half a Prophet

by ruth-goldstein

Genres: Fiction

352 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1976

Reviews

[Shana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this book while looking for reading material at my parents house. This book is really good. It gives a vivid portrayal of a young orthodox girl growing up in poverty in Williamsburg during the 1930's, while her parents struggle with her older brother and sister who have turned away from religion.

[rivka · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very definitely not about a functional family; every member is miserable in their own way. And the shifting POV was confusing, as were the characters who showed up with great significance . . . and then were barely mentioned again.

Nonetheless, an interesting look at an Orthodox Jewish family in WWII-era Brooklyn.