The Convert by Stefan Hertsman 4 stars

[Joanne]

The Convert 4 stars

This book was a different sort of HF. One half of the story tells of a Norman woman in the 11th century, who fell in love with a Jewish man. Vigdis-Hamoutal-Sarah (the 3 names the woman identifies with in the story) runs from her wealthy father to the arms of David Todros and together they set off across France. The story of their love is tragic and heartbreaking.

Other sections in the book are in the authors' own voice as he makes his own treck and tries to follow in the footsteps of Hamoutal, first through France then to the Cairo as she searched for her missing children. Stefan Hertmans came to know about the woman and her story through an American historian in a village (South of France) where the writer has a second house.

Hertmans's only had one document to research his subjects, and so creative license is taken. I forgive this, as the story is so consuming and beautiful, but heartbreaking in the end.

A stunning read that I think HF fans and Literary fans would both enjoy.

[Joy D]

So glad to see your positive review! I own a copy of this one.

[Joanne]

I hope you like it Joy, it really captivated me.

[Joy D]

It sounds like something I would like. I can also recommend another of his books I enjoyed: War and Turpentine