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The Convert
2023: Other Books
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The Convert by Stefan Hertmans - 4 stars (Subdue)
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It really is quite different. I think you might like it since it combines travel/memoir and historical fiction.
one finger typing, but wanted to say I am happy you liked it Joy, it s a book I tell everyone about-BnB I also think you would like it
travel, memoir & historical fiction are 3 of my favorite genres.
Glad you enjoyed it too, JoAnne. Hope all is well with you,
Combination of historical fiction and non-fiction travelogue. The fictional thread is based on a true story. It starts in 11th century France, where a young Christian woman, Vigdis, falls in love with a young Jewish man. In order to marry, they must flee the area. Vigdis converts to Judaism and changes her name to Hamoutal. The present-day memoir relates the author’s attempt to retrace their steps. It is based on his research and documentation he finds. The Jews were heavily persecuted during this time period.
The narrative alternates between the couple’s journey and the author’s attempt to reconstruct it. It is a story of the violence of the time. The imagined story is full of obstacles, hardships, violence, and anti-Semitism. There are several narrow escapes. It includes the period of the Crusades. The present-day segments read almost like a detective story, and the two threads fit together remarkably well for being written in such different styles. Hertmans offers an analysis of history as well as a comparison of the earlier time period and how it has changed over the years. It is obvious that the author cares deeply for his subject matter. I also enjoyed and highly recommend this author’s War and Turpentine.