Hello dear Readers,
Below my book review of Newcomers in an Ancient Land: Adventures, Love, and Seeking Myself in 1960s Israel: A Memoir by Paula Wagner.
Title: Newcomers in an Ancient Land: Adventures, Love, and Seeking Myself in 1960s Israel
Rating: 5/5 Stars
Genre: Memoirs
Author: Paula Wagner
Publisher: She Writes Press
Publication Date: July 30, 2019
Publication Date: July 30, 2019
Language: English
Book Description
At eighteen, Paula is already a seasoned traveler, having begun life in England, crisscrossed the US as a young child, and survived a year in a London boarding school, immersed in her mother’s heritage.
But when, at eighteen, she leaves home for Israel to explore her father’s Jewish roots and learn Hebrew on a kibbutz ulpan (a work/study program on a collective farm), her quest will change her life forever. Seduced by her love of language, she continues the journey to France for several years before returning at last to settle to Israel.
As she navigates her odyssey from vision to reality, she will learn much more than two new languages―and realize that if she is ever to forge her own identity, she must also separate from her twin sister and follow her own path.
My Thoughts
At eighteen, Paula is already a seasoned traveler, having begun life in England, crisscrossed the US as a young child, and survived a year in a London boarding school, immersed in her mother’s heritage. But when, at eighteen, she leaves home for Israel to explore her father’s Jewish roots and learn Hebrew on a kibbutz ulpan (a work/study program on a collective farm), her quest will change her life forever. Seduced by her love of language, she continues the journey to France for several years before returning at last to settle to Israel. As she navigates her odyssey from vision to reality, she will learn much more than two new languages―and realize that if she is ever to forge her own identity, she must also separate from her twin sister and follow her own path.
I loved the writing on this book. The way Paula shares her memories, beautifully written. It made me feel I was there. Not so many books make you feel this way and that was the highlight for me.
All we learn about Israel through her experiences, her journey, the very descriptive and detailed writing. I thought it was fascinating to see how at such young age she felt the desire to go there and learn and understand more about her roots, about the culture and how that trip changed and shaped her life forever.
Thank you to Books Sparks for the gifted copy and for the opportunity to participate in the Pop-Up Book Tour
Wendy
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