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Published Jul 2014
288 pages
Genre: Literary Fiction
Publication Information
The Tiger's Wife meets A History of Love in this inventive, lushly imagined debut novel that explores the intersections of family secrets, Jewish myths, the legacy of war and history, and the bonds between sisters.
When Eli Burke dies, he leaves behind a mysterious notebook full of stories about a magical figure named The White Rebbe, a miracle worker in league with the enigmatic Angel of Losses, protector of things gone astray, and guardian of the lost letter of the alphabet, which completes the secret name of God.
When his granddaughter, Marjorie, discovers Eli's notebook, everything she thought she knew about her grandfather—and her family—comes undone. To find the truth about Eli's origins and unlock the secrets he kept, she embarks on an odyssey that takes her deep into the past, from 18th century Europe to Nazi-occupied Lithuania, and back to the present, to New York City and her estranged sister Holly, whom she must save from the consequences of Eli's past.
Interweaving history, theology, and both real and imagined Jewish folktales, The Angel of Losses is a family story of what lasts, and of what we can—and cannot—escape.
"Feldman's debut novel is an unusual combination of literary thriller, family drama, and Jewish mysticism... Fans of Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian or the works of Lev Grossman will find something here in a similar vein, but with a little quieter pacing and a little more spirituality." - Library Journal
"This impressive debut from Feldman is a page-turner that celebrates sisterly love." - Publishers Weekly
"Family saga, mystery, and myth intersect in Feldman's debut novel...the vivid, imaginative unraveling makes the investigative approach to reading this tale worthwhile." - Booklist
"Readers may enjoy this two-tier story more for its accessible romantic and family dramas than its convoluted religious arcana, but Feldman devotes passionate storytelling and powerful narrative skills to both." - Kirkus
"Stephanie Feldman writes with tremendous warmth, tenderness and insight, and The Angel of Losses is a smart and beautiful novel that is all at once a literary thriller, a multigenerational family saga and a stunning exploration of Jewish mysticism. I loved this book." - Molly Antopol, National Book Foundation 5 Under 35 Honoree and author of The UnAmericans: Stories
"Feldman mixes legend, mystery, and history to create an intricate story that bridges yesterday and today." - Historical Novels Review
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