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Neil W. (Tavares, FL)
A Good Read
In Europe, a young Jewish woman takes the identity of a dead girl while escaping at the end World War II. She relocates to Canada and tries to begin a new life only to discover a relative of the dead girl. She flees from her "new life" after the birth of Ida, her daughter. The story demonstrates the tragedy of war beyond the battlefield -- affecting many lives in families and following generations. While strongly written in some areas; it is also has weaknesses in others, where it over-explains many of the details in the story. Overall, it is a good book.
Julia B. (San Antonio, TX)
Compelling Story
I began reading The Imposter Bride skeptical the story would be rich enough to keep my interest. Having just finished it, I can say I was wrong. I was engaged with the characters and the complexities of their lives from the opening pages. Richler has given us a story of caring but troubled people. Then she reveals why they are troubled and why this still have hope. It reminds me of Sarah's Key. The Imposter Bride would be a good selection for a book group.
Karen L. (Wilton, IA)
Enjoyed the book.
The mystery of Lily/Yanna caught me in the first chapter and held my interest. It reminded me of Rebecca by Daphne Du Maurier in that the main focus of the book is a character who isn't there most of the time. It also reminded me of The forgotten Garden because of the mystery and going back and forth in time from past to present. The characters were very well developed. I did think Richler dropped the ball at the end of the book. I'm not sure what she should have done differently but I was left wanting more to wrap things up. The ending felt rushed to me and was the main reason I didn't give the book a 5.
Jeff M. (Morris Plains, NJ)
The Imposter Bride
A mother's instinct is to protect their child, not abandon them abruptly without a reason. The mystery behind this disappearance is the heart of the story and the driver in reading the book. You feel compelled to learn as much as possible about this mother from other characters in the storyline. The daughter, mother-in-law and adult friend provide tidbits of information throughout the story until near the end when a hidden identity situation is revealed and explained. Didn't know whether I would particularly enjoy this book at the outset, but it held my attention and I would recommend it, especially to book clubs.
BamaCarol (Indian Springs VIllage, AL)
The Imposter Bride
I wanted to love this book but in the end I just liked it. I have read quite a few books lately about WWII and the aftermath and the premis of the book interested me. The book is from the view of Lily, the imposter, and her daughter, Ruth. I felt like the husband and daughter did not really want to find out about Lily or what happened to her and that part was slow for me. Like I said, the book was OK but I have read much more compelling novels about this time period so it would be difficult for me to recommend this one over others.
Virginia W. (Chapel Hill, North Carolina)
Review of The Imposter Bride
This thought provoking novel is about identity and what defines it. Themes include how disaster, emotional upheaval, aging and even geographic relocation strongly impact our identities. Largely told through a young girl's search for her mother with clues along the way from an old diary written in Yiddish and the fragments of memories and perceptions of her relatives concerning her mother the "imposter". It is about our universal need "to know where we come from, to connect it to who we are and where we are going". I think there is much for book clubs to discuss from this story and the personal connection most readers are likely to feel.
Deanna W. (Port Jefferson, NY)
Who is Lily Azerov?
This is a novel filled with distinctive characters, complicated family relationships, and alternating points of view. It is not a "page-turner" but a thoughtful and touching story. I always enjoy historic fiction that takes me to another time and place (post WW II Montreal).
Diane S. (Batavia, IL)
The Imposter Bride
The title lends one to believe that this is a romance story, but I was very glad it was not. I found the closeness of the Canadian Jewish fascinating and felt that this author was at her best in her descriptive imagery. This is a novel about the after effects of war, relationships and new identities. Many of the characters were fascinating, Sol and Elka, Ida and Nathan himself. This was a pretty solid novel for lovers of historical fiction as well as those who just enjoy stories about family relationships.
