Children of the Ghetto

A wonderful story!

(5 stars)

seventyeight

I've listened to this book at least three times and each time I've found something new to enjoy and admire in Zangwill's storytelling. He captures so beautifully the humor, wit, and intelligence of this particular group of people. I like that he demonstrates how we all have our particular ghettos or communities bounded by our peculiar language, customs and nonverbal communication that shows how much we have in common. Human beings all have their ways of connecting with each other. We are members of families who love our children and friends, we take a certain pride in our communities and what they represent and this is where we meet as members of the larger community of all humans. Zangwill's language is a joy to listen to and the interchanges between the characters are beautifully captured. They joke and needle each other with such great cleverness I often laugh out loud at their bickering. The Yiddish generously sprinkled throughout is a treat to hear and Adrian Praetzellis's accent and delivery are superb. He brings these characters to life, even the minor ones, and it's difficult to choose a favourite. In a way, this feels like a collection of ghost stories because these communities are long gone but their battles for existence, their fight to maintain the distinct identity of their own communities in a vast sea of "Christian" ignorance and stupidity is, to me anyway, immortal. I'm so glad to be able to hear these stories told with such warmth and understanding. Several of them are truly heartbreaking but each is told with sympathy and with the sense that the author is reaching out to commiserate with his characters. None of the stories are told in a way that makes the reader think, "Oh those poor Jews!" What is sad in these stories Is true among all human beings, not just Jewish communities. I think this is the greatest treasure of Israel Zangwill's writing--his ability to connect humans to one another while still telling the unique story of the Jewish community in Victorian times. Adrian Praetzellis's readings extend the connection to the listeners of his recordings. Thank you very much for your work Mr Praetzellis. It is a great mitzvah to this particular Irish American.

very interesting

(5 stars)

Linda In Seattle

I loved the reader, Mr. Praetzellis. He brought the characters to life and made the book even more interesting. I didn't know anything about the London ghetto and the Jewish people living there but I do after hearing this book. There are a lot of people in this book and at times I got confused. I recommend listening to a chapter twice if this happens to you. There is a lot going on in this book. Highly recommended.

This Is A Great One

(4.5 stars)

Sm695

Humorous insight into a world of which I’ve known very little. The culture of Eastern Europe is made available to all in this collection of the difficulties of young religious immigrants. Adrian Praetzellis puts life into written words. I listen to all of his readings; he’s awesome.

Reveals Orthodox Jewish Life From Long Ago

(4 stars)

Veronica

The stories are compelling and well read. I could invision the characters and locations. I chuckled a few times but mostly I was saddened.

Wonderful!

(5 stars)

Kristie

I recently discovered this author due the reader being one of my favorites. I'm so glad to have done so!! Definitely recommending this one!!

great reader!

(5 stars)

Adrienne

Adrian is a great reader! The way he reads makes the book easier to understand.

(5 stars)

Compulsive Reader

This is a wonderful book. Not to be missed, made great by the narrator, thank you!

Like my Grandfather

(5 stars)

Mark

My grandfather grew up in the East end from 1898 to 1910.