Book Review: People of the Book

I recently finished People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks. When I found the copy of the book at a used book sale, I was thrilled. Having read two other books by the same author, Year of Wonders and March, and loving them, I figured I may enjoy this one as well. And on the whole, I did. It was a simple, quick read on an interesting topic.

While I generally liked the book, there were some fundamental issues I had with the story. I could not say that I loved it or would even recommend it to someone. The main character is half way to unlikeable. The jumps in time and history are interesting and provide depth to the book, but I feel as though it was poorly researched. The realizations by the main character also seem too convenient. And the added drama of who stole the book really does not communicate so late in the book and the thief's motives are also very thin. It felt like a climax for the sake of needing a climax.

I thought the parallels of Jewish, Muslim and Christian history was its strongest asset. As a central theme, it really worked. I came away wondering more about that history and the history of the Sarajevo Haggadah. However, the drama that is injected that tie the book together seems like a forced response to The DaVinci Code. 

I look back fondly on reading Year of Wonders and March for their insightful characters, in-depth history and eloquent prose. I cannot say that I will think of this book with that same regard.

Other reviews of this book: New York Times, Washington Post, Fresh Air