'People of the Book' by Geraldine Brooks

'People of the Book' was a surprisingly delightful read. Surprising in that I expected it to be a factual look into the lives of one tribe of peoples. Instead I found a centuries long description of how one particular book came into being. Brooks wove an interesting and seemingly believable account of how a religious book of great historical and spiritual significance was drawn, written, traveled, survived and affected the lives of those it came into contact with. If you have seen 'The Red Violin' you have a grasp of the style of this narrative.

The central figures that Brooks introduces are intriguing, fascinating and exceptional. Every single person we meet is masterful at what they do and, in spite of upbringing or societal restraints, they elevate a certain field with their abilities and actions.

The protagonist in this novel is Hanna Heath, a world class book expert of analysis and conservation. In truth, her story is secondary and, sadly, superfluous to the rest of the characters in this novel. She is offered the task of a lifetime when an extremely rare and thought to be destroyed copy of the Haggadah appears in Sarajevo amidst intense warfare. As she uncovers clues within the book we are transported back in time to learn the actual events that led to what she discovers. These tales are often brief but moving and impressive.

As the novel progresses Hanna meets a man, falls in love, has her confidence shattered, learns incredible things about her family and makes incredible changes in her life. As interesting as this all might sound, it's hard to find any of her story as compelling as the centuries old accounts of peoples in hard times, striving for excellence.

All said and done, 'People of the Book' was a compelling, and, for all the deep, fact inspired drama, a light read.

I won't seek out more Brooks but I would give it a second look if I came across another.