Member Review

Cover Image: The Lost Shtetl

The Lost Shtetl

Pub Date:

Review by

Erin K, Reviewer

I didn't know anything about the plot for "The Lost Shtetl" going into reading it, and I think it was perfect that way. So, I'm not going to describe the plot in detail in this review. I just have to say that I was completely taken with the story and with Max Gross' writing style.

The story starts with the vibe of an old Polish village tale but then morphs into so much more - it becomes a story about what happens when a particular society is pushed into progress and change and the choices we make to stay connected to our past. I loved the inclusion of Yiddish words (with a helpful glossary) and Jewish traditions because this made the whole book feel so much more authentic. And while the tone of the novel varies (from humor to violence to mystery), I felt fully invested in each of the character's journeys.

I'll definitely be recommending this to other readers, and I'm completely blown away by the fact that this was Gross' first novel. I can't wait to see what direction he heads in next.
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