Title: I Am Forbidden
Author: Anouk Markovits
First published May 8, 2012
302 pages, Hardcover
ISBN: 9780307984739 (ISBN10: 0307984737)
Rating: 3.69
Overview
I Am Forbidden by Anouk Markovits takes us on a heart-wrenching journey into the lives of a Satmar family. The story spans across four generations and is set in various locations from Central Europe to Paris and finally to contemporary Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
The novel begins in 1939 Transylvania, where a young boy, Josef, witnesses the brutal murder of his family. A kind-hearted maid rescues him, and he is raised as her own son.
In a twist of fate, Josef saves a young girl, Mila, who becomes like a sister to him. The two girls grow up under the watchful eye of Zalman Stern, a leader in the Satmar community.
Mila’s faith grows stronger while Atara discovers a world of books and learning, which she cannot ignore. Mila chooses to marry within the faith, while Atara’s questioning of fundamentalist doctrine pushes her away from her family.
This leads to a dangerous secret that threatens to tear the family apart. Anouk Markovits crafts a beautiful and emotionally stirring story that delves into the complexities of love, law, and tradition.
This novel is a must-read and opens a window into a world that has remained closed until now.
Editoral Review
Anouk Markovits has written a poignant and thought-provoking novel with “I Am Forbidden.” First published in 2012, the book delves into themes of faith, family, sacrifice, and the consequences of disobedience in a community that cherishes obedience above all else. Set in the world of Hasidic Judaism, the novel tells the story of two sisters, Mila and Atara, who grow up in a strict and insular community in Transylvania.
The girls are inseparable until Atara chooses to leave the community and pursue a secular life in Paris. Mila is left behind, torn between her loyalty to her sister and her faith in their grandfather, the Rebbe.
As Mila becomes a wife and mother, Atara becomes a successful lawyer, but they remain deeply connected. The novel explores the choices each sister makes and the consequences that follow.
The vivid imagery and lyrical prose create a rich and immersive reading experience that enables the reader to feel fully immersed in the story. Markovits expertly crafts characters that are complex and multifaceted.
They are driven by their beliefs, their aspirations, and their love for each other, with each character’s actions affecting those around them. The characters possess emotional depth and nuance that raises the stakes of the novel, compelling the reader to become deeply invested in their fates.
“I Am Forbidden” is a historical novel that provides a unique and immersive insight into the Hasidic Jewish community in Transylvania. The novel explores the practices and beliefs of the community while showing the consequences of choosing to leave it behind, highlighting how difficult it is to preserve one’s heritage and live in a rapidly modernizing world.
Markovits writes about the community with empathy and a critical lens. She is not blind to its flaws, but neither does she demonize it.
Instead, she presents the community through the eyes of those who live it and are a part of it. The only criticism of the book is the pacing, which could be considered slow at times.
However, the pacing allows for a more reflective and thorough exploration of the characters and their world. It is not so much a flaw but an aspect of the writing style.
Overall, “I Am Forbidden” is a beautiful and thought-provoking novel that is sure to resonate with readers across generations and borders. It is a crucial examination of the choices we make and the impact of our actions on those around us.
It is a must-read for anyone interested in historical fiction, Jewish culture, or the human experience. Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Recommended for: Readers interested in historical fiction, Jewish culture, or the human experience.
