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marshamudpuddle's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.5
Stunning prose, which does so much in such a short book. The opening pages describe a horrific event during the Holocaust; I believe this was initially published as a short story on its own. The rest of the novella takes place years later in Miami, and I found this section even more powerful, dealing as it does with the aftermath of the event, with Rosa's attempt to live ordinary day-to-day life in the long shadow of it. The passage where Rosa wanders on the beach looking for her underwear and ends up in a hotel, confused and angry, is particularly moving, as are her interactions with the elderly man, Mr Persky, who she meets at the laundrette. It is hard to explain exactly why.
dunnalotofreading's review against another edition
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
juliabuend's review against another edition
4.0
This was a thought-provoking book about a metaphorical shawl that shelters an infant during the holocaust. This book pulls at your heartstrings and reminds you of the horror so many mothers around the world face, to see their child in pain because of the cruelty and ignorance of other people.
alainatyrrell's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death
Moderate: Antisemitism
bumblebeekip23's review against another edition
4.0
Our local BIG READ. Two short stories that are so sad but very well written. I wish "The Shawl" was a little longer.
mikaiya's review against another edition
4.0
This book contains the short story "The Shawl" and the novella, "Rosa." The compilation gets four stars, because I found the novella... not quite amazing. Though certainly very very good.
But "The Shawl" may be the most brilliant and carefully worded Holocaust narrative I've ever encountered. Ozick has won my eternal respect- every word in the story is calculated, but it never seems overworked. Absolutely amazing. Tiny, but incredibly effective.
But "The Shawl" may be the most brilliant and carefully worded Holocaust narrative I've ever encountered. Ozick has won my eternal respect- every word in the story is calculated, but it never seems overworked. Absolutely amazing. Tiny, but incredibly effective.