Becoming Malka


Fiction - Historical - Event/Era
218 Pages
Reviewed on 07/31/2016
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    Book Review

Reviewed by Mamta Madhavan for Readers' Favorite

Becoming Malka by Mirta Ines Trupp is the engaging story of Molly Abramovitz, a 24-year-old, and her journey to her family's home and heritage. Molly is planning to take a side trip to Ukraine during her week-long trip to Moscow for a seminar. Her father always told her stories about her great-grandparents and she enjoyed studying their family history. The stories always fascinated Molly and, once there, she goes to her ancestral home ... only to discover a mythical tarot card. This book is a fine blend of history, heritage, mystery, and discovery, and gives a peek into Russian history and Jewish culture that existed in the 1900s. Molly discovers how to become 'Malka,' the Hebrew word for queen, and her transition from that of a planner to a discoverer of her family, herself, and family heritage makes the story fascinating.

The author has researched well before writing this book and the story connects with readers on many levels. The scenes are vivid and described in detail, enabling readers to form pictures in their minds. The author also gives readers an idea of Jewish life in Odessa, their dress, traditions, and culture. The characters are sketched well, making them real and memorable. The writing style is fluid and simple, and the story flows without sounding forced. The story is intelligent, original, and honest, and it's not only informative but also a great learning experience to see Molly searching for her family heritage.

C Saunders

This is a story of a self-assured young woman coming to realise that life cannot be ignored or shaped; that you must go with the flow. She takes time after a conference in Moscow to visit Odessa in order to research her ancestors. I don't want to say what happens to her while there as I want other readers to be as surprised and pleased with the development of the story as I was. This is a meticulously researched story of Jewish life in Odessa in the 19th and 20th centuries and the locations, dress and actions seem completely authentic. I was particularly taken with the strength of character of the matriarch of the family and her intelligence. I couldn't put the book down - I had to know, not so much the denouement, but the characters in the story and the promise of their future.

Rachelle Jailer Valladare

Fantastic book! The story was light and a fast read but when you sit back and think about it Mirta packs a huge amount of serious subjects into what at first look is a modern day fairytale. Perfect for a book club, as includes a lot of meaty topics for discussion including Russian history, Kabbalah, the debate on Haskalah, the history of fashion, Jewish immigration to Argentina and much, much more. Having read both of her books I can't wait for the next one.

Lori Frankl

Mirta, you've done it again! This well-written book brings history to life! I admire your tenacity and commitment to uncover your family's past and appreciate your willingness and ability to share their journey so eloquently. Yasher Koach!