Another book I could just not get my head around. I gave up pretty early.
From the cover . . . "It is 1976. And the tiny upstate New York town of Kaaterskill Falls is bustling with summer people in dark coats, fedoras, and long, modest dresses. Living side by side with Yankee year-rounders, they are the disciples of ®av Elijah Kirshner. Elizabeth Shulman is a restless wife and mother of five daughters; her imagination transcends her cloistered community. åcross the street åndras Melish is drawn to Kaaterskill by his adoring older sisters. Comforted, yet crippled by his isters' love, he cannot overcome the ambivalence he feels toward his own children and his young wife. At the top of the hill, ®av Kirshner is nearing the end of his life. As he struggles to decide which of his sons should succeed him -- the pious but stolid Isaiah or the brilliant but rebellious Jeremy -- his followers wrestle with their future and their past."

P.J. C. (
mizPJ) wrote on 7/4/2006...
Well written, certainly deserving of National Book Award Finalist status
A great book for a book group to read and discuss
a bit slow moving, but very descriptive characters and great writing.

Kathleen C. (
Woodchuck) wrote on 8/18/2005...
from Wraps--National Book Award Finalist, A New York Times NOtable Book, the Philadelphia Inquirer "A glorious tapestry. Every line in this marvelous creation rings true."
Takes place in an upstate NY town of Kaaterskill Falls. A tale of family, tradition, and disciples of a strict Jewish summer community.