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Disobedience

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About this listen

In a cramped synagogue in north-west London, the eminent elderly rabbi passes away. On the other side of the Atlantic, his estranged daughter, Ronit, hears of her father's death and returns to London for the funeral. She has not returned home in 15 years.

Ronit looks forward to a week or two of revisiting old friends, perhaps settling old scores. But she finds the community she grew up in a more confusing place than she'd anticipated. Particularly when she is unexpectedly reunited with Esti, her childhood sweetheart, who has taken a very different path in life....

Disobedience is a hugely enjoyable and warm-hearted portrayal of characters caught between two worlds, and a wise exploration of sexuality, tolerance and faith.

Now a major motion picture starring Rachel Weisz and Rachel McAdams.

©2006 Naomi Alderman (P)2016 Audible, Ltd Jewish World Literature Thought-Provoking Heartfelt Inspiring England Middle East

Critic reviews

"A bold comic touch.... Like Brick Lane, offering a glimpse of a closeted and surprisingly English nook of British society." (Observer)

"A fresh, feisty peek at the hidden world of London’s Orthodox Jewish Community." (The Independent)

All stars
Most relevant
The narrator frustratingly mispronounces so many words that it actually becomes laughable! As well as frustrating

Narration problems

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Took me a while to get into the story but once I did I was hooked. Loved the characters and narration was excellent. interesting to learn more about orthodox Jewish communities, certainly understand why Ronnit would leave as it is a very restrictive life, especially for women, which is what I dislike about certain religions. Pleased Estee and Dovids characters developed as they did and they found peace and happiness. would definitely recommend giving it a read.

A tangled love story

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I was enlightened re the Jewish faith by this book. Good story peppered with the scriptures and Jewish traditions, acceptance and difficulties for the characters in the book. Not being Jewish myself I felt I learned a lot - not what I expected but not n a good way. If you are looking for a trashy novel you won’t find it here. Highly recommended

Enlightening

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A masterful character study and development - of individuals and community alike. I really enjoyed it.

Wonderful book, skillfully narrated

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I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the reader was excellent apart from one or two pronunciations. Any Jewish woman, or perhaps man, who is outside of the Orthodox community and has rejected religious dogma will find it refreshing, insightful and satisfying.

Moving, excellent

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