Nancy Duncan, children's librarian at Red Land Community Library, reviews "People of the Book":
In 1996, after the bombing of Sarajevo, rare book expert Hanna Heath is asked to examine an ancient Jewish prayer book. During her examination, she removes several objects from the book. It is through the study of these objects that Hanna is able to trace the history of the book back to 15 BC Spain.
A fragment of an insect's wing takes us back to the beginning of WWII in the mountains surrounding Sarajevo; a wine stain is from Venice during the Inquisition.
Each time period is created in full. The characters, circumstances and political history are all brought to life.
We aren't only in the past. Hanna's own story also moves the book along. An Australian, Hanna finds comfort in her work. Since her personal life is in turmoil, she immerses herself in solving the mysteries of the books she deals with.
The love of books, history and art can all be found in this book.
I am right in the middle of this book, and I love it! Geraldine Brooks is an awesome writer. Also check out "Year of Wonders" and "March."