Flora's Suitcase

by Dalia Rabinovich

Flora's Suitcase is an exquisitely written tale that brims with magical realism and offers a decidedly fresh look at the traditional family saga. Flora and David Grossenberg, a young Jewish couple, emigrate to Colombia shortly after their wedding and soon discover that the, clash of cultures--between Colombian and American traditions, between modern Jews and their conservative Russian emigré relations--will test their marriage and family bonds. Bright with imagination and steeped in rich South American culture, Flora's Suitcase takes the reader on a funny, mysterious journey in a strange and wonderful land.

Genres: Fiction

Paperback

First published October 20, 1999

Reviews

[Carolyn Virginia · Rating 3 out of 5]

Author's first book; very creative story and characters.  But obviously a first book:  too much story, spotty character development.  Look forward to reading future books by her.

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a charming easy read. I liked how she took a pretty unpleasent situation and made the most of it. My only complaint was how depresing it was to be in such a situation with such strange individuals. It wasn't exactly a great mannuel on how to deal with marital problems either. The part about making your husband keep a promise he can't possibly keep so you can hold it over his head for the rest of his life and her locking hereself in her room for days bugged me as did the choice her husband tried to make about sharing their daughter with his sister. Other than that ...great book.

[Erika Nerdypants · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once I got used to the magic and superstitions in this book, I really enjoyed it. The writing is discriptive and beautiful, and often more than a little funny. Although at times sequences were a little hard to follow,especially in the beginning it is well worth reading on. One of my favourite scenes in the story is the birth of Ruthie, the unwanted child. Her reluctant exit from her mother's womb is both funny and poignant. I laughed out loud at Marina the maid and Dorothy, Flora's unflappable friend. But lest it sounds like this book is only comical, I should add that it is full of life in all it's forms.

[Cheyenne Blue · Rating 4 out of 5]

American woman, Flora, marries Russian emigrant Dave who takes her off to Colombia to settle with his extended family. The book is a twist of Flora's life (through a manipulative marriage and strange babies -- I loved Ruthie the baby who was never happy), interwoven with the oddities of Colombia. It's a surreal, magical story, not quite real, particularly Bolivariarna, the too-old-to-be-real woman who lives in a room off the courtyard of Flora's rented house.

I loved this! Great writing, a flowing tale. My only grip is that it's not a story in the sense of a plot, it's more of a series of events charting a life time.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Öne of the most delightful stories I have read. The descriptive language was so beautiful, you can almost taste the mangos and see the vivid colours.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read again 12/1/2014. 4 stars

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

entertaining & different

[Felicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wanted to read something that wasn't as heavy as what I am in the middle of (None to Accompany Me). Reminded me of a less experienced Isabel Allende and Gabriel Garcia Marquez....An enjoyable read.