The Hidden of Things: Twelve Stories of Love & Longing

by Yael Unterman

Young men and women in Jerusalem, London, and New York seek identity, spiritual clarity, and that nice Jewish girl or boy. Along the way, they manage to survive being pelted with fruit in synagogue, internet dating during the Second Intifada, a romance with a potential terrorist, an existential crisis on an El Al plane, and being blacklisted from dating in Manhattan of 2029. Nothing can eliminate the hope of these heroic individuals. Unsure if they are starring in a tragedy or a comedy, they persistently aim for a deeper connection, a more meaningful life.

284 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2013

About the author

Yael Unterman grew up in the UK and now resides in Jerusalem. After high school she moved to Israel to pursue advanced Jewish studies, and went on to earn a BA in Psychology and MAs in Jewish History and Creative Writing. She lectures worldwide and has published in a variety of forums.

Her first book, Nehama Leibowitz: Teacher and Bible Scholar (Urim) was nominated finalist in the 2009 National Jewish Book Awards. Her second book, The Hidden of Things: Twelve Stories of Love and Longing was released in 2014 and already has quite a few fans.

For more on the books see http://www.yaelunterman.com/nehama-le...
http://www.yaelunterman.com/hidden-of...

Reviews

[Yael Shahar · Rating 5 out of 5]

There is a saying that successful match-making is as difficult for God as parting the Red Sea. The Hidden of Things is a behind the scenes look at the inner workings of such miracles. From the witty and irreverent to the sensitive and searching, the stories are woven together to make a delightful and deeply moving tapestry. Be prepared for these wonderful characters to move into your heart and start rearranging the furniture!

[Leilla · Rating 2 out of 5]

A very uneven book which promises more than it delivers.

[Rikki Rose Horowitz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved The Hidden of Things by Yael Unterman. Yael is a master at interweaving the lives of the characters in the twelve different stories in an unexpected, delightful way. Her descriptions of life for singles in Israel and their relationships with each other and the people they date kept me enthralled - sometimes amused, at other times empathising with the characters and rooting them on. The characters felt very realistic and well developed. I was sorry when the book ended and I had to say goodbye to them.

[Jessica Sacks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicately written explorations of the single Jewish experience in Jerusalem. Those who have passed through this world will recognise much; those who have lived alongside it will benefit from a deeper understanding of the particular trials and sometimes heroic adaptations that come with life in "the swamp". Some of the stories are more assured than others; those that are less finished are more rawly confessional and no less powerful for that. An enjoyable, thought-provoking read.

[Hansje · Rating 2 out of 5]

It certainly has promises and some stories are quite nice but it needs some editing

[Ploni Almoni · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some bits good, some bits bad, but mostly….mediocre.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review at http://www.thereportergroup.org/Artic...

[Foxglove]

Horrid, schmaltzy and ends terribly