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Another Me
Set against the backdrop of plague-ravaged Europe, this spellbinding new novel from one of Canada's foremost writers of historical fiction for young people will have readers racing to the electrifying climax.
Seventeen-year-old Natan has a safe and happy life in fourteenth-century Strasbourg, France. He works with his father in his rag trade, helps his mother around the house, and studies the Torah at night with his young brother, Shmuli. He's even feeling the first stirrings of love with Elena, the daughter of the master draper who is his father's best customer.
But something is rotten in the streets of Strasbourg. There is tension between the Jewish community and the rest of the citizens, and there is fear as the deadly plague sweeps through towns and cities nearby. When rumors begin to circulate that Jewish residents are contaminating the town's well water to try to hasten the plague's arrival in their city, Natan knows that there are dangerous days ahead. When he sees who really poisoned Strasbourg's water, he is determined to speak the truth and save his people from the false accusations being made against them. But a moment of violence threatens to derail his plans and change his life in ways he could never have imagined.
Seventeen-year-old Natan has a safe and happy life in fourteenth-century Strasbourg, France. He works with his father in his rag trade, helps his mother around the house, and studies the Torah at night with his young brother, Shmuli. He's even feeling the first stirrings of love with Elena, the daughter of the master draper who is his father's best customer.
But something is rotten in the streets of Strasbourg. There is tension between the Jewish community and the rest of the citizens, and there is fear as the deadly plague sweeps through towns and cities nearby. When rumors begin to circulate that Jewish residents are contaminating the town's well water to try to hasten the plague's arrival in their city, Natan knows that there are dangerous days ahead. When he sees who really poisoned Strasbourg's water, he is determined to speak the truth and save his people from the false accusations being made against them. But a moment of violence threatens to derail his plans and change his life in ways he could never have imagined.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 13, 2016
2 people are currently reading
148 people want to read
About the author
Eva Wiseman
12 books21 followersYoung adult fiction writer Eva Wiseman was born in Hungary and currently lives in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Eva possesses a Bachelor of Science degree, a Master of Arts degree, and a Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Manitoba. She has worked as a journalist for the Winnipeg Free Press and the former Winnipeg Tribune, and has taught English Second Language and GED courses to immigrant women.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 7, 2016
This book depicts the persecution of the Jewish people in a different time period than we're usually reading about: fourteenth-century Strasbourg. I always thought that it was Straßburg, and that it was a German town/region, but little did I know; it's right on the border between France and Germany and belongs to France nowadays.
The first chapter starts in October 1338. We're introduced to the heart-breaking story of the struggling Jews in the city. The Bubonic Plague (a.k.a. the Black Death) is spreading throughout Europe and the threat of it is felt in Strasbourg as well. Fingers are being pointed at the Jewish community. They're being accused of poisoning the wells and spreading the disease in other nefarious ways. Ever since the murder of Jesus Christ (hey, I'm not swearing now!), Jews have been the scapegoat of society. They were money lenders or involved in other financial businesses, but that's mostly because they were denied most other forms of decent jobs.
During the beginning of Another Me, we see that the actual culprits are the non-Jewish people who are dumping faeces (and even a living cat) into the city wells so they can blame it on the Jews later on. Natan, a 17-year-old Jewish boy, happens to be a witness of the crime. But he gets caught.
What happens next will amaze you! [insert clickbait ad] Since this would be a massive spoiler, I'll stick to the following: I did not see it coming. The actual execution of the plot twist, however, was poorly done. This James Franco GIF covers it perfectly (and adds a little eye candy for the ladies).
It took me a while to recover from it and not in an "OMG THIS IS SO EXCITING!!"-kind of way. More like a "Mkay, so that's weird"- kind of way.
Anywho, we follow the rest of the story in which Natan and his teen love, Elena (a non-Jew) have to protect the city from the nasty people who inhabit it and who are trying to take over the power while the Plague runs its course.
An interesting fact is that the Jews were indeed less affected by the Plague themselves (another reason for the angry mob to blame them for instigating the whole thing). This was very likely due to their religious rituals which included a high standard of hygiene: washing their hands and themselves several times a day, especially before eating. You can imagine that it made a difference with the infection rate compared to the people who didn't do this.
So, Elena and Natan; a forbidden love, and star-crossed lovers. The love aspect wasn't always entirely convincing but I guess that's mostly due to the complicated situation later on.
I found it hard to rate this book. On one hand, I liked it and it was a gripping read for sure. The descriptions of how the Jewish people were being treated like cockroaches were heart-breaking, let alone the mentioning of the massacres that took place. The Nazi holocaust was horrible, but so was this one. I was very intrigued, learning about the Strasbourg massacre of which I knew relatively nothing beforehand.
In this particular massacre (of which we read in the book as well) several hundred Jews were publicly burnt to death. Nobody did anything to stop this because no one knew who was responsible for protecting the Jews in the first place. So yes, reading about this definitely tickled my history buttons.
Then there were the cons I mentioned further up here. To add another one to that list: the book is technically even shorter than it already is because the whole prologue is literally repeated later on. I don't mind returning to the scene in which everything started, as long as it's a little different and told from a different point of view.
All in all, I liked the history aspect of the story. I was able to physically feel the fear of the Jewish people as well, so kudos for the author there! The storyline, even though predictable at times, occasionally had me on the edge of my seat. The characters were alright, if not a bit flat sometimes. Natan's father was an idiot, for one.
TL; DR
I liked this book but wasn't blown away by some of the executions of the story. If you want to read a darker Middle-Grade book about a different time period in which Jews were being persecuted en mass: this is definitely worth the read. There's a religious paranormal aspect to it as well (dun DUN DUUUN!). Probably not recommended for children under 12, making this more suitable as a YA book instead of an MG one.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion!
The first chapter starts in October 1338. We're introduced to the heart-breaking story of the struggling Jews in the city. The Bubonic Plague (a.k.a. the Black Death) is spreading throughout Europe and the threat of it is felt in Strasbourg as well. Fingers are being pointed at the Jewish community. They're being accused of poisoning the wells and spreading the disease in other nefarious ways. Ever since the murder of Jesus Christ (hey, I'm not swearing now!), Jews have been the scapegoat of society. They were money lenders or involved in other financial businesses, but that's mostly because they were denied most other forms of decent jobs.
During the beginning of Another Me, we see that the actual culprits are the non-Jewish people who are dumping faeces (and even a living cat) into the city wells so they can blame it on the Jews later on. Natan, a 17-year-old Jewish boy, happens to be a witness of the crime. But he gets caught.
What happens next will amaze you! [insert clickbait ad] Since this would be a massive spoiler, I'll stick to the following: I did not see it coming. The actual execution of the plot twist, however, was poorly done. This James Franco GIF covers it perfectly (and adds a little eye candy for the ladies).
It took me a while to recover from it and not in an "OMG THIS IS SO EXCITING!!"-kind of way. More like a "Mkay, so that's weird"- kind of way.
Anywho, we follow the rest of the story in which Natan and his teen love, Elena (a non-Jew) have to protect the city from the nasty people who inhabit it and who are trying to take over the power while the Plague runs its course.
An interesting fact is that the Jews were indeed less affected by the Plague themselves (another reason for the angry mob to blame them for instigating the whole thing). This was very likely due to their religious rituals which included a high standard of hygiene: washing their hands and themselves several times a day, especially before eating. You can imagine that it made a difference with the infection rate compared to the people who didn't do this.
So, Elena and Natan; a forbidden love, and star-crossed lovers. The love aspect wasn't always entirely convincing but I guess that's mostly due to the complicated situation later on.
I found it hard to rate this book. On one hand, I liked it and it was a gripping read for sure. The descriptions of how the Jewish people were being treated like cockroaches were heart-breaking, let alone the mentioning of the massacres that took place. The Nazi holocaust was horrible, but so was this one. I was very intrigued, learning about the Strasbourg massacre of which I knew relatively nothing beforehand.
In this particular massacre (of which we read in the book as well) several hundred Jews were publicly burnt to death. Nobody did anything to stop this because no one knew who was responsible for protecting the Jews in the first place. So yes, reading about this definitely tickled my history buttons.
Then there were the cons I mentioned further up here. To add another one to that list: the book is technically even shorter than it already is because the whole prologue is literally repeated later on. I don't mind returning to the scene in which everything started, as long as it's a little different and told from a different point of view.
All in all, I liked the history aspect of the story. I was able to physically feel the fear of the Jewish people as well, so kudos for the author there! The storyline, even though predictable at times, occasionally had me on the edge of my seat. The characters were alright, if not a bit flat sometimes. Natan's father was an idiot, for one.
TL; DR
I liked this book but wasn't blown away by some of the executions of the story. If you want to read a darker Middle-Grade book about a different time period in which Jews were being persecuted en mass: this is definitely worth the read. There's a religious paranormal aspect to it as well (dun DUN DUUUN!). Probably not recommended for children under 12, making this more suitable as a YA book instead of an MG one.
Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest opinion!
September 20, 2022
Another Me by Eva Wiseman is a young adult historical fantasy novel set in 14th century Strasbourg, France where Jewish people are being falsely accused of poisoning the well water as the Bubonic plague destroys the population. Natan, a seventeen-year-old Jewish young man, feels the wrath against the Jewish people during his trips through the city while working for his father, a weaver.
I loved the historical setting and the premise of this novel. I hadn't heard about these events before, so it was fascinating and devastating to read about.
The characters were very underdeveloped. I didn't see the twist coming, but it actually took me out of the novel. I liked the alternating perspectives, but the dialogue and turn of events was poorly written at times.
I loved the historical setting and the premise of this novel. I hadn't heard about these events before, so it was fascinating and devastating to read about.
The characters were very underdeveloped. I didn't see the twist coming, but it actually took me out of the novel. I liked the alternating perspectives, but the dialogue and turn of events was poorly written at times.
September 27, 2016
Can we pretend that this is 2.5 stars? I didn't hate it, but wasn't blown away either. Here's the good and bad...
Good:
- Set in the 14th century, specifically in Strasbourg: this is great. I rarely read any kids books set in Medieval Europe, so this gets points just for that.
- The main character is Jewish and it looks pretty seriously at how Jews were treated and scapegoated at that time. Again awesome. Interesting to see how Jews and Christians could live very close to one another and interact, but still know very little about each other and have very different customs and cultures (plus some Gypsies thrown in for good measure). Plus the racism. Always good to deal with that and remind us all where yellow stars actually originated - such a long history of anti-semitism we have.
- Actual people walk through the actual streets in this book yelling "bring out your dead"!
- Actual people in this book warn other characters not to look sick people in the eye lest they catch the plague, to treat the black death with leaches and lancing, and to avoid hand washing because it could destabilize one's health. Honestly.
- It was a nice, compact book that didn't really drag (much).
- The ending - it wrapped up just fine without the "happily ever after" so popular in children's lit, and without the "everybody dies" so popular in plague lit.
Bad:
-The writing was ok, but not great. Certainly didn't grip me or charm me overly.
- The characters were kind of flat, and the girl love interest was particularly annoying. She had a real shallowness about appearances that is perhaps realistic, but mostly came off as very petty.
- The plot had a bit of back-and-forthing that could have been fixed up. At times it seemed like the characters had to do the same thing twice, or make the same decision twice before the plot could move on and something new could happen.
- I had a hard time placing it age-wise. In terms of over-explaining and simplicity of plot, it's like it was written for 12 year olds or younger. However, with the focus on a love story, it seemed more YA. I found that awkward and, honestly, wanted less love story.
- It had that historical fiction flaw of having some characters be inexplicably more broad-minded than the times they were living in. I (and Angela) like it far more when characters really see the world from within their time period. It is far deeper, more accurate, and more satisfying when novels dare to do this. Fix this, and I will put up with most other flaws.
-Kirsten
Good:
- Set in the 14th century, specifically in Strasbourg: this is great. I rarely read any kids books set in Medieval Europe, so this gets points just for that.
- The main character is Jewish and it looks pretty seriously at how Jews were treated and scapegoated at that time. Again awesome. Interesting to see how Jews and Christians could live very close to one another and interact, but still know very little about each other and have very different customs and cultures (plus some Gypsies thrown in for good measure). Plus the racism. Always good to deal with that and remind us all where yellow stars actually originated - such a long history of anti-semitism we have.
- Actual people walk through the actual streets in this book yelling "bring out your dead"!
- Actual people in this book warn other characters not to look sick people in the eye lest they catch the plague, to treat the black death with leaches and lancing, and to avoid hand washing because it could destabilize one's health. Honestly.
- It was a nice, compact book that didn't really drag (much).
- The ending - it wrapped up just fine without the "happily ever after" so popular in children's lit, and without the "everybody dies" so popular in plague lit.
Bad:
-The writing was ok, but not great. Certainly didn't grip me or charm me overly.
- The characters were kind of flat, and the girl love interest was particularly annoying. She had a real shallowness about appearances that is perhaps realistic, but mostly came off as very petty.
- The plot had a bit of back-and-forthing that could have been fixed up. At times it seemed like the characters had to do the same thing twice, or make the same decision twice before the plot could move on and something new could happen.
- I had a hard time placing it age-wise. In terms of over-explaining and simplicity of plot, it's like it was written for 12 year olds or younger. However, with the focus on a love story, it seemed more YA. I found that awkward and, honestly, wanted less love story.
- It had that historical fiction flaw of having some characters be inexplicably more broad-minded than the times they were living in. I (and Angela) like it far more when characters really see the world from within their time period. It is far deeper, more accurate, and more satisfying when novels dare to do this. Fix this, and I will put up with most other flaws.
-Kirsten
July 30, 2017
"The crowd around us parted as the Red Sea must have parted before the ancient Hebrews escaping slavery in Egypt."
I received this book through the LibraryThing early reviewers group.
I really enjoyed Another Me. The story was interesting and was a very light and quick read. I enjoyed reading a book set in the fourteenth century. I feel like it offers a new and intriguing perspective on history and helped me to understand parts of human history better. I loved that Wiseman added in the Black Death. The Black Death is a fascinating part of history and I loved the way it helped to shape and develop the characters.
However much I enjoyed the novel, I was not much a fan of the fantasy twist in the book. When Natan took control of Hans's body, I kind of lost interest for a bit. I also found it odd when Natan didn't try to pretend to be Hans or get used to his body, especially among those he didn't know well. I just didn't understand why he felt that, in order to tell everyone about Kaspar, he needed to mention that he was Natan in a different body instead of just saying how Hand must have felt. But that's just me.
I also found Elena and Natan's relationship very difficult to believe. It was so fast and something about it just felt off.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm glad I got the chance to read it.
I received this book through the LibraryThing early reviewers group.
I really enjoyed Another Me. The story was interesting and was a very light and quick read. I enjoyed reading a book set in the fourteenth century. I feel like it offers a new and intriguing perspective on history and helped me to understand parts of human history better. I loved that Wiseman added in the Black Death. The Black Death is a fascinating part of history and I loved the way it helped to shape and develop the characters.
However much I enjoyed the novel, I was not much a fan of the fantasy twist in the book. When Natan took control of Hans's body, I kind of lost interest for a bit. I also found it odd when Natan didn't try to pretend to be Hans or get used to his body, especially among those he didn't know well. I just didn't understand why he felt that, in order to tell everyone about Kaspar, he needed to mention that he was Natan in a different body instead of just saying how Hand must have felt. But that's just me.
I also found Elena and Natan's relationship very difficult to believe. It was so fast and something about it just felt off.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I'm glad I got the chance to read it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 8, 2017
This book....was.....AWESOME!
Okay, granted....perhaps my opinion can't be trusted because I've been reading boring classics for the past few months.
Aaaaanyways!
There was always something going on! It was exciting! And it was different! I've never read a book about Jewish people before, and it was interesting getting to know a little bit more about their culture. The ibburs were definitely cool. This was also about the black plague that happened...many, many, many, many....many, many years ago.
Would I be revealing too much if I said the MAIN CHARACTER DIED?! I mean...it did happen near the beginning of the book, so....
But! He didn't REALLY die! He continues living his life in someone else's body....cool! And now that's he's in the body of someone else, someone with....uh...more influence in their...society...he has been given the task of saving his people!
So...yes. I enjoyed this book, and it was a very fun and easy book to read (yay!), even if I did get angry at how the Jewish people were treated most of the time. I...also didn't quite like the ending? I really wish it had ended differently....oh wells.
Okay, granted....perhaps my opinion can't be trusted because I've been reading boring classics for the past few months.
Aaaaanyways!
There was always something going on! It was exciting! And it was different! I've never read a book about Jewish people before, and it was interesting getting to know a little bit more about their culture. The ibburs were definitely cool. This was also about the black plague that happened...many, many, many, many....many, many years ago.
Would I be revealing too much if I said the MAIN CHARACTER DIED?! I mean...it did happen near the beginning of the book, so....
But! He didn't REALLY die! He continues living his life in someone else's body....cool! And now that's he's in the body of someone else, someone with....uh...more influence in their...society...he has been given the task of saving his people!
So...yes. I enjoyed this book, and it was a very fun and easy book to read (yay!), even if I did get angry at how the Jewish people were treated most of the time. I...also didn't quite like the ending? I really wish it had ended differently....oh wells.
February 27, 2021
**possible spoilers you've been warned**
For such a small thin book that should not take long to read, it was filled with emotional powerfully packed scenes that remain unforgettable. It's amazing what prejudice, greed, and ignorance can fester and induce major harm on people just because they don't share beliefs, or other similarities to the majority.
It's definitely not an easy read as it progresses and there's a scene where once done reading, it stayed with me and I think it's going to be a memorable scene that will stick for a long time (and not in a positive sense). It's horrifying what people would do to others but it's also the sad reality of humanity.
I was not expecting the 'body swapping' moment and thought this was well done for the plot to further along. Characters are standard and nothing which stands out but you're really reading this book for the plot and historical subject.
May not be an easy read. Definitely not a light one. But it's good to be aware and learn of this subject.
For such a small thin book that should not take long to read, it was filled with emotional powerfully packed scenes that remain unforgettable. It's amazing what prejudice, greed, and ignorance can fester and induce major harm on people just because they don't share beliefs, or other similarities to the majority.
It's definitely not an easy read as it progresses and there's a scene where once done reading, it stayed with me and I think it's going to be a memorable scene that will stick for a long time (and not in a positive sense). It's horrifying what people would do to others but it's also the sad reality of humanity.
I was not expecting the 'body swapping' moment and thought this was well done for the plot to further along. Characters are standard and nothing which stands out but you're really reading this book for the plot and historical subject.
May not be an easy read. Definitely not a light one. But it's good to be aware and learn of this subject.
November 8, 2016
3.5 stars.
I enjoyed this book.
This book centers around the persecution of Jewish people in 14th century Strasbourg, and I quickly learned this was a huge gaping hole in my knowledge. (This is why books are awesome.) For that alone, I'm very glad I read it.
I thought the book was well written, although the dialogue seemed out of place. I felt like I was reading something that had been translated too many times. From the dialogue alone, I would have had a really difficult time pinpointing the time period of the book. Perhaps that was just to make it more readable for a younger audience though.
I'm always a fan of romance and the supernatural, so I loved that there is a tiny bit of both. Neither, in my opinion, took anything away from the gravity of the plot. The again, when it comes to massacres and the black plague, I'm not sure much could.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I enjoyed this book.
This book centers around the persecution of Jewish people in 14th century Strasbourg, and I quickly learned this was a huge gaping hole in my knowledge. (This is why books are awesome.) For that alone, I'm very glad I read it.
I thought the book was well written, although the dialogue seemed out of place. I felt like I was reading something that had been translated too many times. From the dialogue alone, I would have had a really difficult time pinpointing the time period of the book. Perhaps that was just to make it more readable for a younger audience though.
I'm always a fan of romance and the supernatural, so I loved that there is a tiny bit of both. Neither, in my opinion, took anything away from the gravity of the plot. The again, when it comes to massacres and the black plague, I'm not sure much could.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical fiction.
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 7, 2017
I love Eva Wiseman and thinks she's tragically under-read. I found the magic realism a bit of a departure from the storytelling I know and love, but will undoubtedly find myself re-reading this book in a few years.
June 3, 2017
fascinating subject that draws a lot of parallels with the Holocaust, but just not well-written and I didn't find the characters to be terribly compelling.
April 11, 2020
I don like how the love story is develop and everyone cries. I was a little confuse.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 15, 2016
My review of this book appears in the 11/16 issue of the Historical Novels Review, https://historicalnovelsociety.org/re...
In this YA historical fantasy, one of Wiseman’s teenaged narrators is an ibbur, a figure described in Hebrew kabbalistic writings as a deceased soul who possesses the body of a living human in order to right a great wrong. In this case, Natan, the son of a rag-seller in 13th century Strasbourg, France, has been murdered as part of a plot to blame the city’s Jews for an outbreak of the Plague; finding himself suddenly in the body of a Christian apprentice, he realizes he is charged with attempting to stop the impending massacre of his community. Natan’s fate is complicated by the fact that the apprentice works for a compassionate gentile draper, the father of his beloved, Elena.
Wiseman has created a fascinating situation and vividly but economically conveys the fear and paranoia of medieval life, alongside the joys of young love. The novel divides the first-person narrative between Natan and Elena, who bravely accepts the fact that her handsome suitor is now a ghost occupying the body of a boy she finds repellant, and also that the fate of Strasbourg’s Jews depends on her ability to befriend both communities. The pace is quick but Natan and Elena have emotionally believable reactions to their uncanny situation. Ultimately, the tale may be too grim for young readers – anti-Semitic violence and detailed descriptions of death by Plague aren’t the traditional stuff of middle-grade fare – and not philosophical enough for readers who really want to know more about Judaic lore. However, Wiseman, an award-winning Canadian author, has turned a little-known moment in history into a thoughtful, humane page-turner.
In this YA historical fantasy, one of Wiseman’s teenaged narrators is an ibbur, a figure described in Hebrew kabbalistic writings as a deceased soul who possesses the body of a living human in order to right a great wrong. In this case, Natan, the son of a rag-seller in 13th century Strasbourg, France, has been murdered as part of a plot to blame the city’s Jews for an outbreak of the Plague; finding himself suddenly in the body of a Christian apprentice, he realizes he is charged with attempting to stop the impending massacre of his community. Natan’s fate is complicated by the fact that the apprentice works for a compassionate gentile draper, the father of his beloved, Elena.
Wiseman has created a fascinating situation and vividly but economically conveys the fear and paranoia of medieval life, alongside the joys of young love. The novel divides the first-person narrative between Natan and Elena, who bravely accepts the fact that her handsome suitor is now a ghost occupying the body of a boy she finds repellant, and also that the fate of Strasbourg’s Jews depends on her ability to befriend both communities. The pace is quick but Natan and Elena have emotionally believable reactions to their uncanny situation. Ultimately, the tale may be too grim for young readers – anti-Semitic violence and detailed descriptions of death by Plague aren’t the traditional stuff of middle-grade fare – and not philosophical enough for readers who really want to know more about Judaic lore. However, Wiseman, an award-winning Canadian author, has turned a little-known moment in history into a thoughtful, humane page-turner.
September 14, 2016
First what I liked about this book is that it was a significant historical event, even though I was unfamiliar with it when I started to read the book. It is not necessary to know what happened in history, because the author is very good about getting you up to speed on the two main facts of the time. That the black death is being blamed on the Jews, and that Christian people in Strasbourg do not like the Jews. Weisman does a good job of describing how things are in this time, 1349, so it is easy to picture the town square, and the streets, and the snow, and all.
The things about historical novels, if they are done well, is that you can't change the past. The story you are telling fits in like a puzzle piece to the point in time you are using. Thus, if you are familiar with the time, then you know, without even reading the story, a bit of what will happen.
So, what I didn't like about the book was that although I cared about Natan, the protagonist, I didn't care enough about him. His romance with Elena the draper's daughter seems sudden, and odd. It is a good concept that is used to bring Natan "back to life" (as he is essentially killed in the first chapter, so no spoiler warning here).
I think this is an important book for children to read, to show how Jews were treated, but although it is written for middle school, because of the romance, it feels as though it was intended for an older audience.
This is probably a 3.5 stars. Not bad, but not quite good enough for four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
The things about historical novels, if they are done well, is that you can't change the past. The story you are telling fits in like a puzzle piece to the point in time you are using. Thus, if you are familiar with the time, then you know, without even reading the story, a bit of what will happen.
So, what I didn't like about the book was that although I cared about Natan, the protagonist, I didn't care enough about him. His romance with Elena the draper's daughter seems sudden, and odd. It is a good concept that is used to bring Natan "back to life" (as he is essentially killed in the first chapter, so no spoiler warning here).
I think this is an important book for children to read, to show how Jews were treated, but although it is written for middle school, because of the romance, it feels as though it was intended for an older audience.
This is probably a 3.5 stars. Not bad, but not quite good enough for four stars.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 11, 2017
This book was not what I expected in a wonderful way. It is about a Jewish boy in France who falls in love with a non-Jewish girl and then finds out something that gets him killed. The story overall is about the persecution of the Jewish population during the plagues. Many Jewish people were thought to have brought the plague to others since less Jewish people were dying from it, that is not to say that none died, but in a time when people had no idea about disease and how it spread if a population was doing better than others - it was their fault.
Another Me follows Natan as he works with his father and meets a young girl, they are drawn together and while out late one night visiting her he notices some people poisoning the community well - they are dropping in rotting food, feces and even killing a cat. Knowing that this cannot be helping the plague that is ruining other cities, Natan tries to do something about it. In the process, he dies, BUT his spirit is still around trying to tell someone what has happened and who should be blamed.
The story has a lot of sadness and the unfair treatment of many people, but there is also bravery and love and some hope through it all. It was a very good read. It is fiction but everything seemed like it could/would happen during this period in history.
Another Me follows Natan as he works with his father and meets a young girl, they are drawn together and while out late one night visiting her he notices some people poisoning the community well - they are dropping in rotting food, feces and even killing a cat. Knowing that this cannot be helping the plague that is ruining other cities, Natan tries to do something about it. In the process, he dies, BUT his spirit is still around trying to tell someone what has happened and who should be blamed.
The story has a lot of sadness and the unfair treatment of many people, but there is also bravery and love and some hope through it all. It was a very good read. It is fiction but everything seemed like it could/would happen during this period in history.
May 15, 2016
Set in the city of Strasbourg around 1350, "Another me" is the story of Natan and Elena, a Jew boy and a Christian girl, in the swirl of the events at the arrive in their town of the bubonic plague, caught between the goodness of some people and the meanness of others.
Told alternatively by the two protagonists, this isn't the "normal" love story you may expect. Instead, the mission Natan finds he must fulfill and its later developments have a strong and negative impact on Elena, who doesn't see him like before and ...
And that's enough, I don't want to ruin your pleasure when reading this novel. I'll only say that the story revolves around an unusual phenomenon that requires some leap of imagination (you're curious now, are you?).
In short, I like the story written by Eva Wiseman, her likeable characters and the somehow bittersweet ending.
Worth to read (and maybe to compare it with the today's events).
Told alternatively by the two protagonists, this isn't the "normal" love story you may expect. Instead, the mission Natan finds he must fulfill and its later developments have a strong and negative impact on Elena, who doesn't see him like before and ...
And that's enough, I don't want to ruin your pleasure when reading this novel. I'll only say that the story revolves around an unusual phenomenon that requires some leap of imagination (you're curious now, are you?).
In short, I like the story written by Eva Wiseman, her likeable characters and the somehow bittersweet ending.
Worth to read (and maybe to compare it with the today's events).
August 26, 2016
3.5 stars... I received this book to review thru LibraryThing, and was excited because I enjoy both historical fiction, and YA, and the period in which it is set interested me. I was getting into the story decently well, and found Natan to be a good character, however when it took a supernatural twist about a quarter of the way in I was a little put off. I prefer my historical fiction to be more believable and there were no hints in the description to prepare me for it. I took a few days away from the book, but did eventually finish it to see what happened. I was a little concerned with how graphic several scenes are portrayed in a book aimed at 10-14 year olds, but I did enjoy the historical aspects of the setting and the story. I think a little more background to some parts of jewish culture might be needed for those of other faiths reading it. Overall I thought it was well-written and not a bad read once I got used to the trend towards supernatural.
June 21, 2016
Another Me is a middle grade book about the bubonic plague, persecution of Jewish people, and forbidden love between a Jewish boy and Christian girl in the 1300s. There's a bit of a mystical twist, though!
Though classified as middle grade, I would say this is an older middle grade/younger YA book. The love story is very tame, but there is a lot of violence toward the Jewish people and a very graphic description of what the bubonic plague does to the body. If you're a parent wondering whether your middle grade reader should read this book, just be prepared to have a discussion about those themes.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book and will be sharing it with my ten-year-old son.
Though classified as middle grade, I would say this is an older middle grade/younger YA book. The love story is very tame, but there is a lot of violence toward the Jewish people and a very graphic description of what the bubonic plague does to the body. If you're a parent wondering whether your middle grade reader should read this book, just be prepared to have a discussion about those themes.
That being said, I really enjoyed this book and will be sharing it with my ten-year-old son.
September 11, 2016
A good option for fans of historical fiction, Eva Wiseman's latest allows us to witness the resilience and strength of hope, faith, and love even as the world its characters used to know crumbles around them. A children's fictionalization of the historical account of the city of Strasbourg, France, in the 14th century, Another Me tells the story of first love, of faith and one's people, and of a city rife with racial and political unrest. In a time of adversity and violence, it leaves us questioning how far we would go to save and preserve those strengths of ours. Readers should be aware that the book does portray some mature themes such as racial abuse, severe violence, and graphic description of illness and death that may be unsuitable for younger readers.
August 7, 2016
I appreciated learning about the difficulties Jewish people in Strasbourg found themselves in already in the 14th century since I had not been aware. Already then they were blamed for all kinds of misfortunes - among them the plague - and were required to wear a yellow star. Further, there is quite a bit to be learned and discovered about the history of Strasbourg and the horrific plagues. Unfortunately, the story otherwise didn't work for me. I think it will take an older reader with much interest in this time period and its particular language to appreciate this story.
February 3, 2020
I was very confused by it, but as much as the plot was an odd one, it was a really interesting book. It took a while to get over the switching of bodies, as the title hints, but it was intriguing to me. I don't usually read books like this, but it was so well written and had such charming characters, I couldn't put it down.
December 21, 2016
This is a fascinating, multi-layered, and utterly heart-breaking page-turner for young adults about a lesser known event in Jewish history - the Strasbourg massacre in 1349, one of the first pogroms in pre-modern history.
August 25, 2016
Fast paced and interesting! Quick read.
January 22, 2017
3.5 stars.
April 25, 2017
Another Me tells the story of Natan, who is a Jewish boy living in Strasbourg. When he comes upon a group of thugs who wish to poison the town well and blame the Jew, he is caught up in the events in ways he cannot imagine. His first love Elena is horrified to find out what happens to him. The Jewish mystical elements are very well done and the characters are quite loveable, in particular, Natan's younger brother Shmuli. Recommended for teen readers who enjoy historical fiction with a mix of fantasy.
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