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Becoming Malka
In pursuit of her Master's degree in Imperial Russian History, 24 year-old Molly Abramovitz is heading to Moscow for a week long seminar. Never one to miss an opportunity for genealogical research;methodical and meticulous Molly plans a side trip to Ukraine. Intriguingly, her mother, Judith, evokes a favorite Yiddish proverb, 'Man plans and God laughs.'
If Judith had her way, her daughter would still be dressing up in fairy wings and princess crowns- collecting wild flowers and connecting with her spiritual energy, but for Molly; making plans and compiling data came as second nature. She and her father had delighted in spending long, cozy, afternoons cuddled in the library studying ancient family history. David Abramovitz began recounting tales of great-grandparents trekking across Mother Russia when his daughter was still quite young. Captivated, Molly learned how her relatives boarded a ship and sailed across the ocean to reach the shores of Argentina.
Now, at last, Molly's plans are coming to fruition. Her trek to her ancestral home leads her to an accidental discovery of a mythical tarot card. Will the life lessons revealed on this enchanted journey shake up her staid and uncomplicated life? Only time will tell.
If Judith had her way, her daughter would still be dressing up in fairy wings and princess crowns- collecting wild flowers and connecting with her spiritual energy, but for Molly; making plans and compiling data came as second nature. She and her father had delighted in spending long, cozy, afternoons cuddled in the library studying ancient family history. David Abramovitz began recounting tales of great-grandparents trekking across Mother Russia when his daughter was still quite young. Captivated, Molly learned how her relatives boarded a ship and sailed across the ocean to reach the shores of Argentina.
Now, at last, Molly's plans are coming to fruition. Her trek to her ancestral home leads her to an accidental discovery of a mythical tarot card. Will the life lessons revealed on this enchanted journey shake up her staid and uncomplicated life? Only time will tell.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
December 19, 2017
This is an impressive book. It has to be for me to give it 5 stars when I'm not Jewish, I'm not fascinated by genealogy, and my eyes tend to gaze over when a book delves into history, all of which are significant elements in this delightful story.
The modern heroine, Molly Abramovitz, IS all of those things that I'm not. She's captivated by the study of her paternal family history, which goes back to Odessa in the Ukraine through Argentina. As the story begins, she's on her way to Russia to continue her research and to see historical sites which have cultural and personal significance.
She's also at a crossroads in her life, having just received a marriage proposal from her long-time boyfriend. She has not yet decided how she will answer. Molly is a woman who plans things meticulously and doesn't make a move without assurance of the results- a bit of a control freak. Marriage isn't exactly predictable, so she's not enthusiastic about taking the plunge. She admires the courage of her ancestors, who sailed to a whole new way of life in Argentina without knowing exactly what lay ahead of them.
Molly suffers some disappointments when she first arrives in Russia. So many Jewish landmarks have been destroyed over the past century and sources of research into her family tree limited as a consequence. This changes when her Russian guide brings Molly to her family's ancestral home.
The attic is much more than a treasure trove of heirlooms, and Molly finds herself literally living in the past, in the year 1900, with the very ancestors she has been researching. Her experiences allow her to see the world as it existed for this extremely wealthy Jewish family.
The various family members have strong personalities, none more so than Malka, the widowed matriarch and Molly's great great-grandmother for whom she was named at her B'rit Bat (Jewish christening ceremony). Two of Malka's sons, Josef (Molly's grandfather) and Avrom, regularly argue over politics. The youngest of Malka's daughters is 17-year-old Leah, who quickly bonds with Molly and eventually leads her into a difficult situation.
The writing lends itself to total immersion for the reader. I'm especially impressed with Ms. Trupp's ability to incorporate usually dry facts regarding family trees and historical details, making them relevant and interesting within an engaging story.
All the characters are vibrant and real, especially Molly. It's a coming-of-age story where she discovers herself through her own family history. I cannot pinpoint a specific turning point, which is usually detrimental in a novel. However, just as in real life, Molly's changed perspective results from the sum total of her experiences rather than any one particular event. It adds to the feeling of authenticity this book gives the reader despite the fantastical time travel device on which the plot relies.
The modern heroine, Molly Abramovitz, IS all of those things that I'm not. She's captivated by the study of her paternal family history, which goes back to Odessa in the Ukraine through Argentina. As the story begins, she's on her way to Russia to continue her research and to see historical sites which have cultural and personal significance.
She's also at a crossroads in her life, having just received a marriage proposal from her long-time boyfriend. She has not yet decided how she will answer. Molly is a woman who plans things meticulously and doesn't make a move without assurance of the results- a bit of a control freak. Marriage isn't exactly predictable, so she's not enthusiastic about taking the plunge. She admires the courage of her ancestors, who sailed to a whole new way of life in Argentina without knowing exactly what lay ahead of them.
Molly suffers some disappointments when she first arrives in Russia. So many Jewish landmarks have been destroyed over the past century and sources of research into her family tree limited as a consequence. This changes when her Russian guide brings Molly to her family's ancestral home.
The attic is much more than a treasure trove of heirlooms, and Molly finds herself literally living in the past, in the year 1900, with the very ancestors she has been researching. Her experiences allow her to see the world as it existed for this extremely wealthy Jewish family.
The various family members have strong personalities, none more so than Malka, the widowed matriarch and Molly's great great-grandmother for whom she was named at her B'rit Bat (Jewish christening ceremony). Two of Malka's sons, Josef (Molly's grandfather) and Avrom, regularly argue over politics. The youngest of Malka's daughters is 17-year-old Leah, who quickly bonds with Molly and eventually leads her into a difficult situation.
The writing lends itself to total immersion for the reader. I'm especially impressed with Ms. Trupp's ability to incorporate usually dry facts regarding family trees and historical details, making them relevant and interesting within an engaging story.
All the characters are vibrant and real, especially Molly. It's a coming-of-age story where she discovers herself through her own family history. I cannot pinpoint a specific turning point, which is usually detrimental in a novel. However, just as in real life, Molly's changed perspective results from the sum total of her experiences rather than any one particular event. It adds to the feeling of authenticity this book gives the reader despite the fantastical time travel device on which the plot relies.
August 22, 2016
We are proud to announce that BECOMING MALKA by Mirta Ines Trupp is a B.R.A.G.Medallion Honoree. This tells a reader that this book is well worth their time and money!
December 30, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this well written "Indie" book! Mirta Trupp has woven a wonderful story of the significance of family and one’s connection to ancestors. Packed with historical, cultural gems related to the Jewish people of Russia and Argentina, with well-defined characters who change and grow, I found it difficult to put this book down!
I highly recommend this book!
And--a personal preference--this book is clean.
I highly recommend this book!
And--a personal preference--this book is clean.
September 12, 2016
Author uses a rather juvenile vehicle to take us to Russia at the end of the 19th century to meet her Jewish ancestors, a family of well-to-do business people. Once in the past, she finds herself changing gowns several times a day, rustled into a drawing room after dinner, attending a ball gown with her great-aunt. She is placed in trivial situations and encounters that really were not representative of Russian Jews of the time. I think this might have been better if written for a Juvenile or YA reader but rather immature story for the average adult reader.
January 4, 2020
IF YOU LOVE 💘 A VERY EXITING INTRIGUING BOOK 😍! BUY THIS BOOK !
I was so surprised by this author and the characters that captivate you. The story evolves into quite an outstanding performance and interesting adventure! I am even going to share this book on my Facebook page. I will recommend this to everyone I can! This is one of the best stories/book I've read about in more than, more time than I can honestly recall! 😍 BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍(GET IT RIGHT NOW)
I was so surprised by this author and the characters that captivate you. The story evolves into quite an outstanding performance and interesting adventure! I am even going to share this book on my Facebook page. I will recommend this to everyone I can! This is one of the best stories/book I've read about in more than, more time than I can honestly recall! 😍 BUY THIS BOOK NOW!😍(GET IT RIGHT NOW)
February 9, 2020
Warm, charming, insightful...funny. Loved the trekkie comments. Loved learning about Jewish immigration to Argentina long before WWII. Interesting commentary on Jewish spiritualism too.
March 28, 2017
I so enjoyed reading this book! I am a great fan of historical fiction, mostly because I love history and a great story to go along with it! This one has both..I also do a lot of family genealogy research and this book fulfilled a fantasy along those lines. The main character who is researching her family roots in Russia, actually gets to go back in time and meet them. It is a great family story with the background of the Russian Revolution and Jewish life during that time. I can't tell you how many times when researching a family member from the 1800's, I wish I could go back and speak to them, learn what they were really like and get to know them. The main character in this book is able to do just that and really get in touch with her Jewish roots and amazing family history. The author does a wonderful job taking you back in time and giving you a feel of life in pre Russian Revolution for the Jewish community. I would highly recommend this book!
October 18, 2017
Becoming Malta
I was fascinated with this book.
I have done some genealogy work in the past and this book has inspired me to get back on track.
I'm glad I took the time for this read!!
I was fascinated with this book.
I have done some genealogy work in the past and this book has inspired me to get back on track.
I'm glad I took the time for this read!!
May 18, 2016
I wish I could give this book more stars!!
Becoming Malka is a delightful & heartwarming story from start to finish!
Who can resist a story about a young women finding herself & discovering more about her family history. If you love stories that are rich in history, mysterious & filled with Grandmotherly advice this is the book for you!
Get ready for a magical journey back in time!
Becoming Malka is a delightful & heartwarming story from start to finish!
Who can resist a story about a young women finding herself & discovering more about her family history. If you love stories that are rich in history, mysterious & filled with Grandmotherly advice this is the book for you!
Get ready for a magical journey back in time!
May 24, 2018
Maybe because I just read and thoroughly enjoyed With Love: the Argentina Family my expectations were too high for this book. The time travel gimmick felt a bit juvenile and detracted from the otherwise interesting history.
April 14, 2017
Hmm... Its a short little thing. Just under 200 pages with bold type. I finished it in a morning, before making pancakes for the group of 14 year old kids who had slept over, (motzah brei for the rest of us.). Actually, the non-jewish teens just loved the matzah brei! In any case, I knocked off extremely quickly. One thing or two to note, before the review continues. There is a time travel element, and Molly accidentally travels to Russia in 1900, and meets her entire paternal family, at a critical juncture in political times for the Jews. This "experience" happens just before the family needs to get out of Russia and leave their home for better and safer times. It is there that she meets her great great grandmother Bubbie Malka. Malka (correctly) has some knowledge of the intersection of Judaism and Jewish Mysticism with tarot, Kabbalah, and a bit of magic. I actually wish this part was more developed and interwoven into the story. Molly, the central character, was a bit annoying to me. I get it that she was supposed to be the intellectual analytical one, a rebel from her mother's spiritualism and joy - representing as well the two sides of her ancestral paternal family. But its important for a character who is all reason and thinking not to edge on being a caricature. I would have loved for her to bridge those two worlds of her parents better, thus being what emerged from the early debate of tradition versus reform. So the other convention that is ever so slightly bothersome, has to do with my personal critique of time travel storylines. Its not that I mind so much the actual travel, but the pages and pages where the accidental jump has left someone feeling tricked and doubting the obvious for pages and even a chapter on end. Not I have never accidentally fallen into a portal myself, so I can't speak for the experience of what it is like to be assimilating the impossible experience as true. But, as much as that mental adjustment would be difficult, I like to think I wouldn't be coming up with stupid explanations for the the obvious, and would get with the program quicker than some of these characters do. Listening to their denials of the new reality and explanations of who has gone to lengths to trick them, annoy me. But that's just me.
The story itself, was fascinating - and how the characters interacted with her, whether they knew the truth of her or not. I really enjoyed that part, plus learning about Russia and the politics of the time. And dare I admit it? I cried at the end, for the authors sake, or those who have read it, it was the bit about the servant girl that had me bawling for a good half hour after I had finished. And then the legacies left behind, really touched me. I was breezing through it, and then all of a sudden, I was hit hard at the end, unexpectedly.
Becoming Malka is one of those books I have had my eye on for a little over a year. I have really been looking forward to reading it. I entered like three giveaways, and now it is the Book of the Month: April 2017, for the group read for the Jewish Book Club. You know the one. The one of which I am the only and sole member, at least that reads and reviews the book of the month. But it gave me the opportunity to read it now. So I am not complaining that much. Plus, it fits one of my challenges for my main group. It fits the personally chosen categories of both Jewish and Historical Fiction, though I can't use it for both. It will complete my category challenge for Jewish, and leave me with just a few books left to complete the entire thing - 21 books total... Perhaps others will pick it up, and we can indeed talk about it together. I enjoyed it. It was a nice (Passover) morning with an unexpectedly moving end.
The story itself, was fascinating - and how the characters interacted with her, whether they knew the truth of her or not. I really enjoyed that part, plus learning about Russia and the politics of the time. And dare I admit it? I cried at the end, for the authors sake, or those who have read it, it was the bit about the servant girl that had me bawling for a good half hour after I had finished. And then the legacies left behind, really touched me. I was breezing through it, and then all of a sudden, I was hit hard at the end, unexpectedly.
Becoming Malka is one of those books I have had my eye on for a little over a year. I have really been looking forward to reading it. I entered like three giveaways, and now it is the Book of the Month: April 2017, for the group read for the Jewish Book Club. You know the one. The one of which I am the only and sole member, at least that reads and reviews the book of the month. But it gave me the opportunity to read it now. So I am not complaining that much. Plus, it fits one of my challenges for my main group. It fits the personally chosen categories of both Jewish and Historical Fiction, though I can't use it for both. It will complete my category challenge for Jewish, and leave me with just a few books left to complete the entire thing - 21 books total... Perhaps others will pick it up, and we can indeed talk about it together. I enjoyed it. It was a nice (Passover) morning with an unexpectedly moving end.
July 16, 2017
I love historical fiction because I get to read a wonderfully entertaining story and learn some history along the way so I loved reading "Becoming Malka." It has everything....an exciting story, great characters, rich descriptions of life for wealthy Jewish families in Russia in the early 1900's. Mirta Ines Trupp made it a page-turner for me and she made me think about the story and how it relates to me. As a teacher I always look forward to reading some great books during the summer...thank you Ms. Trupp for this one. For anyone reading this review...if you like historical fiction, fantasy, biography, coming of age and self-discovery, or just a good,fast read, then read "Becoming Malka."
March 18, 2018
Several interesting surprises in this read which I will not divulge but made for exciting page turns. Very descriptive, especially regarding period clothing which made for excellent visuals. My Kindle dictionary didn't allow for many definitions of ethnic wording but discovered glossary at the end of the book which satisfied me.
February 8, 2025
This was a fascinating story with a unique vehicle for transporting the main character to the past. The detail to clothing, materials, and furnishings was delicious. The characters were interesting. This was an enjoyable read. If you're interested in life in Russia before the Bolshevik revoution, this is a must read. It could use better editing which is why I only gave it 4 stars.
August 8, 2016
Foreword by Brooks Kohler-
Author & Founder of Laptiast.com
Member of Phi Alpha Theta in the Field of History:
"...As a beta reader, a person who reads manuscripts and offers advice, I read a lot of stories, and no two authors write the same. All have their own idiosyncrasies and merit. Still yet, there are some stories that stand out above others and deserve praise; Becoming Malka is one of them. I could not put this manuscript down. I breezed through it in what seemed like hours. While some stories have left me guessing, Becoming Malka left me imagining. Through skillful use of prose and well-researched history pertaining to Jews living in Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina, the book is more than simply fiction. It is an educative resource that will enlighten the minds of all who read it. Being one who does not enjoy spoiling a plot, I am going to end now and let you get to what I am convinced will not be a chore of a read. We put up with a lot on this amazing planet to remain content. Thankfully, there are those who write well to help us manage.
Reviewed by M. Madhavan for Readers' Favorite:
"...The author has researched well before writing this book and the story connects with readers on many levels. The scenes are vivid and described in detail, enabling readers to form pictures in their minds. The author also gives readers an idea of Jewish life in Odessa, their dress, traditions, and culture. The characters are sketched well, making them real and memorable. The writing style is fluid and simple, and the story flows without sounding forced. The story is intelligent, original, and honest, and it's not only informative but also a great learning experience..."
Author & Founder of Laptiast.com
Member of Phi Alpha Theta in the Field of History:
"...As a beta reader, a person who reads manuscripts and offers advice, I read a lot of stories, and no two authors write the same. All have their own idiosyncrasies and merit. Still yet, there are some stories that stand out above others and deserve praise; Becoming Malka is one of them. I could not put this manuscript down. I breezed through it in what seemed like hours. While some stories have left me guessing, Becoming Malka left me imagining. Through skillful use of prose and well-researched history pertaining to Jews living in Russia, Ukraine, and Argentina, the book is more than simply fiction. It is an educative resource that will enlighten the minds of all who read it. Being one who does not enjoy spoiling a plot, I am going to end now and let you get to what I am convinced will not be a chore of a read. We put up with a lot on this amazing planet to remain content. Thankfully, there are those who write well to help us manage.
Reviewed by M. Madhavan for Readers' Favorite:
"...The author has researched well before writing this book and the story connects with readers on many levels. The scenes are vivid and described in detail, enabling readers to form pictures in their minds. The author also gives readers an idea of Jewish life in Odessa, their dress, traditions, and culture. The characters are sketched well, making them real and memorable. The writing style is fluid and simple, and the story flows without sounding forced. The story is intelligent, original, and honest, and it's not only informative but also a great learning experience..."
November 11, 2016
Becoming Malka has won five stars from Readers' Favorite and an indieBrag medallion and I completely concur with those awards. This is an educational read, delightfully charming and enlightening. Perfect for those studying the pre-Russian Revolution era and in particular for those interested in the Jewish community. Trupp wrote about her Russian Jewish ancestry in her memoir, "With Love, The Argentina Family..." and this historical fiction/fantasy is an excellent companion (stand alone) book. Readers will learn about Baron Hirsch and his philanthropic society. Most people think of Eastern European Jews arriving on the shores of Ellis Island; Trupp weaves a narrative that soon explains how Jewish gauchos came to live on the Argentine pampas. Fascinating stuff! They will learn about upper middle-class Jews living through turbulent times in Imperial Russia. While we have grown accustomed to reading about shtetls and Teyve-type characters, Trupp delights the period drama fan with visions of taking tea in charming drawing rooms and waltzing under candle lit chandeliers. Molly, the main character, is a modern day, professional young woman fascinated by her history and genealogy but yet, she struggles with insecurities and obsessions. Becoming Malka is the story of how Molly finds herself. This is a clean read; this is an easy read, but it is not without substance. A lovely, modern fairy tale that educates and entertains.
June 5, 2016
For Molly, who considers hersself a modern, independend girl, everything is Russian. On her way to attend a course on the Royal history of Russia. Little did she know, that it brought her also on a magical journey into the past. It brought her to the 19th century, where she learns about her great grandparents, about old values , while she has to keep her real life secret. She learns about her great grandmother and the life around her. While she starting to enjoy her time there, her great grandmother Malka is looking for a special tarrot card to bring her back to her time! During that time she also learns to be true to her given Hebrew name Malka !
It took a while to get into the novel, but then the novel abosrbed me! I was captured by everything and everyone! The haracters, you got to love them! Highly recommended!
It took a while to get into the novel, but then the novel abosrbed me! I was captured by everything and everyone! The haracters, you got to love them! Highly recommended!
April 7, 2016
This is a story of a self-assured young woman coming to realise that life cannot be ignored or shaped; that you must go with the flow. She takes time after a conference in Moscow to visit Odessa in order to research her ancestors. I don't want to say what happens to her while there as I want other readers to be as surprised and pleased with the development of the story as I was.
This is a meticulously researched story of Jewish life in Odessa in the 19th and 20th centuries and the locations, dress and actions seem completely authentic. I was particularly taken with the strength of character of the matriarch of the family and her intelligence. I couldn't put the book down - I had to know, not so much the denouement, but the characters in the story and the promise of their future.
This is a meticulously researched story of Jewish life in Odessa in the 19th and 20th centuries and the locations, dress and actions seem completely authentic. I was particularly taken with the strength of character of the matriarch of the family and her intelligence. I couldn't put the book down - I had to know, not so much the denouement, but the characters in the story and the promise of their future.
August 7, 2016
GREAT READ!
I so enjoyed reading 'Becoming malka ' A great book on so many different levels. It is very obvious that Mirta did a lot of research on her book. The novel is a mixture of fantasy, humor, history, Judaism and Kabbalah.
It was easy to identify with all the characters and the the different situations. The author has the ability to describe many scenes in detail. I especially enjoyed how she wrote about the different gowns the girls were wearing. It was very easy to form a picture in my mind.
I loved the little pearls of wisdom from Bobe Malka.
Looking forwards to reading her next novel!!!
I so enjoyed reading 'Becoming malka ' A great book on so many different levels. It is very obvious that Mirta did a lot of research on her book. The novel is a mixture of fantasy, humor, history, Judaism and Kabbalah.
It was easy to identify with all the characters and the the different situations. The author has the ability to describe many scenes in detail. I especially enjoyed how she wrote about the different gowns the girls were wearing. It was very easy to form a picture in my mind.
I loved the little pearls of wisdom from Bobe Malka.
Looking forwards to reading her next novel!!!
April 24, 2016
GREAT story! I couldn't put it down! Frankly, I was both delightfully entertained by the book, while blown away with the author's passion of heritage, her tender characterizations, intelligence, historical and geographical prowess, emotion, and attention to detail! In writing this book, I felt Mirta Inez Trupp really BECOMING MALKA! Mirta has indeed honored her ancestors and left a wonderful legacy for young people to read. I look forward to more stories from this talented author.
June 6, 2016
Incredible story
What a delicious treat reading this story of Jews in the 1800's in Russia. That's where my ancestors came from although, they were in a small village (shetel) not a large sophisticated city. The characters were delightful The ending left me wanting to know more about what happens to Malka.
What a delicious treat reading this story of Jews in the 1800's in Russia. That's where my ancestors came from although, they were in a small village (shetel) not a large sophisticated city. The characters were delightful The ending left me wanting to know more about what happens to Malka.
July 14, 2016
I really enjoyed this book. It was a lighthearted story about a modern woman who was travelling back to Russia to investigate her family history. I won't give away what happens but I thought it was an enjoyable read. I'd recommend it to people who enjoy Jewish Historical Fiction & Family sagas.
July 23, 2019
Ugh. I was looking for lighthearted Jewish fiction. You know, something not Chaim Potok or Holocaust. Anyway, this fit the bill, but it was horribly written. Flat chatacters, choppy dialogue and writing, and not much of a plot. There were a lot words of other languages mixed into the dialogue (too many, in my opinion, since it added to the choppy feeling), and not all the words were included in the glossary. I'll be more selective when it comes to indie books in the future.
January 13, 2019
Educational and entertaining; needs better editing; an Indie book
July 6, 2016
I really enjoyed this book and just "plowed" right through it to the end. I loved how the character learned that life cannot be controlled. She discovers her Jewish roots in Odessa during the 1800's in a very magical way. It is obvious that the author did a tremendous amount of research about the clothing and the Jewish foods, culture and customs. It was also very informative about the post-Renaissance movements that the Jews were faced with during this period of history. I had never heard of the movement to move to Argentina. I appreciated receiving this book as a beta version, however it is presently free on kindle. I believe all ages would enjoy this book including teenagers and young adults. I look forward to reading Mirta Tripp's next book.
April 10, 2016
Fantastic book! The story was light and a fast read but when you sit back and think about it Mirta packs a huge amount of serious subjects into what at first look is a modern day fairytale.
Perfect for a book club, as includes a lot of meaty topics for discussion including Russian history, Kabbalah, the debate on Haskalah, the history of fashion, Jewish immigration to Argentina and much, much more.
Having read both of her books I can't wait for the next one.
Perfect for a book club, as includes a lot of meaty topics for discussion including Russian history, Kabbalah, the debate on Haskalah, the history of fashion, Jewish immigration to Argentina and much, much more.
Having read both of her books I can't wait for the next one.
April 8, 2016
I enjoyed this book. Too short and simple though. I would like to see the author rewrite it and flesh out the story and characters more. Molly too easily accepts the situation and it would have been fun to see her taking more time to adapt. Also there was still so much to see and do, the Tarot card was found too soon. This is a good clean read that could really be expanded on.
March 26, 2017
I liked it.
I was sad when it ended-I wanted more.
I was sad when it ended-I wanted more.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews