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Hamama
Hamama is the memoir of a spirited girl fighting to find her place in 1930s Yemen. It traces her arduous journey to the Land of Israel and the many challenges she faces in the struggling new country.
When Hamama is a young girl, her family takes in the recently-orphaned Hassan, who beguiles her with tales his mother once told him, tales of the Promised Land. When a famine causes turmoil and fear for Jews in Yemen, the Land of Israel represents a new start in a place that celebrates the Jewish people.
The memoir unfolds as a romance between Hamama and Hassan, the dramatic history of the family they create together, and the story of the traditional Yemenite Jews trying to carve out a place in the newly-formed state.
With fewer than one hundred Jews left in Yemen, the ancient, beautiful culture of Yemenite Jewry is coming to an end. This memoir is a rare document that combines the historical with the personal, told with heart by author Sarit Gradwohl, Hamama’s real-life granddaughter.
When Hamama is a young girl, her family takes in the recently-orphaned Hassan, who beguiles her with tales his mother once told him, tales of the Promised Land. When a famine causes turmoil and fear for Jews in Yemen, the Land of Israel represents a new start in a place that celebrates the Jewish people.
The memoir unfolds as a romance between Hamama and Hassan, the dramatic history of the family they create together, and the story of the traditional Yemenite Jews trying to carve out a place in the newly-formed state.
With fewer than one hundred Jews left in Yemen, the ancient, beautiful culture of Yemenite Jewry is coming to an end. This memoir is a rare document that combines the historical with the personal, told with heart by author Sarit Gradwohl, Hamama’s real-life granddaughter.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 12, 2019
4 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 24, 2019
Personal and factual at the same time - a real page turner!
The immigration of Yemenite Jews to Israel, starting from the first wave in the late nineteenth century through recent times, constitutes an important chapter in the history of the State of Israel. While many books capture the factual perspective, this one takes a much more personal approach as it is inspired by the lives of the author’s grandparents.
The book is a fascinating narrative about the early years of two young people and their families in Yemen, and their struggles after immigrating to Israel in the 1940’s. The story line conveys insightful details about Yemeni traditions, family relationships, deep religious beliefs – and, not to forget, the delicious traditional Yemeni recipes handed down through generations.
The author, whose love and devotion to her grandparents clearly shine through, tells the story with creativity, poetic skill and compassion. While the book was originally published in Hebrew, this eloquent English translation stays true to the linguistic style of the original version.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in learning more about Jewish Yemeni culture and history and the early experience in the newly founded State of Israel.
The immigration of Yemenite Jews to Israel, starting from the first wave in the late nineteenth century through recent times, constitutes an important chapter in the history of the State of Israel. While many books capture the factual perspective, this one takes a much more personal approach as it is inspired by the lives of the author’s grandparents.
The book is a fascinating narrative about the early years of two young people and their families in Yemen, and their struggles after immigrating to Israel in the 1940’s. The story line conveys insightful details about Yemeni traditions, family relationships, deep religious beliefs – and, not to forget, the delicious traditional Yemeni recipes handed down through generations.
The author, whose love and devotion to her grandparents clearly shine through, tells the story with creativity, poetic skill and compassion. While the book was originally published in Hebrew, this eloquent English translation stays true to the linguistic style of the original version.
This book is a must read for anyone interested in learning more about Jewish Yemeni culture and history and the early experience in the newly founded State of Israel.
July 17, 2019
If you like engaging storytelling, life adventure stories, factual memoirs and edge of your seat suspense then this book is for you. I found myself up way too late just to read one more chapter and finished it quicker than I would like. The author has a way of captivating you in the story through multiple timelines that keeps you turning page after page. She takes a perspective that is unique but at the he same time seems so familiar. Highest recommendation!
June 9, 2021
Excellent. I couldn't put it down. I hadn't known about aliyah from Yemen before Operation On Wings of Eagles (Magic Carpet) 1949- early 50's.
This is a beautiful story about one couple, Hamama and Hasan, and is written by their granddaughter.
This is a beautiful story about one couple, Hamama and Hasan, and is written by their granddaughter.
June 9, 2021
Excellent. I couldn't put it down. I hadn't known about aliyah from Yemen before Operation On Wings of Eagles (Magic Carpet) 1949- early 50's.
This is a beautiful story about one couple, Hamama and Hasan, and is written by their granddaughter.
This is a beautiful story about one couple, Hamama and Hasan, and is written by their granddaughter.
December 30, 2025
It was a lot harder to read but for all the right reasons
August 19, 2019
This book was incredible. One of the best books I’ve read. It will leave you thinking about the characters and their journey to Israel even after you are done with the book. You will be able to share in the joy and sorrow the family experienced. I feel like I know Hamama and her experiences with family, friends, adventure, loss, and love. I can’t wait to read more books by this amazing author.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews