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An Observant Wife
In this rich and compassionate novel, An Observant Wife, Naomi Ragen continues the love story between newly observant California-girl Leah and ultra-Orthodox widower Yaakov from An Unorthodox Match.
From the joy of their wedding day surrounded by supportive friends and family, Yaakov and Leah are soon plunged into the complex reality of their new lives together as Yaakov leaves his beloved yeshiva to work in the city, and Leah confronts the often agonizing restrictions imposed by religious laws governing even the most intimate moments of their married lives. Adding to their difficulties is the hostility of some in the community who continue to view Leah as a dangerous interloper, questioning her sincerity and adherence to religious laws and spreading outrageous rumors.
In the midst of their heartfelt attempts to reach a balance between their human needs and their spiritual obligations, the discovery of a secret, forbidden relationship between troubled teenage daughter Shaindele and a local boy precipitates a maelstrom of life-changing consequences for all.
From the joy of their wedding day surrounded by supportive friends and family, Yaakov and Leah are soon plunged into the complex reality of their new lives together as Yaakov leaves his beloved yeshiva to work in the city, and Leah confronts the often agonizing restrictions imposed by religious laws governing even the most intimate moments of their married lives. Adding to their difficulties is the hostility of some in the community who continue to view Leah as a dangerous interloper, questioning her sincerity and adherence to religious laws and spreading outrageous rumors.
In the midst of their heartfelt attempts to reach a balance between their human needs and their spiritual obligations, the discovery of a secret, forbidden relationship between troubled teenage daughter Shaindele and a local boy precipitates a maelstrom of life-changing consequences for all.
320 pages, ebook
First published September 14, 2021
323 people are currently reading
7632 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Ragen
18 books579 followersNaomi Ragen is an American-born novelist and playwright who has lived in Jerusalem since 1971. She has published seven internationally best-selling novels, and is the author of a hit play. Naomi also publishes a regular column that deals with Jewish subjects, especially Israel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/naomir...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/naomir...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 231 reviews
October 29, 2021
3.5
An Unorthodox Match was a lovely story, about dealing with loss and grief, about how fate and faith bring a Hasidic Jewish family together. I wanted to read this sequel because I enjoyed that one so much, but I have mixed feelings about it.
I loved the introspective view we get of the main characters through alternating narratives and some serious issues are dealt with depression, abuse by a community psychologist. I cared about this family and wanted them to get through their struggles. But there seemed to be another focus here - a big criticism of the community, it’s morality and stringent rules, how it sabotaged people’s careers because they dare to protect their child. This is not my world so I can’t say whether the criticism is justified or not, but it seemed to dominate the story. I would, though, recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first book.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through Edelweiss.
An Unorthodox Match was a lovely story, about dealing with loss and grief, about how fate and faith bring a Hasidic Jewish family together. I wanted to read this sequel because I enjoyed that one so much, but I have mixed feelings about it.
I loved the introspective view we get of the main characters through alternating narratives and some serious issues are dealt with depression, abuse by a community psychologist. I cared about this family and wanted them to get through their struggles. But there seemed to be another focus here - a big criticism of the community, it’s morality and stringent rules, how it sabotaged people’s careers because they dare to protect their child. This is not my world so I can’t say whether the criticism is justified or not, but it seemed to dominate the story. I would, though, recommend it to anyone who enjoyed the first book.
I received a copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through Edelweiss.
October 24, 2021
An Observant Wife by Naomi Raven was the sequel to her book An Unorthodox Match. I listened to the audiobook that was very pleasantly read by Gabra Zackman. The Observant Wife revealed the love story between a newly observant woman and an ultra orthodox man. It was both touching and inspiring, eye opening and revealing. The characters were well developed and believable with a plot that will surely draw you in.
The Observant Wife began at the wedding of Leah and Yaakov. Leah had completed her learning at the Haredi enclave and was ready to become Yaakov’s wife and assimilate into the ultra orthodox community of Boro Park, Brooklyn. Leah had finally found the personal and spiritual fulfillment she so desperately sought in marrying Yaakov and becoming part of this orthodox community. Leah yearned for acceptance, love and a family she could love and call her own. She had finally found all those things in Boro Park, Brooklyn or had she? She loved Yaakov and his children but the community of Boro Park had never accepted Leah as one of their own. They had never given her a chance and they jumped to their own conclusions from the very start. Not one person befriended her. Instead they spread vicious rumors about her even though gossiping was prohibited and frowned upon. There were evils that existed within this tight knit community but its members chose to close their eyes and ignore what was right in front of them. The people of Boro Park, Brooklyn were unable to open their hearts and arms and embrace and welcome Leah, a newcomer, to their ultra orthodox community even though the Torah taught them to do this. The members of this community also chose to blindly accept whatever the Rabbi told them to be true and right even when moral and/or ethical behavior was involved. This included proven child abuse. How will Leah and Yaakov respond to all these things? Will their faith remain intact?
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of An Observant Wife by Naomi Ragen. Although An Observant Wife was the sequel to An Unorthodox Match, it can definitely be read as a stand alone book. An Observant Wife differed from the countless other stories where orthodox women or men leave their ultra orthodox communities to live a secular life. In An Observant Wife, a secular woman chose to become ultra orthodox and assimilate into this very religious and pious community. It was well written and revealing. I have enjoyed reading all of Naomi Ragen’s books and this one was no exception. I highly recommend this book.
The Observant Wife began at the wedding of Leah and Yaakov. Leah had completed her learning at the Haredi enclave and was ready to become Yaakov’s wife and assimilate into the ultra orthodox community of Boro Park, Brooklyn. Leah had finally found the personal and spiritual fulfillment she so desperately sought in marrying Yaakov and becoming part of this orthodox community. Leah yearned for acceptance, love and a family she could love and call her own. She had finally found all those things in Boro Park, Brooklyn or had she? She loved Yaakov and his children but the community of Boro Park had never accepted Leah as one of their own. They had never given her a chance and they jumped to their own conclusions from the very start. Not one person befriended her. Instead they spread vicious rumors about her even though gossiping was prohibited and frowned upon. There were evils that existed within this tight knit community but its members chose to close their eyes and ignore what was right in front of them. The people of Boro Park, Brooklyn were unable to open their hearts and arms and embrace and welcome Leah, a newcomer, to their ultra orthodox community even though the Torah taught them to do this. The members of this community also chose to blindly accept whatever the Rabbi told them to be true and right even when moral and/or ethical behavior was involved. This included proven child abuse. How will Leah and Yaakov respond to all these things? Will their faith remain intact?
I enjoyed listening to the audiobook of An Observant Wife by Naomi Ragen. Although An Observant Wife was the sequel to An Unorthodox Match, it can definitely be read as a stand alone book. An Observant Wife differed from the countless other stories where orthodox women or men leave their ultra orthodox communities to live a secular life. In An Observant Wife, a secular woman chose to become ultra orthodox and assimilate into this very religious and pious community. It was well written and revealing. I have enjoyed reading all of Naomi Ragen’s books and this one was no exception. I highly recommend this book.
May 22, 2021
3.5 rounded up to 4
I loved how this author pointed out the absurdity’s in the culture and how it could also be a warm, kind community if effective leadership is in place. This book is a continuation of her prior book. The characters are well developed and interesting. We learn about the ultra orthodox Jewish community in New York, but hang in there, it gets much better as the setting moves a bit south. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
I loved how this author pointed out the absurdity’s in the culture and how it could also be a warm, kind community if effective leadership is in place. This book is a continuation of her prior book. The characters are well developed and interesting. We learn about the ultra orthodox Jewish community in New York, but hang in there, it gets much better as the setting moves a bit south. Thank you NetGalley for the ARC.
October 18, 2021
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an egalley in exchange for an honest review.
One of my most eagerly anticipated books of the year was the sequel to one of my favourite reads An Unorthodox Match. Beginning at the wedding of Leah and Yaakov and following them through the first years of their marriage, the two will have to learn to compromise with one another while also dealing with the always watchful eyes of the community.
Naomi Ragen made my day, my week, and even my year by writing this sequel. I loved the chapters that alternated between Yaakov, Leah, and oldest daughter Shaindele. So many challenges and I enjoyed how the author just kept baiting us with little hints of what was to come. I was so satisfied with how this ended. However, I wouldn't be opposed to a trilogy( LOL).
Publication Date 14/09/21
Goodreads review 18/10/21
One of my most eagerly anticipated books of the year was the sequel to one of my favourite reads An Unorthodox Match. Beginning at the wedding of Leah and Yaakov and following them through the first years of their marriage, the two will have to learn to compromise with one another while also dealing with the always watchful eyes of the community.
Naomi Ragen made my day, my week, and even my year by writing this sequel. I loved the chapters that alternated between Yaakov, Leah, and oldest daughter Shaindele. So many challenges and I enjoyed how the author just kept baiting us with little hints of what was to come. I was so satisfied with how this ended. However, I wouldn't be opposed to a trilogy( LOL).
Publication Date 14/09/21
Goodreads review 18/10/21
September 26, 2021
In An Unorthodox Match, we were introduced to Leah, a 30-something woman who turns to ultra-Orthodox Judaism after leading a mostly secular life, desperate for meaning and true connection to something greater than herself. As she enters the religious community of Boro Park in Brooklyn, she comes to care for a widowed man named Yaakov and his motherless children.
Here, in An Observant Wife, we follow Leah and Yaakov as the story continues with their wedding and early marriage. Leah has found true love with a good and kind man who loves her back, and she’s found fulfillment by becoming a mother to his young children, whom she loves unreservedly. She’s also made piece with his 17-year-old daugher Shaindele, who in the first book was set on sabotaging the relationship, but has now come to accept and even appreciate Leah’s innate goodness and the joy she’s brought back to their little family.
While Leah is committed to her family and to the complicated rules of behavior that come with with life in the religious community, the community does not truly accept her. Seemingly innocent moments get blown out of proportion and become the fodder for increasingly hostile gossip. When Shaindele is unwise and gets involved in a secret relationship with the black sheep son of a powerful family, the scandal can only be contained by agreeing to a harsh set of decrees from her school principle, but these in turn put Shaindele at risk. And when Leah and Yaakov take a stand to protect her, their entire way of life, as well as their family’s safety, is on the line.
Without going into detail, I will say that once again the author delivers an insider’s look into a world that feels like a completely alien culture. Even as someone raised in an observant Jewish household, I find this setting among the ultra-Orthodox startling and eye-opening. The rules governing every single moment of one’s life seem oppressive and often degrading to me, yet the author does an effective job of conveying how the people within the community find meaning and reinforcement of their faith by virtue of these guidelines for how to live a proper life.
The book perhaps spends too much time on introspection, as we follow the thoughts and feelings of not just Leah, but also Yaakov, Shaindele, and the family’s grandmother, Fruma Esther. It’s interesting to see how they deal with their lives and their religious obligations, but the plot can bog down when there are pages of contemplation and inner turmoil.
The plot takes some dramatic turns, and by the end, I was very invested in the characters’ well-being and their relationships. I did feel that the wrap-up was a little too neat and ideal, but the path to get there was certainly worthwhile.
Overall, An Observant Wife is a fascinating look into a world that can feel like a throwback to an earlier century for a 21st century reader, yet it’s set very much in the contemporary world of the ultra-Orthodox. I really came to care for the characters and could appreciate their devotion to their way of life, even while knowing that the religious elements that would absolute send me running in the other direction if they ever applied to my own life.
This book and An Unorthodox Match are both worth reading — the unusual setting and the memorable characters bring this world and its people to life.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
Here, in An Observant Wife, we follow Leah and Yaakov as the story continues with their wedding and early marriage. Leah has found true love with a good and kind man who loves her back, and she’s found fulfillment by becoming a mother to his young children, whom she loves unreservedly. She’s also made piece with his 17-year-old daugher Shaindele, who in the first book was set on sabotaging the relationship, but has now come to accept and even appreciate Leah’s innate goodness and the joy she’s brought back to their little family.
While Leah is committed to her family and to the complicated rules of behavior that come with with life in the religious community, the community does not truly accept her. Seemingly innocent moments get blown out of proportion and become the fodder for increasingly hostile gossip. When Shaindele is unwise and gets involved in a secret relationship with the black sheep son of a powerful family, the scandal can only be contained by agreeing to a harsh set of decrees from her school principle, but these in turn put Shaindele at risk. And when Leah and Yaakov take a stand to protect her, their entire way of life, as well as their family’s safety, is on the line.
Without going into detail, I will say that once again the author delivers an insider’s look into a world that feels like a completely alien culture. Even as someone raised in an observant Jewish household, I find this setting among the ultra-Orthodox startling and eye-opening. The rules governing every single moment of one’s life seem oppressive and often degrading to me, yet the author does an effective job of conveying how the people within the community find meaning and reinforcement of their faith by virtue of these guidelines for how to live a proper life.
The book perhaps spends too much time on introspection, as we follow the thoughts and feelings of not just Leah, but also Yaakov, Shaindele, and the family’s grandmother, Fruma Esther. It’s interesting to see how they deal with their lives and their religious obligations, but the plot can bog down when there are pages of contemplation and inner turmoil.
The plot takes some dramatic turns, and by the end, I was very invested in the characters’ well-being and their relationships. I did feel that the wrap-up was a little too neat and ideal, but the path to get there was certainly worthwhile.
Overall, An Observant Wife is a fascinating look into a world that can feel like a throwback to an earlier century for a 21st century reader, yet it’s set very much in the contemporary world of the ultra-Orthodox. I really came to care for the characters and could appreciate their devotion to their way of life, even while knowing that the religious elements that would absolute send me running in the other direction if they ever applied to my own life.
This book and An Unorthodox Match are both worth reading — the unusual setting and the memorable characters bring this world and its people to life.
Review copy courtesy of the publisher via NetGalley. Full review at Bookshelf Fantasies.
December 14, 2021
I first want to thank the author, publisher St. Martin's Press, and Goodreads Giveaway program for the ARC of this book I received. I read and really liked the first book in this duo (so far, there are two). And this book continues the story of Leah Howard, as she marries and tries to fit into the ultra orthodox family of Yaakov, and the community in which they live. In that first book, An Unorthodox Match, the author portrayed a community that could be loving, accepting, and helpful to a young woman who wanted desperately to find her way among them. But she also showed a different side, one that was judgmental, cruel and critical, and demoralizing. In this story that is expounded upon even more, as Leah finds more and more about this ultra orthodox life that is hard for her to accept and adhere to. Eventually what had been hateful, self-righteous, and mean, becomes more brutal, violent and angry, and Leah and Yaakov fear for their family.
Again, I learned more about the culture, and the expectations placed upon women in an ultra orthodox Jewish community, as well as those among them who sincerely try to practice the Torah's teachings of love, and who seem to have a true spiritual understanding of the world. I appreciate the way the author presents a balanced view of this mostly hidden segment of our current society.
Again, I learned more about the culture, and the expectations placed upon women in an ultra orthodox Jewish community, as well as those among them who sincerely try to practice the Torah's teachings of love, and who seem to have a true spiritual understanding of the world. I appreciate the way the author presents a balanced view of this mostly hidden segment of our current society.
April 26, 2021
When I received word that I was approved by NetGalley to read An Observant Wife, which is a sequel to An Unorthodox Match, I immediately read that first book (which I loved). I was so excited to read this book, and I wasn’t disappointed. It is easily a five-star read.
It’s the continuing story of newly married Leah and Yaakov. Leah is a returning Jew (from the secular world), and Yaakov is ultra Orthodox. The saga resumes with Leah still trying to gain acceptance into her ‘new’ world and not getting it. Their beautiful love for each other carries them through the many crises that arise in the book. The ending is terrific and allows the possibility of another sequel.
Well described are the endless rules, some of them Biblical, some of them manmade, of this Orthodox Jewish faith. Dirty, dirty politics among this sect in Boro Park, Brooklyn are exposed. I wonder to myself, how much of this is fiction and how much is real life. The author is profoundly inspired to add the beauty of Bible quotations to her story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review An Observant Wife. I enjoyed it immensely and would give it many more than five stars if I could.
It’s the continuing story of newly married Leah and Yaakov. Leah is a returning Jew (from the secular world), and Yaakov is ultra Orthodox. The saga resumes with Leah still trying to gain acceptance into her ‘new’ world and not getting it. Their beautiful love for each other carries them through the many crises that arise in the book. The ending is terrific and allows the possibility of another sequel.
Well described are the endless rules, some of them Biblical, some of them manmade, of this Orthodox Jewish faith. Dirty, dirty politics among this sect in Boro Park, Brooklyn are exposed. I wonder to myself, how much of this is fiction and how much is real life. The author is profoundly inspired to add the beauty of Bible quotations to her story.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review An Observant Wife. I enjoyed it immensely and would give it many more than five stars if I could.
Read
September 23, 2021An Observant wife, by Naomi Ragen, is the anticipated sequel to An Unorthodox Match. As this sequel begins, California native and Ba'al Tshuvah Leah has married New York born, and bred, Ultra Orthodox, Yaakov. To recap, Yaakov was struggling to raise his five children alone, after his first wife committed suicide. Leah then entered Yaakov's life as a volunteer nanny, and now, they have officially tied the knot. Fruma Esther, the children's maternal grandmother, really hoped Yaakov would marry a local, but, she accepts Leah as the next best, and maintains an active role with the family (even though her daughter is out of the picture, so to speak). I really only mention Fruma Esther because she is such a wonderful character in the book!
As their wedded life begins, Leah hopes not only to be more readily accepted into the community, but also, hopes to have a child with Yaakov. She becomes extremely frustrated with the orthodox laws of marital purity. Yaakov's life also undergoes a radical change, when he leaves full time studies for an actual job. In this mix, the eldest daughter Shaindele, gets into mischief in school. The result is a perfect storm.
If you loved book one, then you will definitely enjoy this sequel. I especially enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by @gabracadabra, one of my favourite audiobook narrators. Thank you #netgalley and Macmillan audio for the audiobook in return for my honest review. #5stars.
As their wedded life begins, Leah hopes not only to be more readily accepted into the community, but also, hopes to have a child with Yaakov. She becomes extremely frustrated with the orthodox laws of marital purity. Yaakov's life also undergoes a radical change, when he leaves full time studies for an actual job. In this mix, the eldest daughter Shaindele, gets into mischief in school. The result is a perfect storm.
If you loved book one, then you will definitely enjoy this sequel. I especially enjoyed the audiobook, narrated by @gabracadabra, one of my favourite audiobook narrators. Thank you #netgalley and Macmillan audio for the audiobook in return for my honest review. #5stars.
April 12, 2021
I loved this sequel to AN UNORTHODOX MATCH and although it had been awhile since I read it, I quickly remembered the details. AN OBSERVANT WIFE finds our reconstituted family doing well enough until small challenges grow beyond control. I wondered how the author would resolve these and she did an excellent job. The solutions fit the characters and milieu perfectly. My only mild critique would be the over reliance on foreshadowing; it wasn’t necessary and could have used a lighter tough. Otherwise, this tale of life in a Brooklyn Orthodox Jewish community was engaging and compelling. This is definitely worth reading after the first book. I received my copy from the publisher through NetGalley.
October 11, 2021
This is a sequel to “An Unorthodox Match”. I enjoyed the first book very much. I thought this one was terrible making the majority of characters unlikeable and only showing the negatives of this community. A disappointment.
January 4, 2022
I've been a fan of Naomi Ragen for over twenty-five years, and this is definitely one of my favorite books of hers. The characters are well-drawn and though Ragen breaks the novelist rules of limiting scenes to one POV [point-of-view], I had no trouble following whose head we were in. I found some of the soul-searching inner dialogues too long. But as a woman in her 8th decade, I loved the romance between the elderly Rav Alter [alter means old in Yiddish] and widowed Bubbe Esther. Why should the young have all the fun?
As some of you may know, I have a new book coming out in the Spring, The Choice: A Novel of Love, Faith and The Talmud. As I read Ragen's novel, I was pleasantly astonished to notice the similarity between her subplots and mine. One, the prevalence of child sexual abuse by Haredi clergy and how to deal with it when the community both won't admit that such behavior exists and, once they can't deny it, refuses to file complaints with the secular authorities; both in the 1950s [my novel] and 2010s [hers]. In hers, the primary victim is our hero's daughter. In mine, my subplot's protagonist is the Hasidic child psychologist who treats the abused children and because of this, faces his community's hostility. Two, how to handle disillusionment with your religion's norms while retaining your faith.
But back to An Observant Wife. The most important comparison with my novel and Ragen's, is that we both leave our readers with a happy ending, something I appreciate more and more these days.
As some of you may know, I have a new book coming out in the Spring, The Choice: A Novel of Love, Faith and The Talmud. As I read Ragen's novel, I was pleasantly astonished to notice the similarity between her subplots and mine. One, the prevalence of child sexual abuse by Haredi clergy and how to deal with it when the community both won't admit that such behavior exists and, once they can't deny it, refuses to file complaints with the secular authorities; both in the 1950s [my novel] and 2010s [hers]. In hers, the primary victim is our hero's daughter. In mine, my subplot's protagonist is the Hasidic child psychologist who treats the abused children and because of this, faces his community's hostility. Two, how to handle disillusionment with your religion's norms while retaining your faith.
But back to An Observant Wife. The most important comparison with my novel and Ragen's, is that we both leave our readers with a happy ending, something I appreciate more and more these days.
December 18, 2021
The book really spoke to me as a baalas teshuvah living in a frum community. Raegen did a great job characterizing many of the inner tensions and pressures in Haredi communities. Don’t despair, there’s a silver lining to the story.
December 1, 2022
Last year I had enjoyed An Unorthodox Match, so I was interested in checking out the sequel, An Observant Wife. This story picks up where the first one left off, but it can be read as a standalone as there is a lot of information to fill in the blanks. It was an interesting read that also gave off the feeling of watching Shtisel, which I still miss. It also felt like an Orthodox soap opera at times.
I enjoyed catching up with the Lehman family and felt so bad about what they were going through due to a really unpleasant situation (trigger warnings listed at the bottom of this review). I wanted them to have a win after everything that was happening to them. The situation is similar to stuff that is actually happening and it's terrifying how far people will go to cover up such horrible behavior.
A lot of what Leah was feeling in this book was so relatable, as a ba'al teshuva ("a Jew from a non-Orthodox background who becomes religiously observant in an Orthodox fashion"-Wikipedia). I definitely felt sympathetic toward her. I also loved her relationship with her step-children.
I don't know that there will be a third book, but I would definitely read it if Naomi decided to continue the Lehman family's story. By projecting the epilogue forward a few years, it leaves lots of room for them to have more experiences.
I have a hard time casting books like this as I want to keep it as authentic to the faith as possible. If Amy Adams were Jewish, she'd be so great as Leah. I sometimes picture Michael Aloni as Yaakov, only because of how this book feels so much like Shtisel.
Trigger warnings below.
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TW: grooming, molestation, intense bullying
I enjoyed catching up with the Lehman family and felt so bad about what they were going through due to a really unpleasant situation (trigger warnings listed at the bottom of this review). I wanted them to have a win after everything that was happening to them. The situation is similar to stuff that is actually happening and it's terrifying how far people will go to cover up such horrible behavior.
A lot of what Leah was feeling in this book was so relatable, as a ba'al teshuva ("a Jew from a non-Orthodox background who becomes religiously observant in an Orthodox fashion"-Wikipedia). I definitely felt sympathetic toward her. I also loved her relationship with her step-children.
I don't know that there will be a third book, but I would definitely read it if Naomi decided to continue the Lehman family's story. By projecting the epilogue forward a few years, it leaves lots of room for them to have more experiences.
I have a hard time casting books like this as I want to keep it as authentic to the faith as possible. If Amy Adams were Jewish, she'd be so great as Leah. I sometimes picture Michael Aloni as Yaakov, only because of how this book feels so much like Shtisel.
Trigger warnings below.
*
*
*
*
*
TW: grooming, molestation, intense bullying
September 6, 2021
An Observant Wife, the sequel to An Unorthodox Match, continues the story of Leah and Yaakov as they get married and face a slew of issues: some from adjusting to newly married life; some from the judgmental Orthodox Jewish community around them; some from cultural differences resulting from the different lifestyles each grew up in; some from problems they face with their teenage daughter, Shaindel; some from their livelihoods; and more. The novel lets us see how they deal with these various concerns, often with the gentle support from their advocates Bubbee Fruma Esther, Rav Aryeh, Rav Alter, the Blausteins. and Rabbi Weintraub.
The characters are well-developed and the conflicts Leah and Yaakov face are realistically presented. How each conflict is resolved constitutes the backbone of this novel. A fast and engrossing read!
Note: It is recommended that you read An Unorthodox Match before this sequel. It provides the background needed to better appreciate this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The characters are well-developed and the conflicts Leah and Yaakov face are realistically presented. How each conflict is resolved constitutes the backbone of this novel. A fast and engrossing read!
Note: It is recommended that you read An Unorthodox Match before this sequel. It provides the background needed to better appreciate this novel.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 15, 2022
Real life.
It is always good to read stories that have a happy ending.
I also find it refreshing, to get a reminder that all people, no matter race or religion have good people and bad. Even the very religious have a few bad apples.
And no matter what is said, everyone gossips at some time or another.
It is always good to read stories that have a happy ending.
I also find it refreshing, to get a reminder that all people, no matter race or religion have good people and bad. Even the very religious have a few bad apples.
And no matter what is said, everyone gossips at some time or another.
March 18, 2024
This is difficult to review. I so enjoyed the previous book, An Unorthodox Match. This book was very much about the characters' thoughts about their lives and situations. And then it became mostly about the oldest daughter and covered difficult content. I stopped reading at one point. I just didn't want to focus on those topics. Just not for me.
January 25, 2022
Not quite as good as the prequel, but enjoyable nevertheless.
February 2, 2022
4.4 stars
November 8, 2021
The sequel to An Unorthodox Match, the story of Leah Lehman, someone who became more observant, proceeds from shortly after her marriage. She is adjusting to live as a wife, step-mother, and working mother. When her step-daughter acts out by hanging around with an inappropriate boy, she is forced to see a therapist who is even more inappropriate. When Lean finds out what happens, she roils with anger. But the Hasidic community fights back, and soon her tires are slashed and she is run over by a bicycle. The community rabbi intercedes, but the Lehman decide they will be happier in Virginia, far away from Borough Park.
I am doubly disappointed because I am a huge fan of Ragen's books, and I really enjoyed An Unorthodox Match. I found this one predictable, and the narration is off -- it gives the characters knowledge that they wouldn't have. An orthodox girl is talking about someone smelling "like an Irish bar" -- not that she would know but she walked by one a long time ago. The same orthodox girl notices a boy "imitating Michael Jackson dance moves." While much of her criticism of the Borough Park community is valid, a good portion of the book is taken up with it, so while it creates a sense of place, it also left little room for plot or character development. The "romance" between Frum and Rabbi Alter was so endearing, I wanted more of that and less social criticism.
I am doubly disappointed because I am a huge fan of Ragen's books, and I really enjoyed An Unorthodox Match. I found this one predictable, and the narration is off -- it gives the characters knowledge that they wouldn't have. An orthodox girl is talking about someone smelling "like an Irish bar" -- not that she would know but she walked by one a long time ago. The same orthodox girl notices a boy "imitating Michael Jackson dance moves." While much of her criticism of the Borough Park community is valid, a good portion of the book is taken up with it, so while it creates a sense of place, it also left little room for plot or character development. The "romance" between Frum and Rabbi Alter was so endearing, I wanted more of that and less social criticism.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2021
An Observant Wife is an excellent sequel to An Unorthodox Match (published in 2019). It’s a deep dive into Jewish culture (especially Orthodox Judaism), along with romance, grief, abuse of minors, hypocrisy, community pressure and a slew of other issues. This book follows the main characters from the first book, Leah and Yaakov, starting with their wedding. The author did not sugarcoat the attitudes of so many Orthodox Jews as it relates to outsiders or people who have converted to Judaism or, to those who, although born Jewish, are trying to become more observant - which is the case with the main female character, Leah. To many of the Orthodox Jews of Boro Park, Brooklyn, New York (where I grew up as a secular Jew, before it became so ultra-religious), nothing they do will be good enough. But luckily, not everyone feels that way, as Ragen makes clear. Leah and her husband Yaakov face a lot of struggles in this book, from Yaakov having to leave his life of full-time “learning” (Talmud study) to make a living as an accountant, to Yaakov’s oldest daughter, Shaindele, who is still reeling from her mother’s untimely death and is chafing under the community’s rules. One thing that I did not care for - Ragen ends so many chapters with warnings of doom, that it cast a bit of a pall over the story. Statements like “…neither dreaming about the far-reaching and unimaginable consequences of this decision” could have been left out and just let the action proceed, with better effect, in my opinion.
I loved the character of Fruma Esther, who is Yaakov’s children’s grandmother, his dead first wife’s mother. She lent the book a feeling of warmth, humanity and unbounded love, reinforced by her strong Jewish faith.
There is so much Jewish content here that I truly don’t know how someone outside Judaism will feel about it, but from reviews of An Unorthodox Match, it seems that it will work for non-Jews as well as secular Jews. Many Yiddish and Hebrew words and phrases pepper the text. Generally, you can figure out the meaning from the context if the author doesn’t translate it directly, but note that there’s a helpful glossary at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I loved the character of Fruma Esther, who is Yaakov’s children’s grandmother, his dead first wife’s mother. She lent the book a feeling of warmth, humanity and unbounded love, reinforced by her strong Jewish faith.
There is so much Jewish content here that I truly don’t know how someone outside Judaism will feel about it, but from reviews of An Unorthodox Match, it seems that it will work for non-Jews as well as secular Jews. Many Yiddish and Hebrew words and phrases pepper the text. Generally, you can figure out the meaning from the context if the author doesn’t translate it directly, but note that there’s a helpful glossary at the end of the book.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
April 19, 2021
An Observant Wife by Naomi Regan
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I have read the author’s previous book, An Unorthodox Match, loved it and was looking forward to this sequel. I was definitely not disappointed. The book opens with Leah’s and Yakov’s wedding and it deals with their first year of marriage. Yakov is a Torah scholar, a widow with 5 children. Leah is a formerly secular Jew who studied and embraced the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. Any marriage has its ups and downs in the first year, but this couple has to deal with more than usual. Leah is not well accepted into the community, Yakov has to work for the first time in his life to earn a living. Two small children and a questioning rebellious teenage daughter do not make their life very easy.
I couldn’t put this book down, I stayed up most of the night to finish more than half of the novel. It is very well written, the characters are well developed. I cheered and cried with Leah and Shaindele. There are very serious issues addressed beyond the marriage of Yakov and Leah. Without giving anything away, I liked the end, it was very realistic.
I am Jewish, so I knew many of the Yiddish and Hebrew sayings, but far from all. Reading an e book, it is not easy to go back and forth to the glossary. I think using less of the Yiddish and Hebrew or explanation in parentheses would make this book more welcome to an extended audience.
5 stars for sure, and I do not often rate 5 stars.
Thanks NetGalley, Martin Press and Naomi Regan for the advanced copy
I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I have read the author’s previous book, An Unorthodox Match, loved it and was looking forward to this sequel. I was definitely not disappointed. The book opens with Leah’s and Yakov’s wedding and it deals with their first year of marriage. Yakov is a Torah scholar, a widow with 5 children. Leah is a formerly secular Jew who studied and embraced the Orthodox Jewish lifestyle. Any marriage has its ups and downs in the first year, but this couple has to deal with more than usual. Leah is not well accepted into the community, Yakov has to work for the first time in his life to earn a living. Two small children and a questioning rebellious teenage daughter do not make their life very easy.
I couldn’t put this book down, I stayed up most of the night to finish more than half of the novel. It is very well written, the characters are well developed. I cheered and cried with Leah and Shaindele. There are very serious issues addressed beyond the marriage of Yakov and Leah. Without giving anything away, I liked the end, it was very realistic.
I am Jewish, so I knew many of the Yiddish and Hebrew sayings, but far from all. Reading an e book, it is not easy to go back and forth to the glossary. I think using less of the Yiddish and Hebrew or explanation in parentheses would make this book more welcome to an extended audience.
5 stars for sure, and I do not often rate 5 stars.
Thanks NetGalley, Martin Press and Naomi Regan for the advanced copy
May 25, 2021
This book embodies the #MeToo movement in an Orthadox community. I appreciated a glimpse into the life of Orthadox Jews including an outsider coming into the community. The glossary was very helpful at first until I learned the Yiddish terms.
This book was a bit slow to start, but really started to pick up when Shaindele's world started to unravel. Leah's character ended up being very likeable/my favorite and really helped make the overall story. Strong women for the win!
This book was a bit slow to start, but really started to pick up when Shaindele's world started to unravel. Leah's character ended up being very likeable/my favorite and really helped make the overall story. Strong women for the win!
June 19, 2022
I'm a little torn between 3 and 4 stars and I'm rounding down because compared to other things by Naomi Ragen, I don't think it's her best work. I enjoyed this, but I feel like things resolved a little too easily and I never really felt the tension. The characters were a little one-sided- the good people were good, the bad people were bad and I feel like we missed out on a more in depth look. Still good, though.
February 7, 2022
Definitely my favorite Naomi Ragen book. Loved listening to it…especially when the older characters speak with lots of Yiddish interspersed.
October 23, 2022
This sequel to An Unorthodox Match, although a bit slower paced, is a good continuation to the original story which lifts the lid on the insular and stringent world of the ultra orthodox Jewish community, unveiling the injustice and corruption that goes on behind closed doors.
***The Storyline***
Leah, a baal teshuva (a newly observant orthodox Jewish woman) and new to the ultra orthodox Jewish community, is happily married to the kind and pious Yaakov. She is deeply in love with Yaakov and loves his children as her own, and can’t wait to build their marital and family life together. However, many in the community do not accept Leah and judge her for her irreligious past, starting a smear campaign against her. Scandal also follows when Shaindele, Leah’s stepdaughter secretly dates a local boy with a bad reputation.
***The Good***
-I enjoy An Unorthodox Match so was looking forward to the sequel which didn’t disappoint. I liked the characters and liked how Leah and Yaakov embody true goodness and Jewish values unlike many in the community who despite the religious façade, lie, cheat and ruin people’s lives.
-I enjoy Jewish fiction and find reading about the ultra orthodox Jewish community very interesting. Naomi Ragen really brings to light a lot of the issues in this arcane and cultish community such as hidden sexual abuse, corruption, sexism and violence.
-The story lines were interesting including Shaindele’s foray into the secular world and the cute romance between Yaakov’s widowed former mother-in-law, Fruma Esther, and elderly widowed rabbi.
-I enjoyed the snippets of Jewish humor throughout the book. I’m a sucker for Jewish humor and Fruma Esther, although a typical dominating Jewish matriarch stereotype, made me laugh.
-Again, I imagined this book as a Netflix series in my mind. I think it would definitely make a good series- move over Shtiesel and The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem.
***The Bad***
-There weren’t really many negatives. The story was a bit slow paced at time and I did find it a bit difficult to understand why anybody would willingly want to be part of such a rigid and male dominated community where men have the upper hand and members must abide by oppressive and archaic rules that can often be dehumanizing.
Leah struggles with the laws of purity that demand a woman must not only refrain from sleeping with her husband during menstruation, but having any physical touch. Touch and intimacy are forbidden not only after menstruation, but a further week after menstruation to check that a woman is really “pure”.
Leah wants to be ultra religious but doesn’t like some of the laws. It felt a bit like of a contradiction to me and it made me hard to connect with her. It made me wonder why Leah had to choose such an extreme. You can believe in God and be a spiritual and religious person without having to reject secular life completely or follow antiquated laws.
***Conclusion***
An insightful and thought-provoking read that highlights the issues in the ultra orthodox community. Would definitely recommend to those who enjoy Jewish fiction or reading about other cultures and religions.
***Grading***
Characterization: A
Ending: A
Setting: A
Writing style and flow: A
Overall grade: A
***The Storyline***
Leah, a baal teshuva (a newly observant orthodox Jewish woman) and new to the ultra orthodox Jewish community, is happily married to the kind and pious Yaakov. She is deeply in love with Yaakov and loves his children as her own, and can’t wait to build their marital and family life together. However, many in the community do not accept Leah and judge her for her irreligious past, starting a smear campaign against her. Scandal also follows when Shaindele, Leah’s stepdaughter secretly dates a local boy with a bad reputation.
***The Good***
-I enjoy An Unorthodox Match so was looking forward to the sequel which didn’t disappoint. I liked the characters and liked how Leah and Yaakov embody true goodness and Jewish values unlike many in the community who despite the religious façade, lie, cheat and ruin people’s lives.
-I enjoy Jewish fiction and find reading about the ultra orthodox Jewish community very interesting. Naomi Ragen really brings to light a lot of the issues in this arcane and cultish community such as hidden sexual abuse, corruption, sexism and violence.
-The story lines were interesting including Shaindele’s foray into the secular world and the cute romance between Yaakov’s widowed former mother-in-law, Fruma Esther, and elderly widowed rabbi.
-I enjoyed the snippets of Jewish humor throughout the book. I’m a sucker for Jewish humor and Fruma Esther, although a typical dominating Jewish matriarch stereotype, made me laugh.
-Again, I imagined this book as a Netflix series in my mind. I think it would definitely make a good series- move over Shtiesel and The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem.
***The Bad***
-There weren’t really many negatives. The story was a bit slow paced at time and I did find it a bit difficult to understand why anybody would willingly want to be part of such a rigid and male dominated community where men have the upper hand and members must abide by oppressive and archaic rules that can often be dehumanizing.
Leah struggles with the laws of purity that demand a woman must not only refrain from sleeping with her husband during menstruation, but having any physical touch. Touch and intimacy are forbidden not only after menstruation, but a further week after menstruation to check that a woman is really “pure”.
Leah wants to be ultra religious but doesn’t like some of the laws. It felt a bit like of a contradiction to me and it made me hard to connect with her. It made me wonder why Leah had to choose such an extreme. You can believe in God and be a spiritual and religious person without having to reject secular life completely or follow antiquated laws.
***Conclusion***
An insightful and thought-provoking read that highlights the issues in the ultra orthodox community. Would definitely recommend to those who enjoy Jewish fiction or reading about other cultures and religions.
***Grading***
Characterization: A
Ending: A
Setting: A
Writing style and flow: A
Overall grade: A
April 13, 2021
I enjoyed Ragen’s earlier book about the newly ultra-Orthodox Leah Howard., so I was delighted to see this sequel. Often sequels appear too late for me to remember the earlier plot and characters, but happily Ragen’s timing is perfect.
We get to see Leah as a bride moving into the complex Haredi community in Boro Park. Ragen does not sugarcoat the life she finds there. It is actually the restrictions that push her to reflect on her own Feminist beliefs and the way they mesh with this lifestyle.
Leah’s love for her husband and stepchildren push her toward behavior that make her a pariah in this closed society. I felt like I learned so much about the inner life of the community. There are several subplots within the story but Ragen ties them all together. The characters are humanized, but based on news stories, not whitewashed.
I do recommend this book, but it is not easily liked as a stand-alone, rather it should be read after “An Unorthodox Match”. I found these novels gave me a glimpse into a community that is so important here in New York City.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to meet old friends.
We get to see Leah as a bride moving into the complex Haredi community in Boro Park. Ragen does not sugarcoat the life she finds there. It is actually the restrictions that push her to reflect on her own Feminist beliefs and the way they mesh with this lifestyle.
Leah’s love for her husband and stepchildren push her toward behavior that make her a pariah in this closed society. I felt like I learned so much about the inner life of the community. There are several subplots within the story but Ragen ties them all together. The characters are humanized, but based on news stories, not whitewashed.
I do recommend this book, but it is not easily liked as a stand-alone, rather it should be read after “An Unorthodox Match”. I found these novels gave me a glimpse into a community that is so important here in New York City.
Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to meet old friends.
February 2, 2022
I did not realize this was a sequel to AN UNORTHODOX MATCH which I have not yet read.
The beginning is very strong. I was drawn to Leah, fascinated by her transition, and interested in the development of her relationship with the kids still at home. Ya'akov was a bit of a mystery, but slowly I figured out bits and pieces that must be in the first book.
The middle was harder for me. I was bored, and almost DNF. But I kept going. The subplot of Fruma Esther sorta brought me back into caring about the future, but it wasn't until Shaindel begins to emerge as her own voice did the book take off for me. The girl was the most interesting character of all. Each character approaches the path that they are on differently; that's what ultimately holds story together.
I won't do spoilers, but if you decide to read it, stick with it. It's not Ragen's best book, but I would recommend it...probably reading the two books in order would help. However, stick with it. Slog through the slow parts. The end is illuminating.
The beginning is very strong. I was drawn to Leah, fascinated by her transition, and interested in the development of her relationship with the kids still at home. Ya'akov was a bit of a mystery, but slowly I figured out bits and pieces that must be in the first book.
The middle was harder for me. I was bored, and almost DNF. But I kept going. The subplot of Fruma Esther sorta brought me back into caring about the future, but it wasn't until Shaindel begins to emerge as her own voice did the book take off for me. The girl was the most interesting character of all. Each character approaches the path that they are on differently; that's what ultimately holds story together.
I won't do spoilers, but if you decide to read it, stick with it. It's not Ragen's best book, but I would recommend it...probably reading the two books in order would help. However, stick with it. Slog through the slow parts. The end is illuminating.
May 7, 2021
I have always loved Naomi Ragen books. So when offered an ARC by Netgalley I jumped at the chance. Her writing is so compassionate and she makes you feel you are part of the story. This one again covered Orthodoxy and the complexity of living an observant life.
We follow Leah and Yakov, their marriage, their children and the choices they make. Some choices lead them to have life changing consequences for their children and themselves. A great page turner and look into Orthodoxy life. #fivestars #netgalley
We follow Leah and Yakov, their marriage, their children and the choices they make. Some choices lead them to have life changing consequences for their children and themselves. A great page turner and look into Orthodoxy life. #fivestars #netgalley
March 16, 2022
I really enjoyed this book and learning about the conformities and rituals of the orthodox Jewish religion. I only wish I had seen the glossary in the back to help me with all the Yiddish or Hebrew words.
I found myself rooting for Leah and the whole family, but feeling the confines of being raised and living in any strict religious household and community, especially where you are always feeling judged.
I love reading (and watching movies) about the Jewish plight from the Holocaust to the orthodox communities. If you do too, this will be great reading.
I found myself rooting for Leah and the whole family, but feeling the confines of being raised and living in any strict religious household and community, especially where you are always feeling judged.
I love reading (and watching movies) about the Jewish plight from the Holocaust to the orthodox communities. If you do too, this will be great reading.
January 8, 2024
While I loved to continue this story and the family, I was a bit disappointed in the ending. Everything felt rushed and too “easy” to uproot and change. It became hard to believe. I don’t see Leia just dropping police charges nor do I see them moving to Virginia so quickly with haste. While a baby might seem a good enough reason, and all the family is gone from New York. There just needed more context instead of rushing to the end. However, I still loved this family and glad it continued into the second book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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