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Ayuni
Miri and Ben’s paths should never have crossed. Although they live in the same north London neighbourhood of Stamford Hill, they come from two culturally different communities that rarely interact.
Miri is a sheltered but contemplative young woman from a Chassidic family. Her strict upbringing has prevented her from pursuing a career or being allowed to date. She has never even spoken to a boy other than a close relative. Soon, she will be expected to marry, but she fears being forced into an unsuitable shidduch (traditional, arranged marriage).
When her more adventurous friend invites her for an evening out, she agrees on a whim. It is an experience she will never forget. There, she meets Ben. Kind, sensitive, and hiding his own secret pain, Ben is from the exiled, Middle Eastern Jewish community of Aden. Despite their differences, Ben and Miri are drawn to one another. What her friend only intended as a bit of harmless fun soon develops into something more serious, with far-reaching consequences for them all, and risks tearing Miri’s family apart.
With distinct nuances from two little-known communities, Ayuni is a powerful story about forbidden love, loss, the complexities of family and community, and the bonds of friendship.
Miri is a sheltered but contemplative young woman from a Chassidic family. Her strict upbringing has prevented her from pursuing a career or being allowed to date. She has never even spoken to a boy other than a close relative. Soon, she will be expected to marry, but she fears being forced into an unsuitable shidduch (traditional, arranged marriage).
When her more adventurous friend invites her for an evening out, she agrees on a whim. It is an experience she will never forget. There, she meets Ben. Kind, sensitive, and hiding his own secret pain, Ben is from the exiled, Middle Eastern Jewish community of Aden. Despite their differences, Ben and Miri are drawn to one another. What her friend only intended as a bit of harmless fun soon develops into something more serious, with far-reaching consequences for them all, and risks tearing Miri’s family apart.
With distinct nuances from two little-known communities, Ayuni is a powerful story about forbidden love, loss, the complexities of family and community, and the bonds of friendship.
374 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2021
184 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 6, 2025
Ayuni is a story about Miri who is a young woman, she is Chassidish an ultra orthodox form of Judaism. She lives in London with her parents and part of her close knit religious community. She has a job she finds boring and does not wish to pursue an arranged marriage that is expected, her religion is very rigid. She rebels and falls in love with a non Chassidish boy.
I enjoyed learning about this religious community, it must be very difficult to adhere to this religion in today’s culture. This is more a YA novel which I am not but I still enjoyed this, well written and informative.
I enjoyed learning about this religious community, it must be very difficult to adhere to this religion in today’s culture. This is more a YA novel which I am not but I still enjoyed this, well written and informative.
February 3, 2022
I enjoyed this book but the ending tied up things a little too neatly. Miri's parents were the worst and if it were me I would have cut them off. Telling their daughter that she was a disgrace to the family because she didn't do exactly what they wanted her to do? So much for unconditional love.
October 21, 2021
Chick lit. However, it's an interesting look into the very strict Chassidich (Hassidic) Jewish community. Marriages are arranged by the parents and the girl then spends an hour talking with her potential husband before deciding whether to go ahead with the engagement. The couple then have very little opportunity to see each other again before the wedding. There is a strict dress code for both men and women. Married women have to cover their hair so many of them hide their own hair under a wig, or even have their heads shaved before wearing a wig. All these facts, and more, turn a standard love story into something more interesting.
July 4, 2021
I loved this book from beginning to end. If I could have given it more than 5 stars I would have. It’s a love story about two people from different backgrounds. It has lots of twists and turns. I loved it.
September 26, 2021
Ayuni was an incredible book. It played with my emotions so much throughout, at times I was so happy for Miri as she was discovering things about herself and her life, and at other times I was crying so much as my heart broke for both Miri and Ben.
As a Reform Jew, I don't know much about the Chassidic community, but I'm always eager to learn more, and this book provided me with a great amount of information to help understand that community better. Prior to reading this book, I didn't even know about the Adeni Jewish community. I loved learning about both of these communities and that Miri and Ben didn't let preconceived notions they had been taught about each other's community stop them from spending time together.
Sarah did such an incredible job in building both of the characters of Miri and Ben, that I felt like I knew them. I loved that throughout the book we not only got the perspective of Miri and Ben, but also the secondary characters in the book. I truly did not want this book to end, because I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters.
Thank you so much to Sarah Ansbacher for providing me with a digital copy of the book. It is phenomenal and I hope you will read Ayuni.
As a Reform Jew, I don't know much about the Chassidic community, but I'm always eager to learn more, and this book provided me with a great amount of information to help understand that community better. Prior to reading this book, I didn't even know about the Adeni Jewish community. I loved learning about both of these communities and that Miri and Ben didn't let preconceived notions they had been taught about each other's community stop them from spending time together.
Sarah did such an incredible job in building both of the characters of Miri and Ben, that I felt like I knew them. I loved that throughout the book we not only got the perspective of Miri and Ben, but also the secondary characters in the book. I truly did not want this book to end, because I was not ready to say goodbye to these characters.
Thank you so much to Sarah Ansbacher for providing me with a digital copy of the book. It is phenomenal and I hope you will read Ayuni.
February 3, 2025
If I could give this book 10 Stars … I would! I absolutely loved it. I just finished Wave after Wave - another absolutely wonderful book by Sarah. I saw that she had written two more books and, even though I am usually a historical fiction reader, I bought this. I devoured it in three days.
Miri lives in Stamford Hill in London and is part of the Chassidic Jewish sect. She is 18 when the story starts. Her best friend Raizy has met a boy in the Kosher Supermarket and they have arranged to meet. Raizy convinces Miri to join her, even though it would be strictly prohibited by her parents. That night Miri meets Ben, a university student who is part of the less strict Adeni. In the coming weeks they secretly meet regularly and build a close bond but Miri’s parents would never accept a boy outside of the Chassidic…..
I loved the characters Miri and Ben. I loved learning more about the sects. I think it would make a fabulous drama!!!
I am off to recommend it to my booky friends.
I am fascinated by the Jewish life
Miri lives in Stamford Hill in London and is part of the Chassidic Jewish sect. She is 18 when the story starts. Her best friend Raizy has met a boy in the Kosher Supermarket and they have arranged to meet. Raizy convinces Miri to join her, even though it would be strictly prohibited by her parents. That night Miri meets Ben, a university student who is part of the less strict Adeni. In the coming weeks they secretly meet regularly and build a close bond but Miri’s parents would never accept a boy outside of the Chassidic…..
I loved the characters Miri and Ben. I loved learning more about the sects. I think it would make a fabulous drama!!!
I am off to recommend it to my booky friends.
I am fascinated by the Jewish life
April 28, 2022
Always, always, searching for my next book. I read samples, and reviews, and reject those that people have deemed “ not star worthy”, for whatever reason.
This book, was a stab in the dark. No prior knowledge, no references, no acknowledgment from friends.
I couldn’t tear myself away from the story. A chassidic girl meets a religious boy, in a clandestine cafe, and begin a journey that impacts the lives of not only themselves, but everyone in her close knit , tight lipped community. Their relationship is considered a “ shonda”, a shame, one that warrants the swift separation of the two.
I really, honestly thought the story would end up differently. I grew up in a town, that slowly turned into everything the book described. Devout, separatists, shut off from the rest of the world, believing their way of life was the ONLY way of life.
This is the only reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5. I thought the ending was unrealistic.
But definitely worth the trip.
This book, was a stab in the dark. No prior knowledge, no references, no acknowledgment from friends.
I couldn’t tear myself away from the story. A chassidic girl meets a religious boy, in a clandestine cafe, and begin a journey that impacts the lives of not only themselves, but everyone in her close knit , tight lipped community. Their relationship is considered a “ shonda”, a shame, one that warrants the swift separation of the two.
I really, honestly thought the story would end up differently. I grew up in a town, that slowly turned into everything the book described. Devout, separatists, shut off from the rest of the world, believing their way of life was the ONLY way of life.
This is the only reason I gave the book 4 stars instead of 5. I thought the ending was unrealistic.
But definitely worth the trip.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2021
It's possible to think of this book in a number of ways, but when I think of it as a story of forbidden love, it's not just a love between the two main characters that was forbidden, but the concept of love which seems almost a foreign word to the people in Miri's community.
The story is very engaging, and I was drawn to finish as quickly as possible. The descriptions of North London are beautifully crafted and a whole load of care has gone into making the characters' speech and behaviour appropriate to their origins and backgrounds.
The main characters are very well fleshed out, some of the side characters less-so, but I still gave out a cheer when one side character had her victories and was rooting hard for a happy ending to the main tale.
Definitely a fun read for anyone who has (or wants to have) a little insight into these communities
The story is very engaging, and I was drawn to finish as quickly as possible. The descriptions of North London are beautifully crafted and a whole load of care has gone into making the characters' speech and behaviour appropriate to their origins and backgrounds.
The main characters are very well fleshed out, some of the side characters less-so, but I still gave out a cheer when one side character had her victories and was rooting hard for a happy ending to the main tale.
Definitely a fun read for anyone who has (or wants to have) a little insight into these communities
January 6, 2024
I'm giving this book four stars because I breezed through it and enjoyed reading it, but there are definitely some negatives, and I thought about giving it a three for that reason.
First of all, without saying too much, this wraps up way too neatly. I am not a Chassidic Jew and I do not pretend to know much about it, other than to say that I am quite certain that - at best - the ending is highly improbable. I am also fairly certain that a young Chassidic woman would not have as much freedom to run around as was shown here. And finally, I find it hard to believe that she could have spent so much time with her boyfriend without being spotted by someone who would have said something.
This is a nice love story but it's a little too much "fiction" for me.
First of all, without saying too much, this wraps up way too neatly. I am not a Chassidic Jew and I do not pretend to know much about it, other than to say that I am quite certain that - at best - the ending is highly improbable. I am also fairly certain that a young Chassidic woman would not have as much freedom to run around as was shown here. And finally, I find it hard to believe that she could have spent so much time with her boyfriend without being spotted by someone who would have said something.
This is a nice love story but it's a little too much "fiction" for me.
May 7, 2023
I found this in a little free library, and although I flipped past it due to the cover, the back material jumped out at me. I was curious to read a story about a girl from a chassidish family and a boy from an Adeni family. I don't know the author, but it's pretty clear she is familiar with the chassidish community. I wondered if there was any part of this that was autobiographical. While there were some parts of the plot that seemed farfetched, I thought she did a good job of giving a peek into a certain subset of the Jewish community. I see that her short stories are actually based on the Aden Jewish museum in Israel, where she work(s?) as a docent, and am going to take a look.
July 2, 2021
A lovely story about a Chassidish girl and a Mizrachi boy. A good read for Shabbat.
The ending was a bit more optimistic than reality, but it was charming and I found myself sympathizing with all the characters, even the "bad" ones. They were products of their backgrounds and one has to feel for the straining of what is known versus the unknown.
Set primarily in London, it's a good exploration of sectarian Judaism and the prejudices within communities.
The ending was a bit more optimistic than reality, but it was charming and I found myself sympathizing with all the characters, even the "bad" ones. They were products of their backgrounds and one has to feel for the straining of what is known versus the unknown.
Set primarily in London, it's a good exploration of sectarian Judaism and the prejudices within communities.
May 1, 2022
Sweet. This was clearly written for Orthodox girls as a “kosher” romance novel that might be found in their all girls yeshiva library (but maybe i am optimistic). A nice little chic-lit romance novel for those who can’t handle too much drama or sex. Nice writing and a lovely portrait of the Amani community
Those who know nothing about the cloistered lives of Hasidic women will find it fascinating. Spoilers: too happy of an ending.
Those who know nothing about the cloistered lives of Hasidic women will find it fascinating. Spoilers: too happy of an ending.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 2, 2021
Congratulations my dear Sarah on the launch of your new book, Ayuni!
A beautiful story about how 2 people from different cultures meet and the challenges they encounter when they dare to break away from their families' "rules and traditions".
Highly recommended. Will definitely keep you on the edge of your seats😉.
A beautiful story about how 2 people from different cultures meet and the challenges they encounter when they dare to break away from their families' "rules and traditions".
Highly recommended. Will definitely keep you on the edge of your seats😉.
February 7, 2023
Wonderful story of family, friendship and love
I really like Sarah Ansbacher's style of writing. She tells a story that has you wanting to read more to find out what's going to happen next. This is beautiful love story involving friendship, family and finding forbidden love in a strict Chassidic community. I read it in 2 sittings.
I really like Sarah Ansbacher's style of writing. She tells a story that has you wanting to read more to find out what's going to happen next. This is beautiful love story involving friendship, family and finding forbidden love in a strict Chassidic community. I read it in 2 sittings.
February 25, 2024
I read this in one day! Some stories are so engrossing that you can't put the book down. I spent all Shabbat day reading Ayuni. I meant to save it for my flight, but once I started reading, it was too late. I was hooked. No spoilers here, just encouraging you to read if you love a juicy young adult/new adult story of young love.
October 28, 2021
Wonderful
Absolutely brilliant. From page one I was hooked. The more I read, the more I hoped that the story would go on and on. I Haven’t enjoyed a book as much as this for a long time. I wish I could give it 6 stars.
Absolutely brilliant. From page one I was hooked. The more I read, the more I hoped that the story would go on and on. I Haven’t enjoyed a book as much as this for a long time. I wish I could give it 6 stars.
December 30, 2021
Although this is a very obvious tale with a predictable ending, I was swept into it and enjoyed the detail of the lives of two Jewish families from very different backgrounds. I knew nothing of the Adeni Jews before I read this and I’m grateful to have learnt a little more.
March 25, 2022
More Alike Than Different
Despite their differences, two young people fall in love and overcome many obstacles to be together. The story gives background of the differences in Jewish sects, which was very interesting to read. I read the book in one day. It was that good.
Despite their differences, two young people fall in love and overcome many obstacles to be together. The story gives background of the differences in Jewish sects, which was very interesting to read. I read the book in one day. It was that good.
July 18, 2021
Ayuni is an endearing story that tells not only a beautiful love story but a meeting of two cultures that learn to accept and respect each other. I enjoyed every minute of reading it!
July 19, 2021
Can't put it down!! It's the kind of fabulous book that I picked up recently and spend every free moment reading. Highly recommend!
November 21, 2021
An engaging and engrossing read that transcends cultural and religious lines. I couldn't put it down. Highly recommended!
February 1, 2022
Total Enjoyment
Such a heartwarming story of love and perseverance. Loved to see the family and cultural dynamics. I recommend this excellent book.
Such a heartwarming story of love and perseverance. Loved to see the family and cultural dynamics. I recommend this excellent book.
February 19, 2022
Devotion
Very good book of young people and their devotion to one another. What I learned was very interesting. Good to read of other cultures and practices.
Very good book of young people and their devotion to one another. What I learned was very interesting. Good to read of other cultures and practices.
December 30, 2022
Good Story
I enjoyed this book. The characters were believable & the outcome was good. The author gave a usual topic a good spin. I would recommend it.
I enjoyed this book. The characters were believable & the outcome was good. The author gave a usual topic a good spin. I would recommend it.
April 19, 2023
A bit long winded, but well written and a good story.
June 27, 2023
This book was hard to put down
I loved this book. Every page held my attention, and I found it hard to put down. The love and emotion and family. It was such a good read.
I loved this book. Every page held my attention, and I found it hard to put down. The love and emotion and family. It was such a good read.
September 1, 2024
Beautifully written, heartwarming story
January 12, 2025
wonderful story
February 2, 2022
This is a predictable romance story, yet what intrigued me was the seeming differences between the Chassidic Jewish traditions and Mizrahi (Jewish from a Middle Eastern country) were portrayed with such depth and details, I was drawn into the story of Miri and Ben. There were many Hebrew (written) and Yiddish (spoken) words which were understood in context through Sarah's wonderful story telling. I enjoyed learning about these similar, yet distinct Jewish sects with a great deal of respect in the telling. I read this on my Kindle and found definitions at the end of the book, although as I said the context gave me the gist. If you read it in paperback, you could easily refer to definitions.
March 7, 2023
This is a little gem of a book. Easy to read and highly engaging. Sometimes borders on YA with the simple writing style and convenient plot line nevertheless it reels you in and you become deeply invested in the characters. Truly beautiful.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews