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Immodest
In a world ruled by strict traditions and laws, one brave woman is willing to risk everything to earn her freedom.
Perele, a young Jewish woman, was raised in an extreme Ultra-orthodox society.
When she turns eighteen and her parents have a hard time finding a match for her, she is thrown into the arms of a cold and violent man, who makes her life unbearable.
A forbidden chance encounter with a man and the feelings that ensue, make her begin to question everything she has ever known – and even consider that maybe, she does not have to choose this life that has been thrust upon her. But she knows that once she makes a drastic decision, there will be no way back into the arms of the Jewish community.
Immodest tells the story of a courageous young woman who chooses to obey the commandments of her heart and not give up, despite the huge price she is forced to pay.
Perele, a young Jewish woman, was raised in an extreme Ultra-orthodox society.
When she turns eighteen and her parents have a hard time finding a match for her, she is thrown into the arms of a cold and violent man, who makes her life unbearable.
A forbidden chance encounter with a man and the feelings that ensue, make her begin to question everything she has ever known – and even consider that maybe, she does not have to choose this life that has been thrust upon her. But she knows that once she makes a drastic decision, there will be no way back into the arms of the Jewish community.
Immodest tells the story of a courageous young woman who chooses to obey the commandments of her heart and not give up, despite the huge price she is forced to pay.
353 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 15, 2021
438 people are currently reading
642 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
June 25, 2021
Exploring the conflict between orthodoxy and secularism
Israeli author L.S. Einat earned her degrees in history and in guidance counseling and has served as a guidance counselor – a fact that contributes significantly to her novel IMMODEST. Her own life experience in her family with the conflict between orthodoxy and secularism also brings insights and credibility to her novel. She has published two books to date, and IMMODEST has been made available in English. The book is translated from the Hebrew by Susan Treister.
The author brings an immediacy to the novel with a very well scribed opening, describing an initiating conflict that ignites the story: ‘The door to my bedroom opened slowly, letting in the hazy light from the bulb in the hallway. The door opened without a sound as only the day before the squeaky hinges had been oiled. Now for sure no one will ever hear, I thought. Before that, I’d had hope that someone would wake up and hear what was happening, but that was never to be. He came into the room as usual, hopping over the mattresses scattered on the floor, and like a tiger spotting his prey in the darkness, he came straight to my bed, As usual, I pretended to be asleep. My senses were sharpened, and every rustle or movement in the house sounded to my ears like noisemakers at a reading the Book of Esther. “Move over!” he demanded, and I made a faint snoring noise to convince him I was asleep….’ A more sensitive description of invasive abuse of a young girl would be difficult to imagine!
The synopsis provides an overview of the story – ‘In a world ruled by strict traditions and laws, one brave woman is willing to risk everything to earn her freedom. Perla, a young woman, belongs to an extreme Ultra-orthodox stream. After she turns eighteen and her parents have a hard time finding a match for her, she is thrown into the arms of a man from the community, whose life next to him is unbearable. Gradually her sense of distancing from this rigid way of life deepens and the internal conflict she is in threatens to erupt to the surface. The need to break free from the chains that imprison her in such a narrowly defined world, leads her to discover a completely different one. A chance encounter with a man and the feelings that ensue, widen the crack that has been opened in her life, until she ultimately makes a decision, one from which there is no way back.’
Einat has very successfully created a story that deals with harsh realities and relates it with fluid prose that invites staying with the story to book’s end – and provides significant food for thought after reading. IMMODEST is a beautifully composed, important novel. Grady Harp
Israeli author L.S. Einat earned her degrees in history and in guidance counseling and has served as a guidance counselor – a fact that contributes significantly to her novel IMMODEST. Her own life experience in her family with the conflict between orthodoxy and secularism also brings insights and credibility to her novel. She has published two books to date, and IMMODEST has been made available in English. The book is translated from the Hebrew by Susan Treister.
The author brings an immediacy to the novel with a very well scribed opening, describing an initiating conflict that ignites the story: ‘The door to my bedroom opened slowly, letting in the hazy light from the bulb in the hallway. The door opened without a sound as only the day before the squeaky hinges had been oiled. Now for sure no one will ever hear, I thought. Before that, I’d had hope that someone would wake up and hear what was happening, but that was never to be. He came into the room as usual, hopping over the mattresses scattered on the floor, and like a tiger spotting his prey in the darkness, he came straight to my bed, As usual, I pretended to be asleep. My senses were sharpened, and every rustle or movement in the house sounded to my ears like noisemakers at a reading the Book of Esther. “Move over!” he demanded, and I made a faint snoring noise to convince him I was asleep….’ A more sensitive description of invasive abuse of a young girl would be difficult to imagine!
The synopsis provides an overview of the story – ‘In a world ruled by strict traditions and laws, one brave woman is willing to risk everything to earn her freedom. Perla, a young woman, belongs to an extreme Ultra-orthodox stream. After she turns eighteen and her parents have a hard time finding a match for her, she is thrown into the arms of a man from the community, whose life next to him is unbearable. Gradually her sense of distancing from this rigid way of life deepens and the internal conflict she is in threatens to erupt to the surface. The need to break free from the chains that imprison her in such a narrowly defined world, leads her to discover a completely different one. A chance encounter with a man and the feelings that ensue, widen the crack that has been opened in her life, until she ultimately makes a decision, one from which there is no way back.’
Einat has very successfully created a story that deals with harsh realities and relates it with fluid prose that invites staying with the story to book’s end – and provides significant food for thought after reading. IMMODEST is a beautifully composed, important novel. Grady Harp
August 29, 2021
My review covers two aspects and does contain spoilers.
1. Spousal/sibling abuse happens in all communities, regardless of religion or level of observance. It wasn’t until very late in the book that readers are told that this story takes place in a specific, extremely right-wing sect (and why the adherents act as they do).
This book is another example for educating children to speak up when abused or even feel threatened as well as for adults to provide a safe space for sexual discussions. I cannot stress that enough. The author did keep that conversation going throughout the book in how she mentioned the ways in which this community’s lack of openness harms various people through the years.
2. SPOILER
Based on the cover, I was hoping that this was not yet another story of a religious Jew going “off the derech” without even considering his/her obligations to keep the mitzvot. There are SO many dati communities from which to choose where women work and/or raise children, men share in household duties, women learn, men are respectful & affectionate, women’s clothing is modest & fashionable, and both sexes are taught the beauty of being Shomer Negiah (not touching or otherwise getting too chummy) while maintaining healthy male-female relationships.
Stories like these that do not offer any explanation for the various mitzvot give Torah-observant Judaism a bad rap. Why didn’t her observant friend say anything about other communities? Why didn’t that friend’s husband offer to find her a place that could educate her & help protect her? Why do these stories have secular characters who encourage other Jews NOT to follow mitzvot? Almost ALL Jews know about Chabad, an organization known for its global in-reach programs. Why is this left out of the story, when an organization that encourages previously-religious Jews to enter the secular world is thanked in the Acknowledgements section? And in Israel, no less.
Leaving an ultra-strict sect (of any religion) doesn’t mean having to give up the positive values and lifestyle choices. Choosing to leave the community in which the main character was raised does not mean that she has to go out in public bareheaded (even after she received her get) or to wear (tight) pants. She can VERY easily cover her hair (as per the mitzvot, even after she got divorced) and cover her body modestly while still being fashionable & comfortable with her new style. Just look at this book’s cover to see an example…
1. Spousal/sibling abuse happens in all communities, regardless of religion or level of observance. It wasn’t until very late in the book that readers are told that this story takes place in a specific, extremely right-wing sect (and why the adherents act as they do).
This book is another example for educating children to speak up when abused or even feel threatened as well as for adults to provide a safe space for sexual discussions. I cannot stress that enough. The author did keep that conversation going throughout the book in how she mentioned the ways in which this community’s lack of openness harms various people through the years.
2. SPOILER
Based on the cover, I was hoping that this was not yet another story of a religious Jew going “off the derech” without even considering his/her obligations to keep the mitzvot. There are SO many dati communities from which to choose where women work and/or raise children, men share in household duties, women learn, men are respectful & affectionate, women’s clothing is modest & fashionable, and both sexes are taught the beauty of being Shomer Negiah (not touching or otherwise getting too chummy) while maintaining healthy male-female relationships.
Stories like these that do not offer any explanation for the various mitzvot give Torah-observant Judaism a bad rap. Why didn’t her observant friend say anything about other communities? Why didn’t that friend’s husband offer to find her a place that could educate her & help protect her? Why do these stories have secular characters who encourage other Jews NOT to follow mitzvot? Almost ALL Jews know about Chabad, an organization known for its global in-reach programs. Why is this left out of the story, when an organization that encourages previously-religious Jews to enter the secular world is thanked in the Acknowledgements section? And in Israel, no less.
Leaving an ultra-strict sect (of any religion) doesn’t mean having to give up the positive values and lifestyle choices. Choosing to leave the community in which the main character was raised does not mean that she has to go out in public bareheaded (even after she received her get) or to wear (tight) pants. She can VERY easily cover her hair (as per the mitzvot, even after she got divorced) and cover her body modestly while still being fashionable & comfortable with her new style. Just look at this book’s cover to see an example…
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 12, 2021
The first part of this book is engaging and gripping. The pain and abuse are written realistically and vividly. But the story turns into an allegory of recovery and life after abuse. Chapters feel like therapy sessions with a lesson learned but a warning things will still be hard. After a certain point things just keep working in Perele's favor and there is no tension. But Einat does an excellent job addressing the difficulties of abuse and why victims don't leave.
January 31, 2022
Rounded up from 2.5
I am not sure why, but I found this a tedious read. The writing was nicely done, the overall idea for the story a good one, and yet...
I became frustrated at times with the main character, and it did seem her entry into the secular world from her cloistered Hasidic one was easy and not that convincing to me. I sympathized with her plight. She had a religiously dysfunctional family and then was forced to marry a psycho. She had much emotional and physical abuse to overcome. Even so, it surprised me how easily she shed her past and slid into a fairy tale ending in spite of ongoing internal monologues in which the author attempted to convince us of the girl’s internal struggles.
Perhaps it is just me, but I found the book merely okay. The main character never really resonated with me.
I am not sure why, but I found this a tedious read. The writing was nicely done, the overall idea for the story a good one, and yet...
I became frustrated at times with the main character, and it did seem her entry into the secular world from her cloistered Hasidic one was easy and not that convincing to me. I sympathized with her plight. She had a religiously dysfunctional family and then was forced to marry a psycho. She had much emotional and physical abuse to overcome. Even so, it surprised me how easily she shed her past and slid into a fairy tale ending in spite of ongoing internal monologues in which the author attempted to convince us of the girl’s internal struggles.
Perhaps it is just me, but I found the book merely okay. The main character never really resonated with me.
December 5, 2022
Interesting to learn some of the Hassidic Jewish customs. Well written and a quick read.
December 12, 2022
Mixed Feelings
I don't know how to feel about this story. Having been a victim of abuse myself, I could understand the character somewhat, but when the author Chose to cross the line into immorality, making fornication seem okay, she lost me. I think there were better ways to handle the road to healing. Therefore, the book was just okay for me.
I don't know how to feel about this story. Having been a victim of abuse myself, I could understand the character somewhat, but when the author Chose to cross the line into immorality, making fornication seem okay, she lost me. I think there were better ways to handle the road to healing. Therefore, the book was just okay for me.
October 24, 2022
Very good book!!
October 8, 2022
Read The Chosen by Chaim Potok Instead of this book
If you want a good book, read something by an author that knows the subject. This author doesn’t know it. The writing isn’t amazing, but the worst part of the novel is that the author has no first hand knowledge of the Hasidic community. However, THE CHOSEN by Chaim Potok is well written, understands the Hasidic community, and contrasts it with another observant Jewish community. The Chosen was on The New York Times Best Seller list for thirty nine weeks and has great characterization and holds your attention. Along with the second book in the series, THE PROMISE, it also has an Hasidic character who leaves the community.
On the other hand, Immodest: A Novel is written as if this author just decided to pick the Hasidic community and write something scathing about them with no real knowledge of how the community operates. Her criticisms of how difficult it is to leave the community are also applicable to the Amish community. The Amish are equally undereducated which makes it difficult for them to survive outside their own community. They’re unprepared for regular life.
Instead of filling this story with details about Hasidic life, the author instead comments often that the protagonist is unusual. She’s different and doesn’t fit in.
This theme is continued throughout most of the book rather than filling the book with information about Hasidic life and showing why she doesn’t fit. The book is unbalanced because nothing good about Hasidic life is shown. The author doesn’t show their joy or faith which is apparent in THE CHOSEN which gives a more balanced view while not neglecting the issues created by the Hasidic lifestyle. Einat’s book gives a completely negative view of the Hasidic which is unrealistic. Every community has both good and bad components.
Coming from someone with some type of counseling degree, I was also astounded at the completely unrealistic behavior of the protagonist. SPOILER: The protagonist is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and violent spousal rape. However, when she meets a man outside of her Hasidic community who interests her, she quickly has a voracious sexual appetite. Psychologically, this simply isn’t sound character development and just wasn’t believable. So in addition to the scant facts about Hasidic life, the characterization was very flawed. The basic psychology of someone raised in a Hasidic lifestyle who suffered severe abuse would have to be taken into consideration before advancing the plot in an unrealistic way. Realistically she would need time and gentle patience from her partner to be in a healthy sexual relationship. She would be scarred by her experiences. To advance the plot by making her able to instantly be sexually wanton was just crazy. Overall, I feel the author appropriated the Hasidic community for her own ends to make a book that would fit in with the #me too movement and be popular due to it’s content. Yet, the book would contain very little real information about day to day life in a Hasidic community, would have unrealistic characterization, and would be unbalanced in it’s view of the community.
If you want a good book, read something by an author that knows the subject. This author doesn’t know it. The writing isn’t amazing, but the worst part of the novel is that the author has no first hand knowledge of the Hasidic community. However, THE CHOSEN by Chaim Potok is well written, understands the Hasidic community, and contrasts it with another observant Jewish community. The Chosen was on The New York Times Best Seller list for thirty nine weeks and has great characterization and holds your attention. Along with the second book in the series, THE PROMISE, it also has an Hasidic character who leaves the community.
On the other hand, Immodest: A Novel is written as if this author just decided to pick the Hasidic community and write something scathing about them with no real knowledge of how the community operates. Her criticisms of how difficult it is to leave the community are also applicable to the Amish community. The Amish are equally undereducated which makes it difficult for them to survive outside their own community. They’re unprepared for regular life.
Instead of filling this story with details about Hasidic life, the author instead comments often that the protagonist is unusual. She’s different and doesn’t fit in.
This theme is continued throughout most of the book rather than filling the book with information about Hasidic life and showing why she doesn’t fit. The book is unbalanced because nothing good about Hasidic life is shown. The author doesn’t show their joy or faith which is apparent in THE CHOSEN which gives a more balanced view while not neglecting the issues created by the Hasidic lifestyle. Einat’s book gives a completely negative view of the Hasidic which is unrealistic. Every community has both good and bad components.
Coming from someone with some type of counseling degree, I was also astounded at the completely unrealistic behavior of the protagonist. SPOILER: The protagonist is a survivor of childhood sexual abuse and violent spousal rape. However, when she meets a man outside of her Hasidic community who interests her, she quickly has a voracious sexual appetite. Psychologically, this simply isn’t sound character development and just wasn’t believable. So in addition to the scant facts about Hasidic life, the characterization was very flawed. The basic psychology of someone raised in a Hasidic lifestyle who suffered severe abuse would have to be taken into consideration before advancing the plot in an unrealistic way. Realistically she would need time and gentle patience from her partner to be in a healthy sexual relationship. She would be scarred by her experiences. To advance the plot by making her able to instantly be sexually wanton was just crazy. Overall, I feel the author appropriated the Hasidic community for her own ends to make a book that would fit in with the #me too movement and be popular due to it’s content. Yet, the book would contain very little real information about day to day life in a Hasidic community, would have unrealistic characterization, and would be unbalanced in it’s view of the community.
January 24, 2023
I enjoyed entering another world. It was interesting. Her story was sad. I do feel it went on a bit too long in some parts and needed more development in others.
October 31, 2022
Let me start by saying this was a real page-turner, so why only 2 stars?
I’d describe this book as Hasidism 101. There’s a place for that; it’s a culture that most are not familiar with. I, though Christian, have always lived near many Hasidim. They tend not to assimilate into not-Hasidic neighborhoods, as described in “Immodest”, but I see them all the time in local stores and other businesses, and their habits, dress, foods, everything, really is so very different that I made a point of learning as much about their culture as I could, as have many other non-Hasidic people in our area. As such, I’d say I have better than average knowledge of their lifestyle.
The author’s use of adjectives and similes: over the top. WAY over the top. So, for writing style I couldn’t give more than 2 stars. Then there was the stereotyping, as mentioned by some other readers. There was a real feel of good (the non-religious) v. evil (the ultra-orthodox, in particular Perele’s family and the particular Hasidic sect they belonged to). There were really only 2 sympathetic Hasidic characters in the book; the rest ranged from apathetic to cruel to horribly abusive. Meanwhile every single non- Hasidic character was bright, pleasant, affectionate, open-minded… the stereotyping is tough to ignore. The love interest, Dan, truly is too good to be true, as is his family. Because of the use of stereotypes and the very unrealistic way each community is presented - 1 star at best.
But despite these serious flaws, somehow Ms. Einat wrote a real page turning plot, when I was able to overlook the stereotypes and clumsy writing. Hard to explain, but I really did want to see what would happen next. Did Perele’s father ever show compassion? Did any of her siblings come to recognize the close-minded, neglectful ways of their family and how it impacted their lives? Would Dan and Perele consummate their relationship, and would it last? Of course, back to the simplistic style, it was all very predictable throughout.
If you are interested in the Hasidic religion and would like to learn more about it via fiction, “Unorthodox” is much better written and I’d highly recommend it.
I’d describe this book as Hasidism 101. There’s a place for that; it’s a culture that most are not familiar with. I, though Christian, have always lived near many Hasidim. They tend not to assimilate into not-Hasidic neighborhoods, as described in “Immodest”, but I see them all the time in local stores and other businesses, and their habits, dress, foods, everything, really is so very different that I made a point of learning as much about their culture as I could, as have many other non-Hasidic people in our area. As such, I’d say I have better than average knowledge of their lifestyle.
The author’s use of adjectives and similes: over the top. WAY over the top. So, for writing style I couldn’t give more than 2 stars. Then there was the stereotyping, as mentioned by some other readers. There was a real feel of good (the non-religious) v. evil (the ultra-orthodox, in particular Perele’s family and the particular Hasidic sect they belonged to). There were really only 2 sympathetic Hasidic characters in the book; the rest ranged from apathetic to cruel to horribly abusive. Meanwhile every single non- Hasidic character was bright, pleasant, affectionate, open-minded… the stereotyping is tough to ignore. The love interest, Dan, truly is too good to be true, as is his family. Because of the use of stereotypes and the very unrealistic way each community is presented - 1 star at best.
But despite these serious flaws, somehow Ms. Einat wrote a real page turning plot, when I was able to overlook the stereotypes and clumsy writing. Hard to explain, but I really did want to see what would happen next. Did Perele’s father ever show compassion? Did any of her siblings come to recognize the close-minded, neglectful ways of their family and how it impacted their lives? Would Dan and Perele consummate their relationship, and would it last? Of course, back to the simplistic style, it was all very predictable throughout.
If you are interested in the Hasidic religion and would like to learn more about it via fiction, “Unorthodox” is much better written and I’d highly recommend it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2024
I finished this yesterday, but I wanted to take until today to really think about my review. I’m still thinking about this story. I couldn’t sleep at night while I was reading it because I was so attached to the characters. And I LOVE getting so into a book.
This book hit home for me in a really big way. I had a similar upbringing and also a similar abusive relationship so there were points where I had to set this book down and come back to it when I was feeling more prepared. Interestingly enough, I didn’t realize at all what I was getting into. I don’t even remember how I came across this book. Probably just because I read a lot of books about Jewish and Israeli culture and history because it helps me stay connected to my roots.
I sort of feel the same way about this book as I did about Colleen Hoover’s it ends with us. I understand where the criticism comes from, but I’m also very impressed by how deep in the feelers this story was able to hit me. Just how attached to the characters we were able to get.
So yeah, consider this book like it ends with us, but with Israeli Jews.
As for the complaints from other reviewers about how this doesn’t focus on the good parts of Chassidic culture, I do understand where they’re coming from, but I also understand that this book relays direct experiences from real life people. There is plenty of good to be found in a truly orthodox upbringing, but just like with any culture anywhere, there’s always a dark side.
I’m not totally sure who the target audience was for this book is, but it was definitely a book for me. I’m contemplating buying a hard copy, but I don’t like this cover because I don’t think it fits the story at all. Either way, I expect I will be reading this book again and I’m so impressed with this author’s writing ability.
I was especially impressed when I got to the end and saw the note from the author stating this was independently published. Very well done putting out such a masterpiece! I will definitely read everything else this author writes forever.
I would give this book 10 stars if I could, and I’m moving it into my list of books I would save in the Apocalypse.
This book hit home for me in a really big way. I had a similar upbringing and also a similar abusive relationship so there were points where I had to set this book down and come back to it when I was feeling more prepared. Interestingly enough, I didn’t realize at all what I was getting into. I don’t even remember how I came across this book. Probably just because I read a lot of books about Jewish and Israeli culture and history because it helps me stay connected to my roots.
I sort of feel the same way about this book as I did about Colleen Hoover’s it ends with us. I understand where the criticism comes from, but I’m also very impressed by how deep in the feelers this story was able to hit me. Just how attached to the characters we were able to get.
So yeah, consider this book like it ends with us, but with Israeli Jews.
As for the complaints from other reviewers about how this doesn’t focus on the good parts of Chassidic culture, I do understand where they’re coming from, but I also understand that this book relays direct experiences from real life people. There is plenty of good to be found in a truly orthodox upbringing, but just like with any culture anywhere, there’s always a dark side.
I’m not totally sure who the target audience was for this book is, but it was definitely a book for me. I’m contemplating buying a hard copy, but I don’t like this cover because I don’t think it fits the story at all. Either way, I expect I will be reading this book again and I’m so impressed with this author’s writing ability.
I was especially impressed when I got to the end and saw the note from the author stating this was independently published. Very well done putting out such a masterpiece! I will definitely read everything else this author writes forever.
I would give this book 10 stars if I could, and I’m moving it into my list of books I would save in the Apocalypse.
February 10, 2022
The story could have been interesting if the author had not made it sound as if the only reason this woman's husband got away with abusing her is due to the community she was raised in. Stories like this are real and happen everywhere. I don't know about the lack of formal education of Ultra-Orthodox women in Isreal but in America, there are some women in that community who are highly educated. It is true that most of the men don't have any secular education past 8th grade but what they learn in Yeshiva is harder than anything we teach in our schools. I personally don't see the value of following so many rules made up by men, but I can understand how fear of losing one's culture will push one to go to extreme measures to prevent the world from taking over.
Now the good: What I love about this book is the fact she fell in love with a Jewish man. A secular Jew, but the author showed the Jews choosing their religion in the realities of today are still good people. She showed in many ways it is harder to choose Gd in a world filled with distractions and choices.
I wish the author had chosen to expand on the bizarreness of some of the practices in the UO community such as the open practice of idolatry (she mentioned the pictures of their Rebbe all over the place), and the large number of households where the wives have to bring in all the income so their husbands can study.
Now the good: What I love about this book is the fact she fell in love with a Jewish man. A secular Jew, but the author showed the Jews choosing their religion in the realities of today are still good people. She showed in many ways it is harder to choose Gd in a world filled with distractions and choices.
I wish the author had chosen to expand on the bizarreness of some of the practices in the UO community such as the open practice of idolatry (she mentioned the pictures of their Rebbe all over the place), and the large number of households where the wives have to bring in all the income so their husbands can study.
July 19, 2023
3.5
I enjoyed learning more about the community in the book and the Ultra Orthodox religion. I appreciated that the author added footnotes and descriptions of the Jewish terms.
Pearle’s character was interesting to follow. I felt sympathetic to her internal conflicts and enjoyed how the author showed the difficulties and barriers to leaving the community. I learned a lot about the culture and how the religion works. Dan’s character and his relationship with her didn’t overshadow the book and Pearle’s journey which I appreciated. I also liked that there were other characters like Sophia and Sarah who we saw interact and support Pearle when she was navigating 2 opposite worlds.
The abusive scenes were difficult to read (although I felt like it was important to demonstrate that even with a high level of violence can be met with silence). In addition, sometimes the dialogue between characters to me felt choppy and not smoothe to me.
My favorite part was the message that we shouldn’t be judgmental towards people of different religions and the importance of communicating.
Recommended for others interested in learning more about the ultra orthodox community and also reading about people view religion.
I enjoyed learning more about the community in the book and the Ultra Orthodox religion. I appreciated that the author added footnotes and descriptions of the Jewish terms.
Pearle’s character was interesting to follow. I felt sympathetic to her internal conflicts and enjoyed how the author showed the difficulties and barriers to leaving the community. I learned a lot about the culture and how the religion works. Dan’s character and his relationship with her didn’t overshadow the book and Pearle’s journey which I appreciated. I also liked that there were other characters like Sophia and Sarah who we saw interact and support Pearle when she was navigating 2 opposite worlds.
The abusive scenes were difficult to read (although I felt like it was important to demonstrate that even with a high level of violence can be met with silence). In addition, sometimes the dialogue between characters to me felt choppy and not smoothe to me.
My favorite part was the message that we shouldn’t be judgmental towards people of different religions and the importance of communicating.
Recommended for others interested in learning more about the ultra orthodox community and also reading about people view religion.
August 31, 2022
This book blew me away! For me it was a blind read so going into it I had no idea what the story was about, where it took place, etc. To say that I'm glad I read it would be an understatement. Immodest is one of my new favorite books! Perele was such an amazing woman and going on her journey of self-discovery was life-changing. When she refused to let her fears hold her back anymore I was so proud!
And Dan! I was in love with him before Perele even knew his name! He was everything a reader, and person, could ever want in a friend and love interest. He was always there when Perele needed him and he pushed her to grow at times when she needed a little nudge. Speaking of friends, I adored the variety of the cast and how Perele was able to find support from such a wide array of people. (Ranging from her friend, Sarah, within the community, to an older librarian and her young neighbor, a young college student!)
Picking up this book was one of the best decisions I made this summer! So much so that I've already begun re-reading it!
And Dan! I was in love with him before Perele even knew his name! He was everything a reader, and person, could ever want in a friend and love interest. He was always there when Perele needed him and he pushed her to grow at times when she needed a little nudge. Speaking of friends, I adored the variety of the cast and how Perele was able to find support from such a wide array of people. (Ranging from her friend, Sarah, within the community, to an older librarian and her young neighbor, a young college student!)
Picking up this book was one of the best decisions I made this summer! So much so that I've already begun re-reading it!
October 17, 2022
On the surface, this is a book about a woman who struggles with the very restrictive religious environment that she grew up in. In reality, it's a book about forgiveness - of self, of others, and of the system. The book absolutely deals with some very heavy subjects - sexual, mental, and physical abuse being the main ones. But it also has an incredible cast of characters that are fully fleshed out and the main character shows a lot of empathy, even towards some who have wronged her. At the same time, she grows and learns not to take mistreatment from anyone. I really enjoyed this book, especially the parts where different worlds of people decided to create a more pluralistic space than what they were taught. I also appreciated that the author didn't feel the need to make every single detail resolve with a tidy resolution - sometimes stories are complicated, and not everything works out.
July 25, 2023
A quite soapy opera about abuse and regaining oneself worth. All by the textbook.
Incidentally set in the strictest hasidim sect in Jerusalem, just to be able to throw in some more lurid details.
Not that they are not lurid and worth exposure.
But the redeeming part, from her first meet with her prince charming is totally silly and hard to swallow.
Also the main character speaks from the beginning like someone who already went through a lot of therapy and is telling her story from a perspective very different from the one she lived it.
At last, is it really possible to support yourself alone, rent an aparment, pay the bills and even renew your wardrobe on a part time menial job salary at a public library?
I know nothing about salaries and rents in Israel, but
In Italy no land lord would rent you an apartment whith such shacky prospectives, especially if you just beginning and have no other working experience.
Incidentally set in the strictest hasidim sect in Jerusalem, just to be able to throw in some more lurid details.
Not that they are not lurid and worth exposure.
But the redeeming part, from her first meet with her prince charming is totally silly and hard to swallow.
Also the main character speaks from the beginning like someone who already went through a lot of therapy and is telling her story from a perspective very different from the one she lived it.
At last, is it really possible to support yourself alone, rent an aparment, pay the bills and even renew your wardrobe on a part time menial job salary at a public library?
I know nothing about salaries and rents in Israel, but
In Italy no land lord would rent you an apartment whith such shacky prospectives, especially if you just beginning and have no other working experience.
September 7, 2021
A Window to Another World, Within Our World
Hiding in plain sight is another world within our world. L.S. Einat opens a window to that world and draws the reader in. I, for one, am very grateful. With great dignity and honesty, Ms. Einat carefully constructs the relationships and emotions that accompany those who are unique: those who don't fit the mold, those who are different. She then follows the individuals to the conclusion of their choices, so the reader can experience a bit of their lives, a taste of their decisions. This book is a blessing and I highly recommend it to those brave souls willing to learn something completely new. Thank you, Ms. Einat, for your thoroughly original, well-researched book!
Hiding in plain sight is another world within our world. L.S. Einat opens a window to that world and draws the reader in. I, for one, am very grateful. With great dignity and honesty, Ms. Einat carefully constructs the relationships and emotions that accompany those who are unique: those who don't fit the mold, those who are different. She then follows the individuals to the conclusion of their choices, so the reader can experience a bit of their lives, a taste of their decisions. This book is a blessing and I highly recommend it to those brave souls willing to learn something completely new. Thank you, Ms. Einat, for your thoroughly original, well-researched book!
March 25, 2022
I thought that this was a very compelling story, but the subject matter is extremely difficult and often hard to read. The abuse that often occurs in these ultra religious communities, and excused by its leaders, is sickening. The author, in Perele, has written about a heroine who finds the courage to leave the community in which she has been raised. I am glad Einat balanced the perspective with Sara, who was able to find both love and satisfaction within the confines of the Haredi community. However, I was saddened by the fact that Perele’s mother died and her father never stood up for his daughter. The rigidity of the far right angers me, and made the book both compelling and repulsive to me at the same time.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 9, 2022
A Wonderful Book
After the first few pages I was put off by the book. So I jumped ahead about 20 pages and became engaged with the story of Perele, a young woman who has great courage and resilience. She had to suffer through a mountain of huge trauma and pain to transform herself into the person God created her to be. She recovered her true self and grew into a strong, confident, sensitive woman living in a vastly different world from the world into which she was born and reared. “Immodest” is one of those books that is emotionally not an easy read and rewards the reader with a powerful story filled with joy, wit and enormous pathos to a sweet satisfying ending. Kudos to Ms Einat for a remarkable book! I fully recommend it!
After the first few pages I was put off by the book. So I jumped ahead about 20 pages and became engaged with the story of Perele, a young woman who has great courage and resilience. She had to suffer through a mountain of huge trauma and pain to transform herself into the person God created her to be. She recovered her true self and grew into a strong, confident, sensitive woman living in a vastly different world from the world into which she was born and reared. “Immodest” is one of those books that is emotionally not an easy read and rewards the reader with a powerful story filled with joy, wit and enormous pathos to a sweet satisfying ending. Kudos to Ms Einat for a remarkable book! I fully recommend it!
August 21, 2021
A very moving story of alienation and great courage
This story is about a girl raised in a very strict religeous family, where attempts to prevent all temptation resulted in abnormal, loveless and extremely harsh relationships. It took all her courage to break free from the violently abusive marriage they forced her into at 17, but it cost her treasured family ties which she always longed to repair but the break was final.
Her new life left her fulfilled, loved and contented.
This is a story that needed to be told because many people are victims of judgemental people, and deserve to live their lives freely.
This story is about a girl raised in a very strict religeous family, where attempts to prevent all temptation resulted in abnormal, loveless and extremely harsh relationships. It took all her courage to break free from the violently abusive marriage they forced her into at 17, but it cost her treasured family ties which she always longed to repair but the break was final.
Her new life left her fulfilled, loved and contented.
This is a story that needed to be told because many people are victims of judgemental people, and deserve to live their lives freely.
October 9, 2021
Immodest
This book was, at times, difficult to read, because of the violence to women and children. Women, Jewish and non-Jewish, were properties of their husbands, until the 1960’s. In nearly every country, and every community, including America. Some still remain captives in communities. Thank you for creating this book about struggles, courage, and survival, of women, especially in cloistered communities like the Ultra-Orthodox communities. I must say, however, I wish that the premarital sex sections were not so descriptive. It could have been implied and less described. Great job, though.
This book was, at times, difficult to read, because of the violence to women and children. Women, Jewish and non-Jewish, were properties of their husbands, until the 1960’s. In nearly every country, and every community, including America. Some still remain captives in communities. Thank you for creating this book about struggles, courage, and survival, of women, especially in cloistered communities like the Ultra-Orthodox communities. I must say, however, I wish that the premarital sex sections were not so descriptive. It could have been implied and less described. Great job, though.
January 8, 2022
Enlightening
I am not sure if this book was the inspiration for the Israeli television series, "Unorthodox," but if not, it is a similar story of an Ultra-Orthodox girl, growing up constrained by the rigidity of her particular sect, and coming to terms with modernity. Since my great-grandfather kept the beard and the orthodox uniform and my great-grandmother wore a wig, but my father left orthodoxy and became an atheist, this story was special to me. Since this story takes place in Israel, the forbidden lover is Jewish, while my mother was a protestant atheist who converted to Judaism to please my grand-parents. But the marriage to the modern world is similar.
I am not sure if this book was the inspiration for the Israeli television series, "Unorthodox," but if not, it is a similar story of an Ultra-Orthodox girl, growing up constrained by the rigidity of her particular sect, and coming to terms with modernity. Since my great-grandfather kept the beard and the orthodox uniform and my great-grandmother wore a wig, but my father left orthodoxy and became an atheist, this story was special to me. Since this story takes place in Israel, the forbidden lover is Jewish, while my mother was a protestant atheist who converted to Judaism to please my grand-parents. But the marriage to the modern world is similar.
July 1, 2022
Compelling and heartfelt
I was looking for an easy story without violence after reading several murder mysteries. This was not that book but I am truly glad I read this one. It was eye-opening. It is tragic that such sects exist but this author wrote with clear eyes but also compassion, which was a difficult feat. It makes me hurt for Hassidic women and burn with anger at most Hassidic men. I know there has to be some unions in Hassidism where there is genuine love and kindness but the potential for exploitation and cruelty is vast and more needs to be done to help those who want to escape such strictures. Thanks to the author for this exposure.
I was looking for an easy story without violence after reading several murder mysteries. This was not that book but I am truly glad I read this one. It was eye-opening. It is tragic that such sects exist but this author wrote with clear eyes but also compassion, which was a difficult feat. It makes me hurt for Hassidic women and burn with anger at most Hassidic men. I know there has to be some unions in Hassidism where there is genuine love and kindness but the potential for exploitation and cruelty is vast and more needs to be done to help those who want to escape such strictures. Thanks to the author for this exposure.
November 15, 2021
Incredibly good!!!
Never did I ever!! What a wonderful and realistic lesson about Judaism! I have always been drawn to books on Judaica and am very curious about Jewish customs. Although I have read a lot of historical novels about Jews, I had never encountered a book such as this. I was thoroughly enthralled by it. I learned so much! And at the same time suffered and enjoyed as the characters did. Thank you for a glimpse into Hasidic Jewish life. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn!!
Never did I ever!! What a wonderful and realistic lesson about Judaism! I have always been drawn to books on Judaica and am very curious about Jewish customs. Although I have read a lot of historical novels about Jews, I had never encountered a book such as this. I was thoroughly enthralled by it. I learned so much! And at the same time suffered and enjoyed as the characters did. Thank you for a glimpse into Hasidic Jewish life. I recommend this book to everyone who wants to learn!!
January 7, 2022
A totally absorbing story
Perele is a girl in an Hasidic Jewish family who never feels at home in her community. From a young age, she is curious about the world and constantly questions the rules to which she is supposed to adhere. Married against her will to a violent man, she secretly visits a local library where she begins to read non-religious books and dares to dream of a different life. This book is a fascinating view into Jewish Orthodox society and one woman’s journey to a life very different from her upbringing.
Perele is a girl in an Hasidic Jewish family who never feels at home in her community. From a young age, she is curious about the world and constantly questions the rules to which she is supposed to adhere. Married against her will to a violent man, she secretly visits a local library where she begins to read non-religious books and dares to dream of a different life. This book is a fascinating view into Jewish Orthodox society and one woman’s journey to a life very different from her upbringing.
February 3, 2022
The main character, Perele, is a young Jewish woman who was raised in a very extreme Ultra-Orthodox society. Her story is all about the struggles she faces, being raised in such a secluded and strict family and intolerant religion. Her journey takes her from being "a different and difficult" child to being thrown into an arranged, abusive marriage at a young age, to finally leaving and discovering the real world around her that she never seemed to see before. It was very inspiring to see her overcome her traumatic experiences and find her place in the world.
April 8, 2022
Definitely a gripping read
I have always been fascinated by how religion is used to control and to be honest in so many religious organisations it seems to have similar ways of exerting that control namely by men doing the controlling. Also, the abuse of women to enable that feeling of being masterful and then blaming the female generation when things are wrong. This book was honestly a brilliant read and l couldn't put it down. It also has piqued my curiosity. Thank you to L.S. Einat
I have always been fascinated by how religion is used to control and to be honest in so many religious organisations it seems to have similar ways of exerting that control namely by men doing the controlling. Also, the abuse of women to enable that feeling of being masterful and then blaming the female generation when things are wrong. This book was honestly a brilliant read and l couldn't put it down. It also has piqued my curiosity. Thank you to L.S. Einat
June 27, 2022
If you like stories about someone leaving an ultra-orthodox Jewish community (like Unorthodox), you’ll like this book. I found this book quite interesting. I couldn’t put it down. However, I could not rate it five stars because of two major holes in the plot. It was out of character for Menachem Mendel to grant Perele a divorce. I was expecting him to refuse to divorce her, leaving her an agunah. Also, the name, Menachem Mendel suggests that these were Lubavitcher Hasidism, but the practices didn’t line up with Lubavitcher.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2022
It has been a long time since a book has impacted me the way thing book has.
The Judaism that was portrayed in this book is not how I was brought up, or how I was taught. We were taught to respect women. To try and make the world a better place. That knowledge, all knowledge is the key to making the world better.
This book is raw, but I know enough about the ultra orthodox to know there is truth here.
The strength of the human spirit, to survive even in the worst of time.
This book is ultimately a book of hope.
The Judaism that was portrayed in this book is not how I was brought up, or how I was taught. We were taught to respect women. To try and make the world a better place. That knowledge, all knowledge is the key to making the world better.
This book is raw, but I know enough about the ultra orthodox to know there is truth here.
The strength of the human spirit, to survive even in the worst of time.
This book is ultimately a book of hope.
November 27, 2023
Impressive
This book sat in my TBR for nearly a year. It looked interesting, but also isn't within my normal interests.
I loved the insight into a religion I know nearly nothing about, as well as Perele. She was complicated, strong, fierce, hopeful, just an altogether wonderfully put together character.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that I adore the diverse group of friends that she gathered throughout her journey, and how they all contributed to her story.
This book sat in my TBR for nearly a year. It looked interesting, but also isn't within my normal interests.
I loved the insight into a religion I know nearly nothing about, as well as Perele. She was complicated, strong, fierce, hopeful, just an altogether wonderfully put together character.
I don't want to spoil anything, so I'll just say that I adore the diverse group of friends that she gathered throughout her journey, and how they all contributed to her story.
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