Bookclub-in-a-Box Discusses Geraldine Brooks' Novel People of the Book

by Marilyn Herbert

If the Sarajevo Haggadah could speak, what extraordinary stories it would tell. It has traveled through countries and centuries, where it has been used, threatened and rescued by people of different cultures and religions. It now rests in the National Museum in Sarajevo, Bosnia. Geraldine Brooks has created a distinctive story recounting the chronicle of this very special book. As the Bosnian war ends in 1996, Hanna Heath, book conservator, is called in to inspect the condition of the Haggadah, which has just been recovered after spending years in an underground vault. The book is to be put back into the museum for public display. The novel heads forwards in time as Hanna tries to uncover her personal history, while the history goes backwards in time as Brooks unfolds the journey that the haggadah has taken over the last six hundred years. The intertwined stories parallel each other. Come along with Bookclub-in-a-Box and find out more about the people of the those who created it, owned it, and were influenced by it. As well, get to know the people who cared for and rescued the book from annihilation. Everyone's story is special. The book is a physical and symbolic symbol of survival and freedom for Hanna, for the Jewish people and the citizens of Sarajevo. Included in this guide is historical information on the siege of Sarajevo, which lasted from 1992 to 1996. Every Bookclub-in-a-Box discussion guide also includes complete coverage of the themes and symbols, writing style and interesting background information on the novel and the author.

82 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 2008

About the author

As an educator, school librarian, writer, book-talk presenter and facilitator, Marilyn loves to read and talk about books. Her enthusiasm for reading and sharing led her to unite her two favorite things: people and pages. In turn, this led to the creation of Bookclub-in-a-Box, the ultimate discussion companion for contemporary works of literary fiction. Marilyn is always looking for a great debate about books and welcomes all feedback.

Reviews

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was extremely fascinating and I learned a lot. It was interesting to go backwards and forwards in history to see where the book had been and where it wound up.

[Trisha Drape]

I am not familiar with Bookclub in a box, is anyone else? After I read People of the Book, I actually did go back and read it backward from the last chapter to the first. Did anyone else?

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book...love the way she tells the history of the books' creation.