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The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W
I am the oldest person ever to have lived in this world. I am the one who lived through their monster camps and brought the ones left of my family to London to make more family. I am the one to laugh at those angry, evil people and tell them, you see, I made it through. We made it through. This is enough. It is my world's record.
Family matriarch and Holocaust survivor Nora Wojnaswki is about to become the oldest woman in the world, and her family are determined to celebrate in style. Her great grandaughter, Debs, however, is not too happy about being left in charge of the party. It’s been a struggle to get the Rabbi to commit to a date and the large Wojnaswki clan can’t agree on what food should be served.
Only, Debs’s problems are just beginning. Because Nora isn’t your average centenarian, and she has other ideas…
Family matriarch and Holocaust survivor Nora Wojnaswki is about to become the oldest woman in the world, and her family are determined to celebrate in style. Her great grandaughter, Debs, however, is not too happy about being left in charge of the party. It’s been a struggle to get the Rabbi to commit to a date and the large Wojnaswki clan can’t agree on what food should be served.
Only, Debs’s problems are just beginning. Because Nora isn’t your average centenarian, and she has other ideas…
371 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
July 23, 2023
As the novel begins, we meet Dinora “Nora” Wojnaswki eighteen days away from becoming the oldest person in the world at 122 years and 165 days – a world record that her immediate family plans to celebrate with much pomp and show despite Nora’s unwillingness. Nora’s great-granddaughter Deborah “Debs” Levene (née Wojnawski) is the one tasked with making all the arrangements for the celebration to be attended with family coming in from all over the world – a mammoth task in itself without her family members making things even more difficult with their travel plans, food preferences, internal feuds and much more.
Nora decides to leave the care home of her own volition and moves into the home of her caregiver Arifa Hashmi, a Syrian refugee who fled her war-torn homeland in the wake of devastating tragedy. Arifa lives with her sixteen-year-old son Naser, who misses his home and the people they have left behind. Nora is a Holocaust survivor from Lodz who refuses to talk about her experiences, choosing to revisit her memories alone in her room at the assisted living facility where she currently resides. She does not want a celebration but would rather live peacefully with her memories, but her family isn’t one to listen and Nora’s antics have them concerned, upset and wary of what might come next. They also don’t hesitate to express their suspicions about Arifa and question her motives for her part in Nora’s rebellious behavior. But Nora knows what she wants and her family and Arifa have no other option but to follow her around as she celebrates her survival and a life well- lived in her very own way, revisiting moments and places from the life she and her late husband made for themselves in London’s East End.
The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W by Cate Green is a beautiful story that revolves around themes of family, war, loss, trauma, survival, healing, motherhood and family. Presented to us from the perspectives of Deb, Arifa and Nora, the narrative follows these characters over the eighteen days preceding Nora’s special day. This is not WWII fiction in the true sense of the term but rather focuses on survival and the scars that the horrors of war and loss leave in the lives of those who live through it and the generations that come after them. I loved the evolving friendship between Nora and Arifa- the empathy, respect and understanding they show for one another and well as how her interactions with them enable Debs to gain perspective on her own life, motherhood and the struggles both Nora and Arifa have faced to build new lives for themselves, generations apart and from different parts of the world. I enjoyed the dynamics between the members of Nora’s family and thought that the depiction of bias and how preconceived notions often cloud our judgment of others is handled with much sensitivity. The author writes with insight and compassion, with several light-hearted moments woven into the narrative making for an incredibly moving and enjoyable read.
DO read the beautifully-penned Author’s Note wherein the author shares the people and places that inspired this story and much more.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for the much–appreciated digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Nora decides to leave the care home of her own volition and moves into the home of her caregiver Arifa Hashmi, a Syrian refugee who fled her war-torn homeland in the wake of devastating tragedy. Arifa lives with her sixteen-year-old son Naser, who misses his home and the people they have left behind. Nora is a Holocaust survivor from Lodz who refuses to talk about her experiences, choosing to revisit her memories alone in her room at the assisted living facility where she currently resides. She does not want a celebration but would rather live peacefully with her memories, but her family isn’t one to listen and Nora’s antics have them concerned, upset and wary of what might come next. They also don’t hesitate to express their suspicions about Arifa and question her motives for her part in Nora’s rebellious behavior. But Nora knows what she wants and her family and Arifa have no other option but to follow her around as she celebrates her survival and a life well- lived in her very own way, revisiting moments and places from the life she and her late husband made for themselves in London’s East End.
The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W by Cate Green is a beautiful story that revolves around themes of family, war, loss, trauma, survival, healing, motherhood and family. Presented to us from the perspectives of Deb, Arifa and Nora, the narrative follows these characters over the eighteen days preceding Nora’s special day. This is not WWII fiction in the true sense of the term but rather focuses on survival and the scars that the horrors of war and loss leave in the lives of those who live through it and the generations that come after them. I loved the evolving friendship between Nora and Arifa- the empathy, respect and understanding they show for one another and well as how her interactions with them enable Debs to gain perspective on her own life, motherhood and the struggles both Nora and Arifa have faced to build new lives for themselves, generations apart and from different parts of the world. I enjoyed the dynamics between the members of Nora’s family and thought that the depiction of bias and how preconceived notions often cloud our judgment of others is handled with much sensitivity. The author writes with insight and compassion, with several light-hearted moments woven into the narrative making for an incredibly moving and enjoyable read.
DO read the beautifully-penned Author’s Note wherein the author shares the people and places that inspired this story and much more.
Many thanks to HarperCollins UK and One More Chapter for the much–appreciated digital review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.
June 16, 2023
I instantly fell in love with Nora’s character! What a formidable woman, friend, family matriarch and Holocaust survivor. At 122 plus years old, Nora makes party planning difficult for her great-granddaughter, Deborah, and it leads to family tension and an unsanctioned adventure.
It wasn’t too long after ‘meeting’ her Syrian refugee care aid, Arifa, that I concluded we all need an Arifa in our lives. Not only for the obvious reasons but also for the opportunity to be chaperoned on a trip down memory lane.
In the introduction, debut author Cate Green informs us that this “is a novel about survivors of war and injustice and their lives as ordinary people with an extraordinary past” and as I closed the final page, I noted that Green has definitely honoured the legacy of both groups with this fantastic novel. This story is a wonderful balance of humour, love, and trauma and highlights the Jewish family of both yesterday and today. War, like age, has lasting ripples and how we deal with those ripples determines the journey; do we ride against them or with them? Let Nora show you how it’s done!
I was gifted this copy by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
It wasn’t too long after ‘meeting’ her Syrian refugee care aid, Arifa, that I concluded we all need an Arifa in our lives. Not only for the obvious reasons but also for the opportunity to be chaperoned on a trip down memory lane.
In the introduction, debut author Cate Green informs us that this “is a novel about survivors of war and injustice and their lives as ordinary people with an extraordinary past” and as I closed the final page, I noted that Green has definitely honoured the legacy of both groups with this fantastic novel. This story is a wonderful balance of humour, love, and trauma and highlights the Jewish family of both yesterday and today. War, like age, has lasting ripples and how we deal with those ripples determines the journey; do we ride against them or with them? Let Nora show you how it’s done!
I was gifted this copy by HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.
June 18, 2023
Nora Wojnaswki is only days away from becoming the oldest women in the world, her family have planned a party for her and they made the mistake of not asking Bubby what she wanted! Her great granddaughter Debs Levene has been busy organizing the celebration, booking caterers, inviting guests, some are traveling from overseas and asking Nora's Rabbi to attend.
Nora isn’t your average old lady, her body might be failing and she knows what she wants. Nora gets a family member to sign a form letting her leave the nursing home, she goes to live with one of her caretakers Arifa Hashmi and her son Nasir. Nora likes Arifa, her hands are gentle, she takes her time and she tries to beat her playing cards. Of course Nora’s family are horrified, how can a fail old lady leave a nursing home and move in with two people they don’t know and trust?
I received a copy of The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W by Cate Green from HarperCollins UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The fictional story makes you consider aging from an older person’s point of view, how Nora has lost her independence, her beloved husband, all she has left is the memories, and her remaining family want her to break a Guinness World Record and it's something she doesnt give two hoots about!
A story about two mothers having one thing in common, how ordinary women get caught up in a war and they both lost a child during this time and a half of their heart went with them. Cate Green’s debut novel brings up topics such as survivors guilt, keeping their child's death a secret, getting revenge and Bubby has done this by living so long. Unfortunately innocent children are still being killed in wars, some leaders never learn from history and mistakes of the past and three and a half stars from me.
Nora isn’t your average old lady, her body might be failing and she knows what she wants. Nora gets a family member to sign a form letting her leave the nursing home, she goes to live with one of her caretakers Arifa Hashmi and her son Nasir. Nora likes Arifa, her hands are gentle, she takes her time and she tries to beat her playing cards. Of course Nora’s family are horrified, how can a fail old lady leave a nursing home and move in with two people they don’t know and trust?
I received a copy of The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W by Cate Green from HarperCollins UK and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The fictional story makes you consider aging from an older person’s point of view, how Nora has lost her independence, her beloved husband, all she has left is the memories, and her remaining family want her to break a Guinness World Record and it's something she doesnt give two hoots about!
A story about two mothers having one thing in common, how ordinary women get caught up in a war and they both lost a child during this time and a half of their heart went with them. Cate Green’s debut novel brings up topics such as survivors guilt, keeping their child's death a secret, getting revenge and Bubby has done this by living so long. Unfortunately innocent children are still being killed in wars, some leaders never learn from history and mistakes of the past and three and a half stars from me.
August 17, 2023
The Curious Kidnapping Of Nora W is the first novel by prize-winning British-born French journalist, copywriter and author, Caste Green. The audio version is narrated by Sarah Agha;,Deryn Edwards, and Katherine Press. In early April 2018, Dinora Wojnawski is less than three weeks away from being the oldest person in the world, at 122 years and 165 days. Her great-granddaughter, Deborah Levene has been charged with organising the party, and she has the venue, the rabbi, the caterers and the entertainment all organised when Nora spits the dummy: no party, no way, bupkis
When Sylvia Wojnawski, Deb’s ever-critical mother, hears the news, she is confident she can talk her mother-in-law around, a plan that falls at the first hurdle when the family finds that Nora has signed herself out of The Cedars Care Home to live with her favourite Cedars carer, Syrian refugee Arifa Hashmi.
Considering her elderly and vulnerable, they haven’t reckoned with Nora’s strength and resilience, her tenacity and her stubbornness: no matter how much they try to reason with her, she’s determined to stay put with Arifa and her son Nasir in their Stepney flat. Not only that, but it’s very handy to where she and her late husband had their East End shop, Henry’s Fruit in Quaker Street.
Even though Arifa seems caring and deferential, Deb, her mother and her New York lawyer brother are immediately suspicious that this Middle-Eastern woman and her son are embarking on a scheme to cheat Nora out of her savings (their inheritance). Especially when young Nasif suddenly acquires a laptop computer and money starts disappearing from Nora’s bank account.
Outings to the café that now occupies Henry’s Fruit, the Synagogue, the site of the Grand Palais, the old Jewish theatre, and the Jewish Cemetery all evoke memories for Nora, some of them joyful, others painful: Nora is a Holocaust survivor, and avoids sharing those stories with her twenty-one direct descendants. But an incident at the cemetery takes everyone’s minds off the cancelled party….
Deborah and Arifa carry the main story, with Nora’s reminiscences filling in some of the backstory. Green’s characters have depth and appeal, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations, as well as snappy dialogue that includes a good helping of humour. The sprinkling of Yiddish and Syrian Arabic words and phrases throughout adds authenticity.
The parallels between the experiences of each refugee family, similarities but also differences are quickly apparent to the reader, and clearly one of the reasons that Arifa and Nora connect so well. Green says that Nora was inspired by her late mother-in-law, ad that her aim was to write a novel about survivors of war and injustice and their lives as ordinary people with an extraordinary past, something she has definitely achieved. A moving uplifting and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Audio One More Chapter.
When Sylvia Wojnawski, Deb’s ever-critical mother, hears the news, she is confident she can talk her mother-in-law around, a plan that falls at the first hurdle when the family finds that Nora has signed herself out of The Cedars Care Home to live with her favourite Cedars carer, Syrian refugee Arifa Hashmi.
Considering her elderly and vulnerable, they haven’t reckoned with Nora’s strength and resilience, her tenacity and her stubbornness: no matter how much they try to reason with her, she’s determined to stay put with Arifa and her son Nasir in their Stepney flat. Not only that, but it’s very handy to where she and her late husband had their East End shop, Henry’s Fruit in Quaker Street.
Even though Arifa seems caring and deferential, Deb, her mother and her New York lawyer brother are immediately suspicious that this Middle-Eastern woman and her son are embarking on a scheme to cheat Nora out of her savings (their inheritance). Especially when young Nasif suddenly acquires a laptop computer and money starts disappearing from Nora’s bank account.
Outings to the café that now occupies Henry’s Fruit, the Synagogue, the site of the Grand Palais, the old Jewish theatre, and the Jewish Cemetery all evoke memories for Nora, some of them joyful, others painful: Nora is a Holocaust survivor, and avoids sharing those stories with her twenty-one direct descendants. But an incident at the cemetery takes everyone’s minds off the cancelled party….
Deborah and Arifa carry the main story, with Nora’s reminiscences filling in some of the backstory. Green’s characters have depth and appeal, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations, as well as snappy dialogue that includes a good helping of humour. The sprinkling of Yiddish and Syrian Arabic words and phrases throughout adds authenticity.
The parallels between the experiences of each refugee family, similarities but also differences are quickly apparent to the reader, and clearly one of the reasons that Arifa and Nora connect so well. Green says that Nora was inspired by her late mother-in-law, ad that her aim was to write a novel about survivors of war and injustice and their lives as ordinary people with an extraordinary past, something she has definitely achieved. A moving uplifting and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK Audio One More Chapter.
January 16, 2026
4⭐️ = Good.
Audio.
This was quite poignant as I care for my Mum who has Alzheimer’s. It certainly made me think .
An interesting storyline about a lady who is soon to achieve the title of being‘ the oldest woman in the world’.
There was humour, sadness, drama and reflection, all rolled into one.
Audio.
This was quite poignant as I care for my Mum who has Alzheimer’s. It certainly made me think .
An interesting storyline about a lady who is soon to achieve the title of being‘ the oldest woman in the world’.
There was humour, sadness, drama and reflection, all rolled into one.
July 16, 2023
Family matriarch and Holocaust survivor Nora Wojnaswki is about to become the oldest woman in the world, and her family are determined to celebrate in style. her great granddaughter, Debs, however, is not too happy about being left in charge of the party. It's been a struggle to get the Rabbi to commit to a date and the large Wojnaswki clan can't agree on what food should be served. Debs problems are just beginning. Because Nora isn't your average centenarian, and she has other ideas....
One of my pet peeves is when a book title has nothing to do with the story. So, if you're looking for a book about a kidnapping, this won't be the book for you.
Nora is about to turn a 122 and doesn't want the party her family wants to throw for her. she's the oldest person in the world and a Holocaust survivor. Nora decides to go on a trip down memory lane in the East End of London. She takes her favourite carer, Arifa, a Syrian refugee with her. The story covers - war, religion and family feuds with a little bit of humour. The characters are well developed, and the story is told from Nora, Arifa and Debs perspectives. This is a touching and thought provoking read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #CateGreen for my ARC of #TheCuriousKidnappingOfNoraW in exchange for an honest review.
One of my pet peeves is when a book title has nothing to do with the story. So, if you're looking for a book about a kidnapping, this won't be the book for you.
Nora is about to turn a 122 and doesn't want the party her family wants to throw for her. she's the oldest person in the world and a Holocaust survivor. Nora decides to go on a trip down memory lane in the East End of London. She takes her favourite carer, Arifa, a Syrian refugee with her. The story covers - war, religion and family feuds with a little bit of humour. The characters are well developed, and the story is told from Nora, Arifa and Debs perspectives. This is a touching and thought provoking read.
I would like to thank #NetGalley #HarperCollinsUK #OneMoreChapter and the author #CateGreen for my ARC of #TheCuriousKidnappingOfNoraW in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2024
I want to start by saying I absolutely loved The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W. Nora is 18 days from her 123rd birthday. She will be in the record books as the oldest ever person. Nora is living in a care home and her family is planning a huge birthday bash being planned by her great granddaughter, Debs. Nora doesn't want a party, in fact, she doesn't want to live there anymore. Nora's son David is also living in the same care home, but he has dementia and doesn't recognize his mother. She convinces one of her workers, Arifa Hashmi, to let her stay with her and take her around the East End where she used to live and own a store with her husband. She gets signed out of the home by a relative, guess who, and goes to live with Arifa and her son, Nasir. Her family are livid, thinking Arifa is a gold digger and had no business taking her out of the residence. Nora, is still of sound mind and she has no desire to go back. The story of what happens with Nora, Arifa, Nasir and Nora's family moves forward with tears, anger, frustation, secrets revealed and more.
This was such a wonderful story. Nora and her family were part of the Holocaust and she, her husband Henry and son David somehow survived and moved to the UK. Arifa is also a survivor, she lost her husband and daughter in the Syrian war and escaped to England to start a new life. She is a doctor, but is working as a caretaker in a nursing home/care home. As Nora resides with Arifa, we learn a lot of her history and what her life was like after WW2. The relationship between Nora and Arifa was wonderful. They were friends and spent a lot of time together. Nora's family were not all that likable at the beginning of the story. Besides Debs, who visited regularly, the rest of the family didn't see Nora much. Her granddaugher-in-law, was quite selfish and was more worried about what they would get when Nora was gone. When tragedy strikes the family, it makes them re-examine their lives and values. This is a story of motherhood, family, friendship, loss, found family, aging and more. This is a book that I definitely recommend. The audiobook was very well narrated by the team of Sarah Agha, Deryn Edwards and Katherine Press. I loved that the three main females each had their own voice and all the secondary characters were also recognizable. They made the story even more enjoyable for me.
This was such a wonderful story. Nora and her family were part of the Holocaust and she, her husband Henry and son David somehow survived and moved to the UK. Arifa is also a survivor, she lost her husband and daughter in the Syrian war and escaped to England to start a new life. She is a doctor, but is working as a caretaker in a nursing home/care home. As Nora resides with Arifa, we learn a lot of her history and what her life was like after WW2. The relationship between Nora and Arifa was wonderful. They were friends and spent a lot of time together. Nora's family were not all that likable at the beginning of the story. Besides Debs, who visited regularly, the rest of the family didn't see Nora much. Her granddaugher-in-law, was quite selfish and was more worried about what they would get when Nora was gone. When tragedy strikes the family, it makes them re-examine their lives and values. This is a story of motherhood, family, friendship, loss, found family, aging and more. This is a book that I definitely recommend. The audiobook was very well narrated by the team of Sarah Agha, Deryn Edwards and Katherine Press. I loved that the three main females each had their own voice and all the secondary characters were also recognizable. They made the story even more enjoyable for me.
October 12, 2023
3.8 stars
The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W is a heartwarming and unusual read. Although not the most eventful story, the characters and strong messages that the story conveys long make up for it.
👵 The Storyline 👵
Nora Wojnawski is a strong willed and feisty supercentarian who is days away from officially becoming the world's oldest person. Nora's family are het up planning the party and making sure that it rises to the record breaking occasion. However they don't really think about what Nora wants. They think they know what's best for her putting her into an old folks home where the food is terrible and she's lonely. When Nora decides that she wants to move in with Arifa, one of the careers at the old folks home whom she is very fond of, and be cared for privately by her, Nora's family are up in arms. They worry that Arifa is taking advantage of Nora, but little do they know about what bonds tie Nora and Arifa together.
👵 Strengths 👵
-Nora is a loveable and strong character who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She may be 122-years-old but she's as sharp as anything and not to mention hilarious. Her wisdom speaks volumes. Nora has been through the most terrible and traumatic things in her life- she is a Holocaust survivor and her age has also seen her lose the things and people she held most dear.
Arifa is likeable and genuine. She also has been through hell fleeing war and losing her family. Both Nora and Arifa have more in common than what meets the eye. Arifa cares about Nora's wishes unlike her family. Nora's family are unlikeable at first and they treat Arifa badly, but an accident makes them reflect on their judgemental and selfish ways.
-The story deals with a lot of deep and pertinent themes such as loss, trauma, prejudice and war. The moral of the story is sweet and simple - we are all human and instead of focusing on our differences, we should focus on what we do share in common. Not only do Nora and Arifa bond over their experiences, but food and their cultures. The story opens up a lot of dialogue especially about strengthening Arab and Jewish relations. These two so-called opposing and waring cultures actually have a lot in common. At the end of the day, differences in religion and culture shouldn't be a barrier for friendship. Nora is far wiser than her ignorant family.
👵 Weaknesses 👵
-The story was quite slow and difficult to get into. If you're looking for a pacy story, this won't be for you. The story mostly consists of arguments between Arifa and Nora's family, Wojnawski family gatherings and spats, and Nora and Arifa's reflections on their lives. It took me a while to finish because of the pace. It felt a bit repetitive at times. However the terrific characters and humour make you persevere.
👵 Conclusion 👵
All in all this is a wonderful and powerful intergenerational read that gives you a lot of food for thought. I think that society could really learn a lot from reading this. This book has many lessons to teach.
👵 Grading 👵
Characterisation: A*
Ending: A
Storyline: B-
Writing style: A-
Overall grade: A-
The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W is a heartwarming and unusual read. Although not the most eventful story, the characters and strong messages that the story conveys long make up for it.
👵 The Storyline 👵
Nora Wojnawski is a strong willed and feisty supercentarian who is days away from officially becoming the world's oldest person. Nora's family are het up planning the party and making sure that it rises to the record breaking occasion. However they don't really think about what Nora wants. They think they know what's best for her putting her into an old folks home where the food is terrible and she's lonely. When Nora decides that she wants to move in with Arifa, one of the careers at the old folks home whom she is very fond of, and be cared for privately by her, Nora's family are up in arms. They worry that Arifa is taking advantage of Nora, but little do they know about what bonds tie Nora and Arifa together.
👵 Strengths 👵
-Nora is a loveable and strong character who isn't afraid to speak her mind. She may be 122-years-old but she's as sharp as anything and not to mention hilarious. Her wisdom speaks volumes. Nora has been through the most terrible and traumatic things in her life- she is a Holocaust survivor and her age has also seen her lose the things and people she held most dear.
Arifa is likeable and genuine. She also has been through hell fleeing war and losing her family. Both Nora and Arifa have more in common than what meets the eye. Arifa cares about Nora's wishes unlike her family. Nora's family are unlikeable at first and they treat Arifa badly, but an accident makes them reflect on their judgemental and selfish ways.
-The story deals with a lot of deep and pertinent themes such as loss, trauma, prejudice and war. The moral of the story is sweet and simple - we are all human and instead of focusing on our differences, we should focus on what we do share in common. Not only do Nora and Arifa bond over their experiences, but food and their cultures. The story opens up a lot of dialogue especially about strengthening Arab and Jewish relations. These two so-called opposing and waring cultures actually have a lot in common. At the end of the day, differences in religion and culture shouldn't be a barrier for friendship. Nora is far wiser than her ignorant family.
👵 Weaknesses 👵
-The story was quite slow and difficult to get into. If you're looking for a pacy story, this won't be for you. The story mostly consists of arguments between Arifa and Nora's family, Wojnawski family gatherings and spats, and Nora and Arifa's reflections on their lives. It took me a while to finish because of the pace. It felt a bit repetitive at times. However the terrific characters and humour make you persevere.
👵 Conclusion 👵
All in all this is a wonderful and powerful intergenerational read that gives you a lot of food for thought. I think that society could really learn a lot from reading this. This book has many lessons to teach.
👵 Grading 👵
Characterisation: A*
Ending: A
Storyline: B-
Writing style: A-
Overall grade: A-
August 5, 2023
Holocaust survivor Nora Wojnaswki, is about to become the oldest woman in the world. She is very, very, old and she is tired. Her Jewish family want a huge fuss and fanfare when she breaks the world record for oldest person. Nora does NOT. She enlists the help of a sympathetic care worker from her assisted living facility to take her back to East London where many of her memories were formed.
Care worker Arifa Hashmi brings Nora to live in her home which she shares with her teenage son Nasir. Arifa is from Aleppo, Syria, and knows well the devastation and losses that war can inflict upon the innocent. Arifa has much empathy for Nora and she considers her a friend. Nora's family are suspicious of Arifa's intentions and would prefer it if Nora returned to the care home where she lived previously.
Nora's great grandaughter, Deborah Levene, is the one family member who visits Nora most often. She loves her 'Bubby' very much, but finds her trying at times. Deborah is resentful of Arifa's actions and more than a bit jealous of her relationship with Nora.
When a tragic accident mars one of the family's outings, Deborah Levene's world is turned upside down. What transpires after this accident was a story that will enrich those who read it.
"They say that the pain from giving birth is the worst a human can feel but it is not true. The pain of losing a child that grew inside you is sharper, longer, and has no anaesthetic."
This debut novel was filled with Jewish lore, customs, and history. There were some very poignant moments, but lots of humour as well. The book explores parental bereavement and the traumatic experiences of war refugees/immigrants. It takes a hard look at the culture shock that these people face. Also it delves into the parent/child relationship - universal in its emotions, guilt, and deep-seated love.
This novel was overflowing with well-drawn characters. My personal favourite was Arifa who endured her great losses and change of status with such grace and dignity.
It is a novel with themes of perseverance, survivor's guilt, hope, loss, and family. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading books that evoke myriad emotions and those who are interested in Jewish culture.
Care worker Arifa Hashmi brings Nora to live in her home which she shares with her teenage son Nasir. Arifa is from Aleppo, Syria, and knows well the devastation and losses that war can inflict upon the innocent. Arifa has much empathy for Nora and she considers her a friend. Nora's family are suspicious of Arifa's intentions and would prefer it if Nora returned to the care home where she lived previously.
Nora's great grandaughter, Deborah Levene, is the one family member who visits Nora most often. She loves her 'Bubby' very much, but finds her trying at times. Deborah is resentful of Arifa's actions and more than a bit jealous of her relationship with Nora.
When a tragic accident mars one of the family's outings, Deborah Levene's world is turned upside down. What transpires after this accident was a story that will enrich those who read it.
"They say that the pain from giving birth is the worst a human can feel but it is not true. The pain of losing a child that grew inside you is sharper, longer, and has no anaesthetic."
This debut novel was filled with Jewish lore, customs, and history. There were some very poignant moments, but lots of humour as well. The book explores parental bereavement and the traumatic experiences of war refugees/immigrants. It takes a hard look at the culture shock that these people face. Also it delves into the parent/child relationship - universal in its emotions, guilt, and deep-seated love.
This novel was overflowing with well-drawn characters. My personal favourite was Arifa who endured her great losses and change of status with such grace and dignity.
It is a novel with themes of perseverance, survivor's guilt, hope, loss, and family. I recommend this book to those who enjoy reading books that evoke myriad emotions and those who are interested in Jewish culture.
June 10, 2023
I received a free copy of, The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W, by Cate Green, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Nora Wojnawski is going to be the oldest woman in the world. Nora's family is planning a party for her, but Nora has other plans. This was a good read, I enjoyed it.
August 17, 2023
The Curious Kidnapping Of Nora W is the first novel by prize-winning British-born French journalist, copywriter and author, Caste Green. In early April 2018, Dinora Wojnawski is less than three weeks away from being the oldest person in the world, at 122 years and 165 days. Her great-granddaughter, Deborah Levene has been charged with organising the party, and she has the venue, the rabbi, the caterers and the entertainment all organised when Nora spits the dummy: no party, no way, bupkis
When Sylvia Wojnawski, Deb’s ever-critical mother, hears the news, she is confident she can talk her mother-in-law around, a plan that falls at the first hurdle when the family finds that Nora has signed herself out of The Cedars Care Home to live with her favourite Cedars carer, Syrian refugee Arifa Hashmi.
Considering her elderly and vulnerable, they haven’t reckoned with Nora’s strength and resilience, her tenacity and her stubbornness: no matter how much they try to reason with her, she’s determined to stay put with Arifa and her son Nasir in their Stepney flat. Not only that, but it’s very handy to where she and her late husband had their East End shop, Henry’s Fruit in Quaker Street.
Even though Arifa seems caring and deferential, Deb, her mother and her New York lawyer brother are immediately suspicious that this Middle-Eastern woman and her son are embarking on a scheme to cheat Nora out of her savings (their inheritance). Especially when young Nasif suddenly acquires a laptop computer and money starts disappearing from Nora’s bank account.
Outings to the café that now occupies Henry’s Fruit, the Synagogue, the site of the Grand Palais, the old Jewish theatre, and the Jewish Cemetery all evoke memories for Nora, some of them joyful, others painful: Nora is a Holocaust survivor, and avoids sharing those stories with her twenty-one direct descendants. But an incident at the cemetery takes everyone’s minds off the cancelled party….
Deborah and Arifa carry the main story, with Nora’s reminiscences filling in some of the backstory. Green’s characters have depth and appeal, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations, as well as snappy dialogue that includes a good helping of humour. The sprinkling of Yiddish and Syrian Arabic words and phrases throughout adds authenticity.
The parallels between the experiences of each refugee family, similarities but also differences are quickly apparent to the reader, and clearly one of the reasons that Arifa and Nora connect so well. Green says that Nora was inspired by her late mother-in-law, ad that her aim was to write a novel about survivors of war and injustice and their lives as ordinary people with an extraordinary past, something she has definitely achieved. A moving uplifting and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter.
When Sylvia Wojnawski, Deb’s ever-critical mother, hears the news, she is confident she can talk her mother-in-law around, a plan that falls at the first hurdle when the family finds that Nora has signed herself out of The Cedars Care Home to live with her favourite Cedars carer, Syrian refugee Arifa Hashmi.
Considering her elderly and vulnerable, they haven’t reckoned with Nora’s strength and resilience, her tenacity and her stubbornness: no matter how much they try to reason with her, she’s determined to stay put with Arifa and her son Nasir in their Stepney flat. Not only that, but it’s very handy to where she and her late husband had their East End shop, Henry’s Fruit in Quaker Street.
Even though Arifa seems caring and deferential, Deb, her mother and her New York lawyer brother are immediately suspicious that this Middle-Eastern woman and her son are embarking on a scheme to cheat Nora out of her savings (their inheritance). Especially when young Nasif suddenly acquires a laptop computer and money starts disappearing from Nora’s bank account.
Outings to the café that now occupies Henry’s Fruit, the Synagogue, the site of the Grand Palais, the old Jewish theatre, and the Jewish Cemetery all evoke memories for Nora, some of them joyful, others painful: Nora is a Holocaust survivor, and avoids sharing those stories with her twenty-one direct descendants. But an incident at the cemetery takes everyone’s minds off the cancelled party….
Deborah and Arifa carry the main story, with Nora’s reminiscences filling in some of the backstory. Green’s characters have depth and appeal, and she gives them wise words and insightful observations, as well as snappy dialogue that includes a good helping of humour. The sprinkling of Yiddish and Syrian Arabic words and phrases throughout adds authenticity.
The parallels between the experiences of each refugee family, similarities but also differences are quickly apparent to the reader, and clearly one of the reasons that Arifa and Nora connect so well. Green says that Nora was inspired by her late mother-in-law, ad that her aim was to write a novel about survivors of war and injustice and their lives as ordinary people with an extraordinary past, something she has definitely achieved. A moving uplifting and thought-provoking read.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Harper Collins UK One More Chapter.
July 12, 2025
A thought provoking book..told by a 122 year old holocaust survivor..with humour ..available on audiobooks
July 20, 2023
The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W by Cate Green is a fabulously rich story about a Holocaust survivor's perseverance, grief, little joys and hope. Nora is about to turn 122, the oldest human in the world, and her family is eager to celebrate. However, Nora has other ideas. She and Arifa, her carer who is a Syrian refugee, go off on their own adventure of a very different sort. They are anxious to find answers to old mysteries. Different characters, different wars. But their harrowing war experiences bond them with empathy and understanding. Nora's great grand daughter Debbie, party organizer extraordinaire, is left with de-planning. As the story gets deeper and deeper, the characters grow along with it.
Cate Green's writing style is wonderful, her characters are believable and the premise is fascinating. There is so much to enjoy about this book! If you long for something different with an excellent balance of sorrow and touching moments, this may very well be for you.
My sincere thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this uplifting book.
Cate Green's writing style is wonderful, her characters are believable and the premise is fascinating. There is so much to enjoy about this book! If you long for something different with an excellent balance of sorrow and touching moments, this may very well be for you.
My sincere thank you to HarperCollins UK, One More Chapter and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this uplifting book.
July 20, 2023
Family matriarch and Holocaust survivor Nora Wojnaswki is about to become the oldest woman in the world, and her family are determined to celebrate in style. Her great grandaughter, Debs, however, is not too happy about being left in charge of the party. It’s been a struggle to get the Rabbi to commit to a date and the large Wojnaswki clan can’t agree on what food should be served.
Only, Debs’s problems are just beginning. Because Nora isn’t your average centenarian, and she has other ideas…
This was an enjoyable story that managed to cover a wide range of emotions. I loved the character of Nora and was moved by her sorrowful history, but also moved to laughter by her current antics and some of the things she said. I also enjoyed the character of Arifa and the parallels between the two women’s lives.
The other characters and side stories were less relatable and less engrossing and made the pace lag a bit, but every time it recentered those two women I once again for delight.
Overall a good if somewhat uneven read- but still worthwhile.
Sarah Agha, Deryn Edwards, and Katherine Press did a good job narrating the audiobook.
Thank you Cate Green, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
Only, Debs’s problems are just beginning. Because Nora isn’t your average centenarian, and she has other ideas…
This was an enjoyable story that managed to cover a wide range of emotions. I loved the character of Nora and was moved by her sorrowful history, but also moved to laughter by her current antics and some of the things she said. I also enjoyed the character of Arifa and the parallels between the two women’s lives.
The other characters and side stories were less relatable and less engrossing and made the pace lag a bit, but every time it recentered those two women I once again for delight.
Overall a good if somewhat uneven read- but still worthwhile.
Sarah Agha, Deryn Edwards, and Katherine Press did a good job narrating the audiobook.
Thank you Cate Green, HarperCollins UK Audio, and NetGalley for providing this ALC for review consideration. All opinions expressed are my own.
July 7, 2023
Get ready to drop everything in your life to fall in love with Nora W. A formidable 122 year old wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother and holocaust survivor who is a mere number of days away from becoming the oldest person to ever live. When we meet Nora she’s residing in a care home, cared for by Arifa who has fled Syria, with her son, she doesn’t need the training package telling her of respect and bedside manners, for however difficult Nora is Arifa knows how to respect her elders. Then there’s Debs (I despised Debs for the majority of the book) Debs has been given the task of arranging the Guinness book of records party to celebrate her Bubbe breaking the world record. Ensue adventure, a beautiful trip down memory lane and a lesson about life love strength endurance.
I don’t have the correct words to explain to you how much I loved this story, it’s beautiful in every way. It will have you laughing out loud one minute and sobbing the next. Hearing both Nora and Arifa”s stories throughout was really special. There are lessons throughout. All the stars for this one! #Jorecommends Look out for this on July 20th.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
I don’t have the correct words to explain to you how much I loved this story, it’s beautiful in every way. It will have you laughing out loud one minute and sobbing the next. Hearing both Nora and Arifa”s stories throughout was really special. There are lessons throughout. All the stars for this one! #Jorecommends Look out for this on July 20th.
Thank you to NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the opportunity to listen to this audiobook in return for an honest review.
July 27, 2023
Totally and utterly charming, funny, heartbreaking and beautifully narrated.
This story is packed full of heart and hutzpah, and was an utter delight all the way through.
I loved the breadth and depth that each of the different perspectives brought to the story, from the Nazi invasion of Poland in WWII to the desperate streets of present day Syria, into London’s post-war Jewish quarter and forward into the unquiet peace of a residential home.
Family tragedies stand shoulder to shoulder with celebrations, and I felt privileged to share Nora’s 122 years of experience, intelligence and her no-nonsense attitude. It’s a good reminder that the elders in our communities deserve our time, respect and protection.
Five shining stars for Cate Green. I loved it.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the chance to listen to an advance copy of this delightful story.
This story is packed full of heart and hutzpah, and was an utter delight all the way through.
I loved the breadth and depth that each of the different perspectives brought to the story, from the Nazi invasion of Poland in WWII to the desperate streets of present day Syria, into London’s post-war Jewish quarter and forward into the unquiet peace of a residential home.
Family tragedies stand shoulder to shoulder with celebrations, and I felt privileged to share Nora’s 122 years of experience, intelligence and her no-nonsense attitude. It’s a good reminder that the elders in our communities deserve our time, respect and protection.
Five shining stars for Cate Green. I loved it.
Thank you NetGalley and Harper Collins U.K. audio for the chance to listen to an advance copy of this delightful story.
July 8, 2023
Holocaust survivor Nora Wojnawski (known as Bubby to her family) is about to become the oldest person ever. Her family intend to celebrate the huge milestone with a glitzy party, but Nora herself has other ideas. When she leaves her care home in the company of carer Arifa, her family are determined to return her to the home and have the celebrations they have planned. Will Nora accept their wishes, or will she have the trip down memory lane she wishes?
A beautiful story, with lots of revelations and flashbacks. The author shows how families have lots to learn from their elders, and what you see isn't always what you get. Well written, and very emotive.
A beautiful story, with lots of revelations and flashbacks. The author shows how families have lots to learn from their elders, and what you see isn't always what you get. Well written, and very emotive.
July 7, 2023
History wrapped in fiction.
An inspired story of one Jewish woman who managed to survive the horrors of a war and years of aftermath while being cared for as a very old woman by other women who are survivors of current wars and forced to flee their homes. It is a story of perseverance through horrible times, unsettled times, loving times, and through the trials of extreme old age so to triumph over oppressors by becoming the oldest of all on her own terms. A fascinating read.
I requested and received an EARC from HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter via NetGalley. Thank you!
An inspired story of one Jewish woman who managed to survive the horrors of a war and years of aftermath while being cared for as a very old woman by other women who are survivors of current wars and forced to flee their homes. It is a story of perseverance through horrible times, unsettled times, loving times, and through the trials of extreme old age so to triumph over oppressors by becoming the oldest of all on her own terms. A fascinating read.
I requested and received an EARC from HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter via NetGalley. Thank you!
July 8, 2023
This was such a cute book. The oldest women in the world being made to celebrate her next birthday - she’s strong willed and doesn’t want to. She’d rather be playing poker online. Her family seem very money focused and don’t really listen to her views. A carer is her saviour. She listens and does exactly what she’s asked.
There are flash backs to the plights of the Jews in WWII and so this links to those refugees needing to move now.
I loved this book, so real!
There are flash backs to the plights of the Jews in WWII and so this links to those refugees needing to move now.
I loved this book, so real!
July 4, 2023
The book starts off with the planning of a celebration for the oldest person who ever lived, Nora. All of the complications of family expectations along with a very opinionated centenarian make for a delightful, light premise. Nora's wit and personality are nowhere near her chronological age. But then the story line takes an abrupt, dark, scary turn, touching everyone, bringing out their privately held biases. The twists and turns in this book will hold your attention and keep your rooting for Nora.
July 6, 2023
I highly recommend this book. Very easy to read set today with flashbacks to the second world war and the Syrian war. Nora is about to become the oldest living woman at 122years +
Arifa her carer is a refugee from Syria.
Highly entertaining but based on true events of their times.
Arifa her carer is a refugee from Syria.
Highly entertaining but based on true events of their times.
May 1, 2024
3.5 stars
June 17, 2023
On the cusp of breaking the world record for oldest living person in the world, Nora Wojnaswki decides she’s had enough. Enough of the big to do her family is insisting upon to celebrate her milestone, enough of the assisted living facility she lives in and enough keeping the past buried so deep that it consumes her. She escapes the facility and moves in with her caretaker, Arifa…a woman who has also suffered the same great losses in her life just many, many years after Nora did.
With her family determined to make sense of her sudden move and changes, she begins to retrace her steps from arriving in London just after WWII and tells her life story.
I wanted to like this story more than I actually did. I felt several of the characters where difficult to like and for that, wanted to finish it quickly. Then I just focused on. Nora and all that she had been through in her 122+ years, from living in a ghetto to being sent to a concentration camp and having her young daughter torn away from her to making a new life for herself and her family in England…this is a story of strength. She needed her family see past the surface and superficial and remember what is really important. Family bonds and love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and Cate Green for an early copy in exchange for my review.
With her family determined to make sense of her sudden move and changes, she begins to retrace her steps from arriving in London just after WWII and tells her life story.
I wanted to like this story more than I actually did. I felt several of the characters where difficult to like and for that, wanted to finish it quickly. Then I just focused on. Nora and all that she had been through in her 122+ years, from living in a ghetto to being sent to a concentration camp and having her young daughter torn away from her to making a new life for herself and her family in England…this is a story of strength. She needed her family see past the surface and superficial and remember what is really important. Family bonds and love.
Thank you to NetGalley, Harper Collins UK One More Chapter and Cate Green for an early copy in exchange for my review.
June 26, 2023
3.75 (rounded up to 4) - I can confidently say that I have never read a book that has had a character aged 122. Upon hearing this, I was immediately drawn to the plot.
In a matter of weeks, Nora will become the oldest documented living person. Her family wants to throw her a party, but this doesn’t come without a list of demands. Meanwhile, Nora decides to leave the nursing home to live with her caretaker Arifa. Though from different times and wars, there is a kinship with the fellow refugee.
I liked a lot about this book. It’s a unique plot with wonderful characters. Most importantly, it relays an important message. However, I also struggled with the writing style. The paragraphs had a tendency to trail off without completely finishing the initial thought. This was fairly consistent and made the narration difficult to follow. Nevertheless, the plot and characters do hold their own, making this a worthwhile read.
A huge thanks to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for inviting me to read and review the digital ARC through NetGalley!
In a matter of weeks, Nora will become the oldest documented living person. Her family wants to throw her a party, but this doesn’t come without a list of demands. Meanwhile, Nora decides to leave the nursing home to live with her caretaker Arifa. Though from different times and wars, there is a kinship with the fellow refugee.
I liked a lot about this book. It’s a unique plot with wonderful characters. Most importantly, it relays an important message. However, I also struggled with the writing style. The paragraphs had a tendency to trail off without completely finishing the initial thought. This was fairly consistent and made the narration difficult to follow. Nevertheless, the plot and characters do hold their own, making this a worthwhile read.
A huge thanks to HarperCollins UK/One More Chapter for inviting me to read and review the digital ARC through NetGalley!
March 28, 2024
Nora is one of the best characters I have come across in my reading. She is 122 years old, rather curmudgeonly but with a mostly sharp brain and a sense of humour. However, she does not suffer fools gladly,
If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
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If you would like to read my full review please visit my blog at:
https://leftontheshelfbookblog.blogsp...
May 29, 2023
Cate Green intrigued me when she wrote in the Prologue, “The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W is not a historical novel. It is not a novel about victims of war and injustice. It is a novel about the survivors of war and injustice and their lives as ordinary people with an extraordinary past…”
The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W is, indeed, just as described. It is multi-layered with nuances that the reader might miss, at first, but realize as they keep reading. It is the story of families, of histories too painful to remember, of the resilience of very strong women. It is the story of friendships, of trust, mistrust and love. It is the story of Jewish traditions, favorite foods and memori, Yiddish words (usually translated) and a long life, well lived.
The story, told by Nora’s granddaughter Deborah, started out a bit slow for me. The pace picked up as the reader is introduced to Nora Wojnawski, the centenarian soon to become the oldest living person in history, her caregiver Arifa, a Syrian immigrant and Nora’s family.
I was raised in a Jewish home, surrounded by maternal and paternal family, many Russian immigrants and Holocaust survivors. As such, I identified with so much of this story. For example, I only learned about my paternal grandparents experience during WWII in an article I found doing genealogy research a few months ago. Like Nora and Arifa they never talked about the “old country” or the people left behind. Jewish guilt is a “real” thing and I often felt Deborah’s angst as she juggled her emotions dealing with Bubby (Nora) and her parents.
The synopsis of The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W! adequately sets the scene of the novel so I don’t feel the need to retell the story. I will add that characters, such as Afria’s son Nasir and Deborah’s mother-in-law Sylvia, play important roles in helping Nora share her story.
As I continued reading, this novel grabbed me and held me close. I cried through most of the last chapter - tears of happiness as the ending warmed my heart. I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W!
Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W is, indeed, just as described. It is multi-layered with nuances that the reader might miss, at first, but realize as they keep reading. It is the story of families, of histories too painful to remember, of the resilience of very strong women. It is the story of friendships, of trust, mistrust and love. It is the story of Jewish traditions, favorite foods and memori, Yiddish words (usually translated) and a long life, well lived.
The story, told by Nora’s granddaughter Deborah, started out a bit slow for me. The pace picked up as the reader is introduced to Nora Wojnawski, the centenarian soon to become the oldest living person in history, her caregiver Arifa, a Syrian immigrant and Nora’s family.
I was raised in a Jewish home, surrounded by maternal and paternal family, many Russian immigrants and Holocaust survivors. As such, I identified with so much of this story. For example, I only learned about my paternal grandparents experience during WWII in an article I found doing genealogy research a few months ago. Like Nora and Arifa they never talked about the “old country” or the people left behind. Jewish guilt is a “real” thing and I often felt Deborah’s angst as she juggled her emotions dealing with Bubby (Nora) and her parents.
The synopsis of The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W! adequately sets the scene of the novel so I don’t feel the need to retell the story. I will add that characters, such as Afria’s son Nasir and Deborah’s mother-in-law Sylvia, play important roles in helping Nora share her story.
As I continued reading, this novel grabbed me and held me close. I cried through most of the last chapter - tears of happiness as the ending warmed my heart. I cannot imagine anyone not enjoying The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W!
Thank you to One More Chapter and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
December 27, 2023
The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W is a captivating read that makes the reader think. You really feel the struggle and emotions Nora goes through as her story slowly unfolds. A fascinating and poignant read!
June 8, 2023
I received a free e-arc of this book through Netgalley. I have to say that I don't think the title fits this book at all. No kidnapping takes place. It's an attention-getting title, but not representative of the book. The story itself is great and very much has a human interest piece. Nora is about to turn 122 and doesn't want to have the party that her family wants to celebrate her being the oldest person in the world. She gets her carer, Arifa in the nursing home to take her to her own home and then goes down memory lane. This book show that no matter who we are, we shouldn't judge a person by their face or their current circumstances, that we may indeed have more in common as humans than you think.
July 20, 2023
I absolutely loved "The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W" by Cate Green! 122 year old Nora is definitely one of my favorite literary characters of this year, and probably of all time. As Nora's family finalize the preparations for her party celebrating the day she becomes the oldest person in the world, Nora, a Holocaust survivor, turns their plans upside down when she signs herself out of her nursing home and goes to live with her Muslim caretaker in what used to be her old neighborhood for a trip down memory lane. As the story, both heart wrenching and amusing, unfolds, the reader sees the parallels between Nora's and Afira's lives, and between the wars that changed the courses of their lives. This is a beautiful story of motherhood, loss, family and their misplaced good intentions, injustice, hope, and healing. The vividly written characters become real people to the reader and they will haunt me for quite some time. I loved the author's writing style and her use of language kept me turning page after page. I was actually sad when I finished the last page; I wasn't ready to leave Nora's world! I highly recommend this book to all readers who like to become thoroughly invested in a book's characters and to those who want their hearts to be touched while reading. Five, bright shiny stars of perfection!
Many thanks to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and to Cate Green for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this incredible book.
Many thanks to NetGalley, One More Chapter, and to Cate Green for the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this incredible book.
May 1, 2023
There are many things which make The Curious Kidnapping of Nora W such a good read, and one of them is the wonderfully written character of Nora Wojnawski, who is about to become the oldest person in the history of the world. We meet two other strong women - her great-granddaughter Deborah and her carer Arifa, along with the many other family members who are woven into the narrative. Nora's family are planning a big party to celebrate her world record, but Nora has other ideas. A number of themes are explored as the story unfolds, including immigration and prejudice, online gambling and the complexities of parenting, all dealt with through the backdrop of contemporary Britain, alongside Nora’s haunting experiences and memories as a Holocaust survivor. This tale highlights the importance of family and is both accurately observed and told with warmth and humour.
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