Hush (urspr publ 2010; utgåvan 2010)

In this novel, the author uses the unique voice of a young Jewish girl to address a shameful incident which is subsequently covered up by the close-knit religious community in which she lives. Through flashbacks, letters, and narrative, seventeen-year-old Gittel describes the guilt she feels over the death of her friend Devory at age nine, and the events which led up to and followed it. As Gittel finishes school and prepares for her marriage, she becomes increasingly haunted by her childhood friend, who will never have the experiences that Gittel is. The novel moves swiftly towards an end as Gittel attempts to find a way, any way, to put to rest the guilt and shame she feels.

Although the abuses in the Catholic church have been exposed and discussed in mainstream media, those in other religions have not been widely known. The author of this book, an anonymous Jewish woman, writes from her personal experiences and knowledge of the community and the culture which encompasses, and hides, it. In the author’s note, she writes, “We built walls, and built them high. The walls would keep the gentiles and their terrifying world far away. The walls would protect us and shelter us — and as we built them higher, thicker, wider, we forgot to look inside. We forgot that the greatest enemies always grow from within” (342). This is a message that crosses cultures and generations, and this particular novel is a well-written example of what it looks like this particular setting. An excellent companion to “Speak” and other novels of the type. ( )

3.5 for me , review to come. ( )

3.5 for me , review to come. ( )

A powerful book of secrets in a Hassidic Jewish community where one young girl is caught between the truth of what her friend endured which led to tragedy, and the voices of all who she trusted warning her not to be true to herself - on one level this was a courageous book - acknowledging the truth of what occurs in all communities yet is not spoken of, and on another level the suffering and long lasting effects of being muted from dealing with grief, pain, confusion and guilt -

I was impressed with the story but even more so with the subject matter so effectively dealt with by the author - ( )

Judy Brown writing under the pseudonym of Eishes Chayil (which means a woman of valor) writes about her very structured, very tradition bound Chassidic community in New York and they way they covered up and ignored sexual abuse. They were good people, the chosen people. Such things couldn't happen among them, only the dirty goy would do such a thing. This is a perfect examination of the toll religious oppression takes on people who try to live in reality and is a commentary on the Dugger (Quiverfull) fiasco, the Jehova Witness scandal that recently came to light, the Catholic church cover ups, the FLDS shannagins, even the fact that Mormons take Prozac in higher numbers than other Americans. I think everywhere there's a strong patriarchal religion sexual abuse, the abuse of those considered to be weaker and less worthy, must be covered up, no matter which religion it is. Well worth reading to understand the desperation of victims who have nowhere to turn, no one to help them. It is also worth reading to find long term results on those who know about the abuse but must keep it silent. Brown has since left the community. ( )