DISOBEDIENCE Paperback – 1 January 2018

Sad ending .1st half is too long but d 2nd half is up to the mark.

"I've been thinking about two states of being - being gay, being Jewish. They have a lot in common. You don't choose it, that's the first thing. The second thing is that while you don't have a choice about what you are, you have a choice about what you show.".Disobedience explores the orthodox life inside the Jewish suburb of Hendon, North London and the consequences sexuality can have on people, when suppressed..I don't really reminisce often about this book, neither have I given it a place among my must-reads. But being someone who loves to explore new genres, I was able to read it in one go, because it always had an aura of curiosity around it..Ronit returns to her hometown in Hendon, to attend her father's funeral. Now being a 32 year old woman from New York, she is welcomed by glances from all around the neighbourhood. Plus, she faces off with Esti, who was more than just a childhood friend back then, if you know what I mean..So amidst this scenario, the author being Jewish herself, passively challenges such notions through the independent protagonist. The book has an air of feminism as well, and how much awareness of one's sexuality matters in one's life..Go for it, if you're looking for something unconventional.Xx.P.S. You may need a Jewish dictionary too XD

Beautiful read on choice and self-acceptance. Sometimes you get there and sometimes you don't. Either way it's fine. The only thing you owe to yourself is to choose and pursue what you long for deep down.

Lo compré después de Ver la película y si bien hay unos detalles que no cuadran, el libro es muy entretenido. Vale la pena leerlo :)

Its not as obvious as it may seem. Great storytelling, great way to get you thinking about life and other matters.

(Note: I'm trying not to include spoilers, but I wanted to have some information for reflection) -----I loved the way that this was written, the author actually explains Orthodox Judaism at the beginning of each chapter and then proceeds with the story and how the characters interact and it relates back to their beliefs, towards the end, you understand the title of disobedience, and I really enjoyed the ending. I'm not trying to give any spoilers, but I was expecting the two polar extremes where the author went with what was most practical and realistic in the world. It's definitely not a happy ever after kind of story, it's a little glimpse into these people's life that must try and follow what they believe is right. The author at one point has the main character, Ronit, truly understand that she is Jewish and gay, that she didn't choose either, but she is both, and how she must find a balance and a way to be fine with that. I read this book to have a deeper understanding for when the movie comes out, and I'm really glad that I did, some things they'll probably change or not show at all, and I think that will hurt the viewers understanding of what the author was meaning, particularly Dovid and both him and Esti's reasons behind their odd relationship.

Esti doesn't speak much in this book. But when she does, it's pure gold.Very interesting insights on Orthodox Jews. I like this book despite the ending.