A unique and wonderful book. - Joel Amromin
This book is marvelous. I’ve read a documentary about the Shanghai ghetto. But this book puts an extremely human realism to the facts.
Some of the best books I’ve read blend fiction with historical fact to create something bigger and more significant than either. Shanghai Torah is such a book.
The book brought laughter, tears, and new understandings. I would love to see that Torah! And I will be recommending the book to others.
Rewarding and enlightening - Ray and Barbara Harris
London has provided a window into an interesting chapter of the Jewish experience at the time of the holocaust that I was totally unaware of. She has taken the history of a Torah and woven a fascinating, poignant and enjoyable story. Her characters are brought to life with skill and heart and you will be transported to far away places but you will feel very much at home. A wonderful read.
Lyrical Narrative - JenEllen
This is a compelling story of the journey of Moshe, a Jewish scribe, and his encounter with a Chinese family of calligraphers. I thoroughly enjoyed the almost lyrical narrative that explored themes of love, faith, and the potency of words. However, I found myself wanting more. The richness of Moshe's experiences and the cultural clash deserved more exploration, adding layers to the intricate relationships. Although the novel beautifully captures words' transformative power and their indelible impact on hearts and history.
A wonderful journey! - H Dow
A fascinating completely different tale of a families flight from the Nazis. The story gives you an emotional understanding of the Torah, especially the Shanghai Torah, which is the thread that carries the reader along this well written love story.
What a wonderful story! - Tracey Tanner
This was such a wonderful story that drew me in from the beginning. I feel like I knew the characters personally. I was on the edge of my seat and had to keep going to find out what happened next. I learned so much and appreciate such beautiful and brave writing. I highly recommend this book.
The story of a man and his book - MSAddiss
Set in Shanghai during the second World War, this story follows the journey of a particular Torah and the young man who scribes it.
If, like me, you’re not familiar with Jewish phrases and euphemisms then you might find yourself lost at the beginning. Fortunately, Ms. London has anticipated this and has provided an extensive glossary at the back of the book. This is appreciated, because the first few chapters are essential for understanding the character of Mosche and why he makes the decisions that he does. There are several scenes of heroism and bravery, all of them intertwined in a classic love-triangle (or is it a non-classic love quadrangle?)
A very remarkable story that author Briana London was fortunate enough to come across, then diligently research and fictionalize. Culminating with an epilogue that will leave you shaking your head at the Yuanfen of this little Torah, and all the lives that it’s had an effect on. The latest being Ms. London herself.
Compelling Story and Characters That Keep You Glued To The Book - SJ
This is a compelling story with rich characters that kept me glued from the first page to the last. I literally didn't put it down. It is an unexpected journey of a holocaust survivor traveling to the Far East. A confluence of cultures and traditions, this beautifully written tale has you rooting for the protagonist all the way to the end. Get it on your must read list and let it take you to a distant land and time...
This was a story well told - David Eckwert
I thought it was an interesting and well executed read. Thoroughly enjoyed it. The stories of the holocaust and diaspora beforehand is usually about coming to allied Europe or America. Setting the story in China during their own tumult was a new take on history for me.
Excellent Read - Could not put it down - Gary
I started reading the book in the morning and could not put it down till I finished it in the evevning- Thank you for writing such a great story intertwining history, love and geo-graphical distances so well. I am passionate about all books relating to Vilna, Lithuania before the war and this is a great book to add to my collection. Beautifully written.
West Meets East - Stephanie Levi
A wonderful story of Jewish families traveling eastwards from Europe during WWII. Among other adventures, London tells of a young Jewish scribe escaping an impossible Europe, who meets a Chinese calligrapher and family in China. Despite no common language, they find a way to communicate and enter into each other's worlds.