Newcomers in an Ancient Land - by Paula Wagner (Paperback)

About the Book

After leaving home at eighteen in search of her Jewish roots in Israel and France, Paula learns far more than two new languages. To navigate her new life, she must also separate from her twin sister and forge her own identity.

Book Synopsis

At eighteen, Paula is already a seasoned traveler, having begun life in England, crisscrossed the US as a young child, and survived a year in a London boarding school, immersed in her mother's heritage. But when, at eighteen, she leaves home for Israel to explore her father's Jewish roots and learn Hebrew on a kibbutz ulpan (a work/study program on a collective farm), her quest will change her life forever. Seduced by her love of language, she continues the journey to France for several years before returning at last to settle to Israel. As she navigates her odyssey from vision to reality, she will learn much more than two new languages--and realize that if she is ever to forge her own identity, she must also separate from her twin sister and follow her own path.

Review Quotes

2021 Readers' Favorite Book Awards Finalist in Non-Fiction - Women's