An Observant Wife - by Naomi Ragen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

In this rich and compassionate novel, An Observant Wife, Naomi Ragen continues the love story between newly observant California-girl Leah and ultra-Orthodox widower Yaakov from An Unorthodox Match.

From the joy of their wedding day surrounded by supportive friends and family, Yaakov and Leah are soon plunged into the complex reality of their new lives together as Yaakov leaves his beloved yeshiva to work in the city, and Leah confronts the often agonizing restrictions imposed by religious laws governing even the most intimate moments of their married lives. Adding to their difficulties is the hostility of some in the community who continue to view Leah as a dangerous interloper, questioning her sincerity and adherence to religious laws and spreading outrageous rumors.

In the midst of their heartfelt attempts to reach a balance between their human needs and their spiritual obligations, the discovery of a secret, forbidden relationship between troubled teenage daughter Shaindele and a local boy precipitates a maelstrom of life-changing consequences for all.

Review Quotes

Praise for An Unorthodox Match:

"A splendid book."--San Diego Jewish World

"Hidden secrets on all sides create questions and issues of how to belong, should you belong and where do we really belong." --Ms. Magazine, "Eight Books That Will Transport You"

"Ragen packs this novel with complex characters, many given backstories that increase the understanding of current choices. [She] provides a depth of details about daily life and philosophy behind Orthodox traditions as a natural extension of the story but also allows readers a glimpse into a world most would never experience." --Library Journal

"Ragen asks why a secular Jewish woman might join an Orthodox community and whether it would be possible for her to find not only acceptance, but family." --Kirkus Reviews

About the Author

Naomi Ragen is an award-winning novelist, journalist and playwright. Her first book, Jephte's Daughter, was listed among the one-hundred most important Jewish books of all time. Her bestselling novels include Sotah, The Covenant, The Sisters Weiss, and Devil in Jerusalem. An outspoken advocate for women's rights, and an active combatant against anti-Israel and anti- Semitic propaganda through her website, she has lived in Jerusalem since 1971. An Observant Wife is her thirteenth novel.