TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Angel Of Losses

Author: Stephanie Feldman
Title: The Angel Of Losses
Publisher: Ecco
Publish Date: July 29, 2014
Buy: Amazon

Review Copy Provided By: TLC Book Tours
Book Blurb: 

When Eli Burke dies, he leaves behind a mysterious notebook full of stories about a magical figure named The White Rebbe, a miracle worker in league with the enigmatic Angel of Losses, protector of things gone astray, and guardian of the lost letter of the alphabet, which completes the secret name of God.

When his granddaughter, Marjorie, discovers Eli’s notebook, everything she thought she knew about her grandfather—and her family—comes undone. To find the truth about Eli’s origins and unlock the secrets he kept, she embarks on an odyssey that takes her deep into the past, from 18th century Europe to Nazi-occupied Lithuania, and back to the present, to New York City and her estranged sister Holly, whom she must save from the consequences of Eli’s past.

Interweaving history, theology, and both real and imagined Jewish folktales, The Angel of Losses is a family story of what lasts, and of what we can—and cannot—escape.


Review: I have to admit, the cover of this book is what drew me in at first. It has a very otherworldly feel to it, and that intrigued me.

When I started reading, I wasn't sure how I felt about the story. Marjorie and Holly aren't characters you can easily come to love, or even like.

I loved the Jewish folklore. I've always found myself drawn to stories of a religious nature, even though I'm not a devout practitioner of any faith.

I did feel that at times the story was disjointed, shifting between the folklore and reality, but overall, it was a good read that's part magical realism and part family saga.

Rating: 4 flowers