Overall it was ok, I guess... Not really.

This story had so much potential, but unfortunately the narrative went, in my opinion as a gay woman, in a homophobic direction. That whole speech about desiring someone of the same gender is ok as as long as you don't act on it is harmful. It would have been fine it had been addressed as so, but it isn't, too many questions remained unanswered by end but that might be just me, I hope they tweak a few things in the adaptation to the big screen.

13 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Interesting but misguided

I found the ruminations on Orthodox Judaism insightful but I feel like the author was trying to write two books in one and the ruminating took me out of the story. Also, using homosexuality as a tool for this rumination is misguided, I understand what the author was trying to say but her attempt leads me to believe that she has no idea of how being gay actually works. It's borderline offensive.

7 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Neon Gay and Being Jewish

When her Rabbi Father dies, Ronit goes back to London. She reconnect with David, her cousin, and his wife Esti. She and Esti were lovers in their youth. Learned a lot about Orthodox Jews and the ways in which women are always lesser than men. Didn’t love the ending but it rang true.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Excellent story dinged by poor narration

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend it especially to someone who does not know how the Hebrew and Yiddish should be pronounced.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Disobedience?

When Esti is in Hamden seeing how the secular world acts on a Friday afternoon. Her description of Shabbat and what it means to her is stunning especially against the backdrop of her reason for being there.

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

As I said - the narration was OK except for the mispronunciation of the Hebrew and Yiddish. At times it was comical because she said words that mean other things...

If you could take any character from Disobedience out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Ronit - I feel like I would like to hear more about her life in the orthodox community vs. her life outside.

4 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Movie is MUCH better

The flow of the story didn't allow for true connection between the two women. There was too much focus on insignificant details vs. spenidng more time on the relationships and tension of their attraction. It didn't need to end with everyone happy, but I felt wanting much much more.

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Loved this book!

Good story with great character development. One of the best narrations I have ever heard!

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

For anyone who struggles with formal religion

3 main characters struggle with identity and desire in a close knit orthodox community. They each transition to different and yet reasonable places . The triggering event is the death of someone who was a nurturing father figure to all three. I thought the book meaningful and enjoyable

3 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Hmmm...Eh

Having seen the movie, the book was much less in comparison. I would say, the book was boring. The only few things I liked was that it answered some questions like, how long Ronit was away and oh Dovit was Ronit’s cousin, okay thanks! The book failed to portray Este and Ronit’ relationship in a deeper sense. Felt more like Ronit only liked Este due to jealousy or some sport. Overall, skip the book and just watch the movie.

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile

Beautiful and Quiet

It's beautiful. It's quiet, and emotional, and unique. I loved it. The story and performance were both amazing.

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Orthodox Jewish Women

Would you listen to Disobedience again? Why?

Yes, need to understand what the author is going through as a modern Jewish Women.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

I liked the end. It reflected how I felt as a Jewish Women in America in the 20th Century.

Have you listened to any of Rachel Atkins’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

The Hebrew pronunciation of many words was incorrect and that bothered me. If you don’t know Hebrew you would enjoy her British accent. The author is British make it more meaningful to use this narrator.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I was moved by her decision about being a Jew and/or a lesbian. She is bi-sexual but explains that unlike African Americans, Jews and Lesbians can choose to ignore their differences and keep others from knowing they are different. This may cause some from feeling isolated but know one questions their behavior. One must admit to being different.

Any additional comments?

It is important to know where you come from and where you are going in America. This seems to be the message the author is communicating to all readers. Be yourself!

2 personnes ont trouvé cela utile