On Division

After I read about On Division, Goldie Goodbloom's novel about a 57-year old woman in the Chasidic community of Williamsburg, Brooklyn, I suggested it to my synagogue book club as a title for our next meeting. The response from the group was mixed, but once one woman purchased the book while we were still discussing it, we decided that we might as well go with this one for our January discussion.

We typically try to select books that would be of broad interest to Jews and non-Jews. While this book fits the bill, some of the language and customs might only be recognizable to someone familiar on any level with Chasidic Judaism. However, the big ideas of the novel were a late-in-life pregnancy, dealing with the loss of a child, and aging in general. We're hoping to grow our book club. I'm not sure if this was the title to help us achieve this, but I'm quite anxious to talk about this with the group.

Surie, at 57, is getting ready to enjoy a more quiet life after her husband, Yidel, retires at 62. They've raised 10 children, have multiple grandchildren and are expecting their first great grandchild. A late-in-life pregnancy wasn't in the plan. And how did this miraculous pregnancy even take place (besides the obvious)? Surie needs to come to terms with her condition before she shares the news with others in her family.

Besides her children and grandchildren, Surie has loving in-laws who live in the same apartment building. One of her daughters lives in the building with her family as well. The lives of those in the building are very closely interconnected. Will she be able to keep her secret until she is ready to share with the others?

If you enjoy reading "Jewish" fiction, I would definitely recommend this one!