You know when you get a book hangover, and you just can’t move onto a new book even though you’ve finished the previous one? Yeah. The Marrying of Chani Kaufman by Eve Harris did that to me. It’s been two days, and I’m still not ready to leave those characters behind. You may recognize the title as Harris’ debut novel was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize in 2013.
The novel is set in the contemporary world of Orthodox Jews in London. I’ve read a fair bit about the Jewish communities in Montreal and New York, but never London. Chani Kaufman is at the marrying age, but finding a suitable husband is more difficult that is should be due to her exuberant personality. In walks Baruch. The novel also delves into the lives of various characters surrounding Chani and Baruch and how they negotiate living life as an Orthodox Jew in a city teeming with modernity and potential attractions.
One of the things that really drew me into The Marrying of Chani Kaufman was the way love and marriage were approached. The relationships of several older couples, and their love, were explored early in the novel. It is not often that one encounters such passionate and love filled relationships among middle aged couples. These relationships contrast nicely with the apprehensions and preparations Chani must go through as she prepares for marriage and a world of unknowns. This insight into the world of Orthodox Jewish women was something I adored.
Who would like this book? Someone like me! I have always been drawn to books set in Orthodox Jewish communities. Chaim Potok was one of my favorite writers as a teen (odd, I know) and I love the insight into a world I have no access to. Beyond that, it is a gripping story that is beautifully written. I would also put it alongside other books about semi-exclusive groups living in London, such as Brick Lane by Monica Ali. Finally, The Marrying of Chani Kaufman deserved its place on the long list for the Man Booker so this book would appeal to those who use the Booker as a standard.
I received a copy of the book from the Canadian publisher, House of Anansi Press, in exchange for a fair and honest review.
52 books or bust 
I have this one on my kindle, I got it because like you I’m always drawn to stories involving Orthodox Jewish society. I went to uni in London and was friendly with a few girls from the community, and it was fascinating how different their lives were to mine.
I’m glad this one lived up to expectations for you 🙂
You’ve got to read it! My mom read it in one sitting and I read it over two days. I felt it got a little weak towards the end, but the characters still inhabit my thoughts.
This is, as you say, an interesting and riveting read, and it does trail off a little towards the end, but the momentum nevertheless keeps going. (And so interesting to see that the cover you have is utterly different to the cover that is out in the UK!)
I much prefer the UK cover. Uh-oh, i feel a #coverwar coming on!
Thanks for bringing this book to my attention. I haven’t heard of it, but it sounds like one I would like!
I’ve been seeing this book around but didn’t really know what it’s about. I may have to pick it up, I love books about these sort of exclusive communities.
I just found the characters so human. I loved it.
This is the third book in as many weeks that was Booker long-listed in 2013 that I’ve never heard. I must have spent much of last year with my head in a bucket of water ( or perhaps more likely a lot of pubs!). This sounds good though so will be looking out for this.
I am not very familiar with Jewish orthodox setups in books, I can’t remember a single one off hand, I should give this book a try, it sounds very interesting.
Wow, this looks really good. Jewish culture and customs have always been something I’ve regarded with a great deal of beauty, though orthodoxy in any situation makes me uncomfortable – but this sounds really lovely.
Thanks for linking up with Spread the Love!
Don’t let the orthodoxy put you off. The book is really about relationships and how they change over time. It’s looked at through the lens of orthodox Jews, but is actually quite universal.
I’m not really familiar with books exploring the dynamics of Orthodox Jewish communities, but this book sounds like an interesting read.
I would love this book!! I grew up in Montreal so Orthodox communities were around us. And then having it set in London!
I know so much about the Jewish communities in Montreal and New York, I never even really considered that there would be one in London as well. It’s a great read.
This sounds really good, too. I read Chaim Potok as a teenager as well. Something about feeling different and separate in the teen years gave some resonance, I think.
Thanks for linking this to British Isles Friday — I’m definitely intrigued that this book is set in London.
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