The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem

A Novel

De: Sarit Yishai-Levi, Anthony Berris - translator

Narrado por: Barrie Kreinik

Finalist for the Book Club category of the 2016 National Jewish Book Awards.

The number one international best seller The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem is a dazzling novel of mothers and daughters, stories told and untold, and the ties that bind four generations of women.

Gabriela's mother, Luna, is the most beautiful woman in all of Jerusalem, though her famed beauty and charm seem to be reserved for everyone but her daughter. Ever since Gabriela can remember, she and Luna have struggled to connect. But when tragedy strikes, Gabriela senses there's more to her mother than painted nails and lips.

Desperate to understand their relationship, Gabriela pieces together the stories of her family's previous generations - from Great-Grandmother Mercada the renowned healer, to Grandma Rosa who cleaned houses for the English, to Luna who had the nicest legs in Jerusalem. But as she uncovers shocking secrets, forbidden romances, and the family curse that links the women together, Gabriela must face a past and present far more complex than she ever imagined.

Set against the Golden Age of Hollywood, the dark days of World War II, and the swinging '70s, The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem follows generations of unforgettable women as they forge their own paths through times of dramatic change. With great humor and heart, Sarit Yishai-Levi has given us a powerful story of love and forgiveness - and the unexpected and enchanting places we find each.

A Macmillan Audio production from Thomas Dunne Books

©2022 Sarit Yishai-Levi and Anthony Berris (P)2022 Macmillan Audio

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Highly recommended for those who are fascinated by the history of Jerusalem and the Jews that lived and stayed there, as well as for those looking to learn more about the Spaniol community." (Booklist, starred review)

"Fans of Gabriel Garcia Marquez will find much to love in The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem. The narrative is lush and rife with scandalous secrets of a passionately opinionated family." (Jewish Journal)

"The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem is a wonderful read - full of fascinating characters and spanning four generations of Israeli women. As their country struggles through its birth pangs, they struggle through wars, economic and social upheavals, and many losses - both physical and emotional. Compelling and satisfying." (B.A. Shapiro, New York Times best-selling author of The Muralist and The Art Forger)

Trite ending

Interesting history that was good to learn about. However, the stereotyped characters took away from enjoyment of the story. I especially disliked the trite resolution of the daughter’s unhappiness.

Good listen but lacking depth

The story was interesting to listen to, but it lacked the depth. I was hoping it would come and never did and even down to the last 20 minutes I was optimistic but shouldn’t have been. So many missed opportunities for the characters to grow and change. They all seemed emotionally stunted and spent more time not living their lives or confronting issues than you’d expect in a novel. Instead it was more of a straight retelling of their lives without any curveballs at all. Luna, the main character, was unlikeable from start to finish, even after Rachelika’s “big” reveal at the end. The show on Netflix barely follows the novel at all, and it is the one time I’d say a tv adaptation is far better than the book.

I loved it!

What a great story! I love the Netflix series and binged watched both seasons. When I learned there was a book, I had to listen. Awesome!!

so much history! love it

I love the history and drama of this book, really well researched. great listen.

Wow! Wow! Wow!

Amazing storytelling! Loved this read very much. Can’t wait to watch on Netflix to compare.

Amazing!

This is a wonderful woman-based Jewish family saga...Kinda like a Jewish Thornbirds. Do yourself a favor and listen to this amazing story.

Jerusalem

I love this book and enjoyed it so much. I live in Jerusalem, in Rahavia and the history made me fall in love with the story even more.

Even better than the Netflix series

There are two seasons (so far) to the Netflix series, and my husband and I have been enjoying the series a lot. It made me curious to read the book. There are several major plot changes in the series to make it more dramatic, which probably is good for TV watching, but the book has a way of putting us into the time and place that is valuable. Both are worthwhile.

It is as repetitive as a skipping record

Other than the pleasure of hearing about Jerusalem, and the two younger sisters tales, 90 percent of this book is about the ego’s of main characters who are just like each other so the book feels endlessly tiresome. For 17 hours i waited to be impressed and never was. Oy vey.

Not like the TV series, but better

I loved these characters! So many flaws and foibles, but likeable enough to want the story to keep going. I knee very little about the British taking control of Israel. so it's also great history lesson.