Exodus, Revisited

My Unorthodox Journey to Berlin

By: Deborah Feldman

Narrated by: Gilli Messer

Length: 11 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

The definitive follow-up to Unorthodox (the basis for the award-winning Netflix series) - now updated with more than 50 percent new material - the unforgettable story of what happened in the years after Deborah Feldman left a religious sect in Williamsburg in order to forge her own path in the world.

In 2009, at the age of 23, Deborah Feldman packed up her young son and their few possessions and walked away from her insular Hasidic roots. She was determined to find a better life for herself, away from the oppression and isolation of her Satmar upbringing in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. And in Exodus, Revisited she delves into what happened next - taking the listener on a journey that starts with her beginning life anew as a single mother, a religious refugee, and an independent woman in search of a place and a community where she can belong.

Originally published in 2014, Deborah has now revisited and significantly expanded her story, and the result is greater insight into her quest to discover herself and the true meaning of home. Travels that start with making her way in New York expand into an exploration of America and eventually lead to trips across Europe to retrace her grandmother’s life during the Holocaust, before she finds a landing place in the unlikeliest of cities. Exodus, Revisited is a deeply moving examination of the nature of memory and generational trauma, and of reconciliation with both yourself and the world.

©2021 Deborah Feldman (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“Riveting.... Not only is the book beautifully written, but it deals with some of the most profound human emotions: longing to know one’s origins; anger at injustice; and romantic and parental love.... A barebones description of the storyline doesn’t even begin to do justice to this magnificent piece of literature, which will stand the test of time.... [A] captivating memoir that will find a wide audience.” (Library Reads, starred review)

"Exodus, Revisited is intriguing and intellectually satisfying…raises hard questions that are important to many people.” (The Washington Post)

“The perfect follow-up, delving deeper into what inspired Feldman’s initial decision. Beyond her literal choice, Feldman also considers what it means to be Jewish and to have a homeland. It, like Unorthodox, is a beautifully-written meditation about the very essence of community.” (Bitch Magazine, "13 Books Feminists Should Read in August")

A trip to my past… a journey to the unknown

What an incredible journey... I enjoyed every moment with you!
In a way it was almost a trip to my past, I did not grow up in a religious home but, I am a daughter of Holocaust survivors and the subject of the past was current during my childhood and adulthood.
I could feel the thoughts the author went through in the entire book. Listening to Gilli Messer narrating the book elevated the experience for me and I felt one with the story. It is important to choose the right narrator for such a sensitive story.
I cannot wait for another book about the experience in Berlin, raising a kid and fighting your own demons . This is a true story of courage and perseverance. The author's story through the narrator voice brought to life the entire experience: I went with you everywhere, and at times was also exhausted with you, happy with you as well as knowing that you will make it happen.
Congratulations!

It's good, not as great at Unorthodox

I usually reserve bedtime for reading, so not sure I can give best revue. I had a hard time really getting into the first few chapters, then started to get "into" it. I guess one of the problems I had with the book is that not much is said about her son. Many times it was as if he didn't exist or wasn't as important to her as her personal problems and survival. I'm not sure I quite understand her need to become a German citizen, why she felt the need to follow her grandmother's journey during the war and afterwards. Forgive me if I'm off the track on this one, I should probably reread it so that I can give a more lucid commentary. I welcome comments that might straighten out my thoughts on this one.

I couldn't get into this "Revisit"...

I have listened to both of Deborah Feldman's books and felt she was a better narrator to continue her story than Gilli Messer - whose telling left me bored and uninspired to continue listening to the end. I listen to many, many books on tape and it's so important for me to have the right combination of qualities to inhabit the real-life persona of someone - and in this case, she was flatlining. I review as many books that I have listened to as I can - and as much as I admire Ms. Feldman's bravery to escape her circumstances and unravel the emotional demons that have allowed her life to come together for herself and her son, I just wasn't as invested this go-round. I had just come off listening to Delia Ephron's new memoir, "Left on Tenth" whose story was also harrowing and frightening (a love and cancer journey). And while Delia Ephron doesn't naturally have a great voice - because she was sharing her life, I was much more emotionally pulled in. My sincere apologies - I hope others will have a better experience.