Songs for the Brokenhearted

A Novel

De: Ayelet Tsabari

Narrado por: Ayelet Tsabari, Assaf Cohen, Yossi Zabari

A young Yemeni Israeli woman learns of her mother’s secret romance in a dramatic journey through lost family stories, revealing the unbreakable bond between a mother and a daughter—the debut novel of an award-winning literary voice.

“A gorgeous, gripping novel filled with unforgettable characters.”—Elizabeth Graver, author of Kantika

WINNER OF THE NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD’S JJ GREENBERG MEMORIAL AWARD

1950. Thousands of Yemeni Jews have immigrated to the newly founded Israel in search of a better life. In an overcrowded immigrant camp in Rosh Ha’ayin, Yaqub, a shy young man, happens upon Saida, a beautiful girl singing by the river. In the midst of chaos and uncertainty, they fall in love. But they weren’t supposed to; Saida is married and has a child, and a married woman has no place befriending another man.

1995. Thirty-something Zohara, Saida’s daughter, has been living in New York City—a city that feels much less complicated than Israel, where she grew up wishing that her skin was lighter, that her illiterate mother’s Yemeni music was quieter, and that the father who always favored her was alive. She hasn’t looked back since leaving home, rarely in touch with her mother or sister, Lizzie, and missing out on her nephew Yoni’s childhood. But when Lizzie calls to tell her their mother has died, she gets on a plane to Israel with no return ticket.

Soon Zohara finds herself on an unexpected path that leads to shocking truths about her family—including dangers that lurk for impressionable young men and secrets that force her to question everything she thought she knew about her parents, her heritage, and her own future.

Reseñas de la Crítica

“Songs for the Brokenhearted is immersive, distinguished by sharp and agile prose, a remarkable cast of fully realized characters, and spellbinding storytelling. And when it comes to bearing witness to the vibrant history and culture of generations of Israel’s marginalized groups, the novel is an unparalleled triumph.”—Jewish Book Council, Book Club Pick

“A richly layered tale of family, love and identity.”—Hadassah Magazine

“Ayelet Tsabari is a gorgeous and empathic writer, and her new book, Songs for the Brokenhearted, is one of the most bighearted, profound, and nuanced novels I’ve read in years. This book broke my heart but, through Tsabari’s masterful writing and beautifully rendered characters, gave me optimism, too. . . . An incredible debut novel by a writer wise beyond her years. I loved it.”—Molly Antopol, author of The UnAmericans

“In her new novel, Ayelet Tsabari’s craft is at its apex. Her characters are alive, the story skillfully structured, and the tragic, hidden history of Yemenite Jews expertly woven into the lives of people you will laugh with and shed tears for. To read this book is also to encounter an Israel and Palestine few of us are familiar with nowadays, back when words like ‘peace’ and ‘hope’ were common, and nuance and complexity possible. A love song for a time long past, overflowing with emotional intelligence and psychological insight, Songs for the Brokenhearted will break your heart.”—Jonathan Garfinkel, author of In a Land Without Dogs the Cats Learn to Bark

“Ayelet Tsabari has written a gorgeous, gripping novel that asks layered questions about history and politics, nation and borders, even as it pays rapt attention to the fabric of daily life. Where are we from? What has gone missing? Whose stories get told, and whose get erased? How do we love in a damaged world? Filled with unforgettable characters, each as flawed and fully human as the next, Songs for the Brokenhearted is a gift.”—Elizabeth Graver, author of Kantika

“In this heartfelt and lyrical debut novel . . . Tsabari artfully plays up the religious and secular contrasts between East and West, and her well-developed characters, dramatic plot twists, and rich descriptions of Tel Aviv will keep readers turning the pages. This is transportive.”—Publishers Weekly

“A timely, well-crafted tale, imbued with cultural and personal sorrow.”—Kirkus Reivews

Historical fiction, Sad and Fascinating

I loved the book, which has a structure that is unusual, with three individual’s voices (and three corresponding narrators) telling the story, winding together like the voices of a complicated yet harmonious song. The historical period covers Israel, 1950-1995. The history of the Yemeni Jews in Israel, a Yemeni family history, and the tragedy of the Oslo years form the detailed backdrop of the narrative by three voices, Zohara, the distant, younger daughter of Saidi, Yoni the favored grandson of Saida, and Yaqub, the secret lover of Saida, speaking upon the death of Saida. This is one book that actually works better as an audio book.

The love story of Yakov and Saïda.

I loved the whole book from start to finish! The narrators made it so enjoyable to listen and never lost my attention.

Beautiful

Beautiful story and wonderful narration.
Didn’t want it to end!
The story felt very familiar and believable and I enjoyed every moment .

Incredible.

Such a beautifully profound interweaving of lived experience, fully of tragedy and hope. I feel more human…more Jewish…for having read it. Thank you from the bottom of my soul.

Cultural values

Twisting narrative. Clash of cultures and generational values provided understanding for why clashes happen and how they can be resolved through understanding.

A Broken Heart

I completed reading this book the morning Bibi announced the very controversial plan to occupy Gaza. So my heart which is usually full with love for Israel forced me to admit to it’s imperfections. The total weaving of pain and love in “SONGS FOR THE BROKEN HEARTED”, for Israel and the story of the Yemenite Jews, was cathartic for the ache I am experiencing today. I love Israel and pray that the end of this time will end with the success that each of the characters in this book found.

Excellent story conveying the history of Yemenite Jews

I enjoyed this work of historical fiction as it brought to life the difficulties for Yemenite Jews who emigrated to Israel. They were viewed as stupid and treated poorly yet there is love in the story and beautiful traditions. I recommend it.

such a heartfelt wonderful human read

I don't know what I expected but WOW, this book is so touching with such a gripping real story. loved it!

Can taste the spices

Beautifully written and wonderfully descriptive of the both immigrant camps and the Oslo Accords divide in the country (which persists to this day).

Very good story either way excellent narration

A very good insight into the Yemenite community in Israel. An emotional love story and a good picture of how Israel was during the Oslo period . I will recommend it for my book club (in Israel).