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Reviews

Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska

abronstein's review

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challenging emotional inspiring
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A good look into 20th century immigrant life in America from the perspective of a young woman between tradition and American values/ opportunities. 

pceboll's review

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense

5.0

An under appreciated classic! "Bread Givers" explores womanhood, surviving trauma, and the simultaneous resilience and pliability of cultural values. I fell in love with Sara Smolinksy, and rooted for her from start to finish, both celebrating her successes and laminating her misfortunes. The ending was not what I expected, but makes this novel such a complex standout. Will recommend to anyone in the mood for an emotionally impactful coming-of-age.

kerickertful's review

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2.0

I just don't think I'll ever be able to get into melodramas, nor will I have any sympathy towards patriarchal male characters. I empathized with Sara's desire for independence and knowledge, and yet even her going back on her words to help her father were understandable.

jana114's review

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

keri5707's review

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4.0

Excellent book describing life for a young Jewish woman in the early 1900s in America.

limdz's review

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2.0

Not really my style, but it was alright/kinda good. Very sparse writing and MY GOD the father annoyed the shit out of me. I've never wanted to commit literary homicide more.

amwatt226's review

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4.0

I first read this book in 6th grade and then again in college, and recently re-read it for fun. I think it is an excellent snapshot of a particular culture and a particular time in our history. It is not often I can say that about formerly required reading, but I thoroughly enjoyed this glimpse into an Orthodox family's struggle.

northerly_heart_reads's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

julianeedscaffeine's review

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emotional inspiring reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Historically very interesting. Not a perfect novel by any means but a very interesting look at a past time period, and what it was like for women.

macshiney's review

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.75