Atomic Anna is the story of three incredible women spanning three generations. The first is Anna Berkova, a nuclear scientist, working the Soviet Union in 1986 when Chernobyl melts down. It is at this moment she accidentally discovers her ability to time jump and is reunited with her estranged daughter, Molly. Molly has an important message for her mother. Molly requests her mother protect Molly’s daughter, Raisa, and set their family legacy on a better path.
Time travel, three generations of women spanning different time periods, a disaster of historic proportions, and messages hidden in comic books. Barenbaum packs a lot into this novel. And it all works. Brilliantly, in fact. This story also explores a wide range of themes from addiction, anti-Semetism, prejudice against immigrants. It had me engrossed from the first page and did not let go.
One of Barenbaum’s strengths is celebrating intelligent, multi-dimensional, complex Jewish women at the heart of her stories. And this book is no exception. In fact, she’s managed to create three of them at the center of this narrative. These are the modern day Miriams, Esthers, and Ruths.
This is contemporary Jewish literature at its finest.
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RACHEL’S second novel is ATOMIC ANNA. Her debut, A BEND IN THE STARS was named a New York Times Summer Reading Selection and a Barnes & Noble Discover Great New Writers selection. It was also a Boston Globe Bestseller.
Rachel is a prolific writer and reviewer and her work has appeared in the LA Review of Books, the Tel Aviv Review of Books and DeadDarlings. She is an Honorary Research Associate at the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute at Brandeis University and a graduate of GrubStreet’s Novel Incubator. She is also the founder of Debut Spotlight and the Debut Editor at A Mighty Blaze. In a former life she was a hedge fund manager and a spin instructor. She has degrees from Harvard in Business and Literature and Philosophy. She lives in Brookline, MA.
So many books, so little time! I am an avid reader and love to share recommendations with fellow readers. My choice in books tend to vary by my mood but some of my favorites are mystery, suspense, and thriller. Check back each month for new reviews. I would love your recommendations so please drop them…
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By Marc J. Straus Straus’s memoir opens in 1953 when, at the age of 10, his parents decide to take him out of public school and transfer him to Yeshiva, along with his younger brother. After enduring Anti-Semitism in public school, his community, and the Boy Scouts, Straus finds himself in a caring and nurturing…
By Jonathan Dunsky A survivor of the Shoah, Adam Lapid immigrated to Israel, working as a private detective. Tasked with a seemingly hopeless case, Lapid has a soft spot for a mother seeking her missing son. He finds himself attempting to untangle a web of secrets, lies, and deception that could put him in mortal…
By Rosemary Roenfanz The history books are largely silent on the contributions of women. Generations of them who have made incredible contributions while receiving little to no recognition. That is until now. Roenfanz has created a well-researched collection of mini biographies, celebrating the contributions and accomplishments of women throughout history. Many of them largely ignored…
Welcome to my January Wrap-Up! I managed to cross twenty-five titles off my reading list and am already one third of the way to my reading goal for the year. I’ve had the opportunity to review three wonderful books this month and have included links to my weekly reading lists as well. Join the conversation.…
Welcome to my February Wrap-Up! I managed to cross another twenty-five titles off my reading list and am already two-thirds of the way to my reading goal for the year. I’ve had the opportunity to review five wonderful books this month and have included links to my weekly reading lists as well. Join the conversation.…
Welcome to my March Wrap-Up! I am two books away from the finish line on my 2022 reading goal. I’ve had the opportunity to review nine wonderful books this month and have included links to my weekly reading lists as well. You’ll also find my March Short Story and my reading list celebrating Women’s History…
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As a thank you for registering for our email list, you’ll receive free printable reading journal templates and a bonus 100 book reading list! Members of the email list also receive an exclusive discount code for my Etsy store: MapleStreetStudioHRS.
