Being Esther

Last updated
Being Esther
Being Esther.jpg
First edition
Author Miriam Karmel
Genre novel
Publisher
Publication date
  • November 11, 2014 (US)
Pages
  • 208 (US Edition)
ISBN 978-1-57131-105-4

Being Esther (Minneapolis: Milkweed Editions, 2013) is the first novel by Miriam Karmel. It explores the life of an 85-year-old widow, Esther Lustig, who is fully experiencing her days during which she may move from her home. She is currently living alone in a Chicago apartment building, and feels comfortable there, but her over-involved adult daughter wants her to move to an assisted-living facility or "Bingoville". [1]

This novel explores aging and related aspects and maintaining friendships, maintaining boundaries, and maintaining one's choices over one's life. [2]

"Esther has the urge to tell them that growing old is one of the most surprising things that has happened to her," wrote the Twin Cities Daily Planet , calling the novel "a bittersweet joy". [3]

The Star Tribune called Being Esther an accomplished debut that provides illumination into that part of life that is refreshing and positive. [4] Miriam Bradman Abrahams celebrated this clear-eyed vision of Esther's life as "a tale worth telling and reading". [5] Hazel and Wren noted appreciatively Being Esther's authentic voice and its message to "be kinder and more attentive" to those who "have more to share than we think". [6]

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References

  1. "Karmel's debut novel is a quiet contemplation of a woman's final days". Kirkus. 16 December 2012. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  2. Goetzman, Amy (10 April 2013). "Miriam Karmel writes a portrait of an old woman as a person". MinnPost. Retrieved 30 June 2017.
  3. Gendler, Neal (10 May 2013). "Neal Gendler reviews Being Esther by Miriam Karmel". Twin Cities Daily Planet. Retrieved 4 August 2017.
  4. Land, Kathryn (31 January 2017). "Review: 'Being Esther,' by Miriam Karmel". The Star Tribune. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  5. Abrahams, Miriam Bradman (3 April 2013). "Being Esther: A Novel". Jewish Book Council . Retrieved 9 April 2021.
  6. Radzak, Jessica (9 January 2014). "What We're Reading: Being Esther". Hazel and Wren. Retrieved 30 June 2017.