An Observant Wife, Naomi Ragen
An Observant Wife, Naomi Ragen
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An Observant Wife
A Novel

Author: Naomi Ragen

Narrator: Gabra Zackman

Unabridged: 12 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Published: 09/14/2021


Synopsis

"In this sequel to An Unorthodox Match, Gabra Zackman returns to narrate the story of secular-born Jewish Leah and her Orthodox Jewish husband, Yaakov, a widower. Zackman expertly creates the watchful atmosphere of their insular Brooklyn neighborhood." -AudioFile Magazine, Earphones Award Winner

In this rich and compassionate novel, An Observant Wife, Naomi Ragen continues the love story between newly observant California-girl Leah and ultra-Orthodox widower Yaakov from An Unorthodox Match.

From the joy of their wedding day surrounded by supportive friends and family, Yaakov and Leah are soon plunged into the complex reality of their new lives together as Yaakov leaves his beloved yeshiva to work in the city, and Leah confronts the often agonizing restrictions imposed by religious laws governing even the most intimate moments of their married lives. Adding to their difficulties is the hostility of some in the community who continue to view Leah as a dangerous interloper, questioning her sincerity and adherence to religious laws and spreading outrageous rumors.

In the midst of their heartfelt attempts to reach a balance between their human needs and their spiritual obligations, the discovery of a secret, forbidden relationship between troubled teenage daughter Shaindele and a local boy precipitates a maelstrom of life-changing consequences for all.

A Macmillan Audio production from St. Martin's Press

About Naomi Ragen

Naomi Ragen is an award-winning novelist, journalist and playwright. Her first book, Jephte’s Daughter, was listed among the one-hundred most important Jewish books of all time. Her bestselling novels include Sotah, The Covenant, The Sisters Weiss, and Devil in Jerusalem. An outspoken advocate for women’s rights, and an active combatant against anti-Israel and anti-Semitic propaganda through her website, she has lived in Jerusalem since 1971. An Observant Wife is her thirteenth novel.

About Gabra Zackman

Gabra Zackman began recording audiobooks when they were called books on tape, and has recorded more than 500, in all genres.


Reviews

3.5 An Unorthodox Match was a lovely story, about dealing with loss and grief, about how fate and faith bring a Hasidic Jewish family together. I wanted to read this sequel because I enjoyed that one so much, but I have mixed feelings about it. I loved the introspective view we get of the main charac......more

An Observant Wife by Naomi Raven was the sequel to her book An Unorthodox Match. I listened to the audiobook that was very pleasantly read by Gabra Zackman. The Observant Wife revealed the love story between a newly observant woman and an ultra orthodox man. It was both touching and inspiring, eye o......more

Goodreads review by Lynne

3.5 rounded up to 4 I loved how this author pointed out the absurdity’s in the culture and how it could also be a warm, kind community if effective leadership is in place. This book is a continuation of her prior book. The characters are well developed and interesting. We learn about the ultra orthod......more

Goodreads review by Lisa

In An Unorthodox Match, we were introduced to Leah, a 30-something woman who turns to ultra-Orthodox Judaism after leading a mostly secular life, desperate for meaning and true connection to something greater than herself. As she enters the religious community of Boro Park in Brooklyn, she comes to......more