Letters from Rifka

Name: Letters from Rifka
Brand: Brilliance Audio
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (5 reviews)
Author: Karen Hesse
ISBN: 9781441818157

Author: Karen Hesse

Narrator: Angela Dawe

Unabridged: 2 hr 59 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download (DRM Protected)

Publisher: Brilliance Audio

Published: 08/20/2010

Categories: Children's Fiction

Synopsis

Rifka knows nothing about America when she flees from Russia with her family in 1919. But she dreams she will at last be safe from the Russian soldiers and their harsh treatment of the Jews in the new country. Throughout her journey, Rifka carries with her a cherished volume of poetry by Alexander Pushkin. In it, she records her observations and experiences in the form of letters to her beloved cousin she has left behind. Strong-hearted and determined, Rifka must endure a great deal: humiliating examinations by doctors and soldiers, deadly typhus, separation from all she has ever known and loved, murderous storms at sea — and as if this is not enough, the loss of her glorious golden hair. And even if she does make it to America, she’s not sure America will have her. “Hesse’s vivacious tale colorfully and convincingly refreshes the immigrant experience.” — Publishers Weekly, Starred Review “Based largely on the memories of the author’s great-aunt, this historical novel has a plot, characters, and style that will make it an often-requested choice from young readers. A vivid, memorable, and involving reading experience.” - School Library Journal, Starred Review

About Karen Hesse

Karen Hesse has received numerous honors for her writing, including the Scott O’Dell Historical Fiction Award, the MacArthur Fellowship “Genius” Award, the Christopher Award, and the Newbery Medal. Ms. Hesse is also the author of WISH UPON A UNICORN, LETTERS FROM RIFKA and PHOENIX RISING, both available with new cover art. She lives in Brattleboro, Vermont.

Reviews

Goodreads review by Maureen on November 20, 2008

Letters from Rifka is the riveting story of a young girl and her family who make a daring and courageous escape from the progroms of 1919 Russia. The story is told in a series of letters from Rifka to her cousin Tovah who is still in Russia. The family contracts typhus during their journey to the po......more

Goodreads review by Linda on March 01, 2011

Karen Hesse also wrote Out of the Dust, one of my favorite Newbery award winning books. Once again, I am in awe of Hesses' ability to portray a historical period with characters who take us on a journey through time wherein the emotions and the setting paint a vivid image of difficult adversity. This......more

Goodreads review by Zach on January 01, 2023

It was good but I was weirded out by two scenes. 1st, When they get off the train and the doctor told Rifka and Momma to take off all of their clothes including their underwear. Also, what he did was look at momma for a very long time. 2nd is when Peter kiss Rifka on the forehead. It was a very we......more

Goodreads review by Karen on July 01, 2019

Ellie is reading for our summer reading program...krb 6/17/19 Fascinating book. Ellie narrated w/out me even asking her too! She would just tell me about this book every so often...krb 7/1/19......more

Goodreads review by Elizabeth on December 27, 2024

Karen Hesse wrote one of my childhood favourite books (Out of the Dust, which was a gift from my grade four teacher) and a few years back I took a chance on another of her books (Aleutian Sparrow), which I also enjoyed. I figured I was due to check out another of her books, and Letters From Rifka wa......more