Description
Book Synopsis: A dazzling Sephardic multigenerational saga that moves from Istanbul to Barcelona, Havana, and New York, exploring displacement, endurance, and family as home.
A kaleidoscopic portrait of one family’s displacement across four countries, Kantika—“song” in Ladino—follows the joys and losses of Rebecca Cohen, feisty daughter of the Sephardic elite of early 20th-century Istanbul. When the Cohens lose their wealth and are forced to move to Barcelona and start anew, Rebecca fashions a life and self from what comes her way—a failed marriage, the need to earn a living, but also passion, pleasure and motherhood.
Moving from Spain to Cuba to New York for an arranged second marriage, she faces her greatest challenge—her disabled stepdaughter, Luna, whose feistiness equals her own and whose challenges pit new family against old.
Exploring identity, place and exile, Kantika also reveals how the female body—in work, art and love—serves as a site of both suffering and joy. A haunting, inspiring meditation on the tenacity of women, this lush, lyrical novel from Elizabeth Graver celebrates the insistence on seizing beauty and grabbing hold of one’s one and only life.
Details
Discover the mesmerizing world of Kantika: A Novel, a captivating Sephardic multigenerational saga that will transport you from Istanbul to Barcelona, Havana, and New York. This compelling story explores themes of displacement, endurance, and the unbreakable bond of family.
Immerse yourself in the vivid tapestry of the Cohen family's journey as they navigate the challenges of starting anew in a foreign land. Experience the joys and losses alongside Rebecca Cohen, a fiery protagonist determined to forge her own path in the face of adversity. From a failed marriage to the demands of earning a living, Rebecca's resilience shines through, reminding us of the indomitable spirit within us all.
As Rebecca's story unfolds, we are transported across continents and introduced to a cast of vibrant characters. Feel the pulse of Spain, the passion of Cuba, and the energy of New York as you follow Rebecca on her remarkable journey. Her arranged second marriage introduces an unexpected twist - a disabled stepdaughter named Luna, whose spirited nature mirrors Rebecca's and sets the stage for a heartfelt battle between loyalty and love.
Kantika is not only a tale of family and resilience; it is a powerful exploration of identity, place, and exile. Through the lens of Rebecca's experiences, we witness how the female body can be both a source of suffering and joy in the realms of work, art, and love. Elizabeth Graver's beautifully lyrical prose paints a vivid picture of the struggles and triumphs that shape our lives.
Join us on this haunting and inspiring journey, a celebration of the strength and tenacity of women who refuse to surrender to their circumstances. Let Kantika be your guide as you embrace the call to seize beauty and grab hold of the extraordinary life that awaits you.
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