By
– August 24, 2011
This book — part biography, part literary analysis — is an excellent study of the life and work of Anzia Yezierska. Yezierska, who emigrated from Poland to the United States at the turn of the 20th century, led a complicated and interesting life. Berch covers the facts in great detail, from marital strife to Yezierska’s often stormy relationships with colleagues and friends.
But the strongest feature of From Hester Street To Hollywood is Berch’s study of the divergence between Yezierska’s life and the subjects and themes of the author’s literary works. This study in contrasts is what makes Berch’s book a unique and important contribution to that intersection of the fields of history, women’s studies, and Jewish studies. Indeed, Berch keeps Yezierska’s life story moving forward, yet grounded in the writings with which readers will be most familiar.
From Hester Street To Hollywood offers a well-researched portrait of a lesser known Jewish author who lived through many important events in 20th century history. With its breadth and depth, this book will fascinate any bookworm or historian interested in the writing and life experiences of American Jewish immigrants, particularly women. Bibliography, index, notes, timeline.
But the strongest feature of From Hester Street To Hollywood is Berch’s study of the divergence between Yezierska’s life and the subjects and themes of the author’s literary works. This study in contrasts is what makes Berch’s book a unique and important contribution to that intersection of the fields of history, women’s studies, and Jewish studies. Indeed, Berch keeps Yezierska’s life story moving forward, yet grounded in the writings with which readers will be most familiar.
From Hester Street To Hollywood offers a well-researched portrait of a lesser known Jewish author who lived through many important events in 20th century history. With its breadth and depth, this book will fascinate any bookworm or historian interested in the writing and life experiences of American Jewish immigrants, particularly women. Bibliography, index, notes, timeline.
Rachel Sara Rosenthal is an environmental attorney in Washington, DC. Originally from Greensboro, North Carolina, she graduated from Duke University in 2003 and Columbia University School of Law in 2006.
