“Things happen.” Thus begins the story about a wonderful English family with four grown children, one son in-law, grandchildren, a father and a most beautiful, sexy and powerful mother, Claudia Rubin. She is, perhaps, the first female rabbi in England.
The Rubin family looks perfect. This image so carefully orchestrated over many years by Rabbi Claudia begins to split at the seams and sends everyone spinning. Do they all love each other? Definitely! Do they all have their own issues and secrets? Definitely! Is this a typical family, Jewish or not, English or other? Definitely! The story touches on every possible combination of issues we, our spouses, or our children encounter and struggle with every day. It celebrates the uniqueness of each member of a family, as well as illustrates the sometimes wrenching struggle for independence and individuality.
While at times this novel is overwritten, and one might lose patience with overindulged self-doubts, no one could read through the Rubin Passover Seder without a smile-inducing déjà-vu moment. Is it a good read? Definitely!