Please to note there may be spoilers. You have been warned.
Last year NPR aired a story about the abuse allegations plaguing the Hasidic Jewish community in Brooklyn. In awe and (a bit judgemental) disgust I listened to the magnitude of denials, the accusations and the way the community and families were being torn apart as they fought to try to simultaneously keep their secrets safe as well as protect their children and their way of life. As I read Hush, I could only imagine how brave the psuedonymed author, Eishes Chayil, must have been to air the ‘dirty laundry’ of her community.
From the GoodReads:
Inside the closed community of Borough Park, where most Chassidim live, the rules of life are very clear, determined by an ancient script written thousands of years before down to the last detail—and abuse has never been a part of it. But when thirteen-year-old Gittel learns of the abuse her best friend has suffered at the hands of her own family member, the adults in her community try to persuade Gittel, and themselves, that nothing happened. Forced to remain silent, Gittel begins to question everything she was raised to believe.
A richly detailed and nuanced book, one of both humor and depth, understanding and horror, this story explains a complex world that remains an echo of its past, and illuminates the conflict between yesterday’s traditions and today’s reality.
What a wonderfully told tale! The book weaves Gittel’s story from her youth to her marriage to a proper Jewish man and her decision to step forward and give a voice to her friend’s pain. The Chassidic community is presented in a non-judgemental way; the author doesn’t seem to blame the community nor does she excuse them. She lets the story unfold and we are able to get a look through the eyes of an innocent child. The narrative drives the book. There are wonderful glimpses into the the insular community that really draws you into a world, while modern, seems to be from a time long ago.
The abuse is not overly detailed, presented through Gittel’s eyes as she is confused by what is happening to Devory. Devory’s mental breakdown and subsequent suicide is written in such a way that while the reader knows something is and will happen to her, I still felt the desire to save her and felt hopelessly helpless as she suffered. There are also some fun (yes, fun) moments as Gittel exhibits typical ten year old behavior and struggles to behave in the manner that she has learned.
I didn’t realize Eishes Chayil was a pseudonym and had to look it up. It means “virtuous woman”. The author is indeed a virtuous woman, standing up to tell a truth that is often hidden and denied.
-r
Yes- it’s an incredible book. No i didn’t read it but it’s really making the rounds- heard so much about it on different blogs and journals. They say that it’s really haunting and doesn’t leave your mind. I should really go out and buy it!