The Matchmakers Gift, a review by Di

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THE MATCHMAKERS GIFT
Lynda Cohen Loigman

St Martins Press
September 20, 2022
320 pages

Amazon | Goodreads

For me, to read this book was to suspend my perception of reality as I was immersed in the lives of Sara and Abby. From the beginning to the end of this book, I was totally absorbed with Sara and Abby.

There are dual timelines in this book. The early half of the 20th century is with Sara, 1990s are with Abby. Sara is the grandmother, Abby the granddaughter. The events are almost parallel in the 2 timelines. Sara became a successful Jewish matchmaker in her time. Apparently, this talent is genetic as it was passed down to her granddaughter. In this book, the art of matchmaking is not learned.

In the earlier timeline, there were many steeped traditions evident, and rules to be followed in accordance with the Jewish culture. While I have always been aware (though not totally familiar) of the art of matchmaking I did not know any details. I found it quite fascinating. I had no idea that matchmaking was very prevalent in the Jewish Community in the early 1900s.

I love both Sara and Abby as characters. They both overcome challenges. While these challenges were 70 years apart, they were about the age-old issues that women experience in the workforce.

They are both strong women. I loved how Sara evolved over the years. And loved how Abby grew to be someone her grandmother would have been very proud of.

The author included a detailed description of the research involved to create the historical background for this story. I love the fact that there was an actual Pickle King in New York. And, that there was a Knish War. Ms. Loigman worked hard to create this magical story for the readers.

Finally, an excellent choice was made for the cover. It drew my attention to this wonderful book. There are many elements from the story displayed on the cover. It is an excellent preview of what is to come. Sometimes you CAN judge a book by its cover. It truly is a “feel good” book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an Advance Readers Copy.

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