Holding My Breath: A Novel
by Sidura Ludwig
JVibe
November 2008, review by Mandy Cohen
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Jewish Book Month
Sidura Ludwig's compelling debut novel, Holding My Breath, tells the story of Beth Levy's search for truth and understanding through piecing together stories and conversations she's heard about her family's past and allowing her imagination to fill in the missing spaces.
Born into a post-war Jewish community in Winnipeg, Canada, Beth is surrounded by taboo subjects, such as the death of her Uncle Paul and her Aunt Carrie's arbitrary disappearance around her fourth birthday. Beth spends the novel fabricating her family's past, but it's only when she gets older that she finally understands and accepts her history.
Set in the 1950s and '60s, a time when feminism was evolving, the book exemplifies the strengths of four diverse women: Goldie, the mother and sister who's always striving for acceptance from the community; Carrie, the quiet and knowledgeable sister who allows her unfortunate past to dictate her lonely future; ambitious, vibrant and rebellious Sarah, whose life dream is to leave Winnipeg and become a singer; and Beth, our narrator.
The novel is dramatic, constantly leaving readers on edge. Ludwig does an excellent job in portraying the life of the Jewish community in Winnipeg, allowing readers to paint a vivid picture in their minds. The novel is touching and evokes emotions in those who can relate to Beth's story.
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