In
a small mill town in England before World War I began, an invisible
wall divided the Jewish families from the Christian families who lived
on the same street. They were neighbors, and yet they were far removed
from one another as a result of their differences in religion. Nothing
was feared more than possible fraternization between their young people,
particularly the young women and young men. There were severe
repercussions for those who ignored the unofficial status quo and began
relationships with the "other" half.
Harry Bernstein was a young
boy then. He saw the invisible wall, but he didn't always understand
it. He also saw his mother struggle to make ends meet for their family
in spite of an abusive and neglectful husband. And, in time, he saw his
oldest sister Lily fall in love with one of "them" -- the Christians.
Though he knew what his religion required and what his mother believed,
he didn't know if he could feel the same. After all, what if true love
could crumble the invisible wall?
***I really enjoyed this
memoir. I learned some interesting things about the Jewish faith. My
heart was touched by many of the stories shared by Harry.
