Unorthodox cover art

Unorthodox

The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots

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Unorthodox

By: Deborah Feldman
Narrated by: Rachel Botchan, Cassandra Campbell
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About this listen

Called “brave and riveting” by Jeannette Walls, Deborah Feldman’s New York Times best-selling memoir of escaping from a strict Hasidic community includes a new afterword by the author as well as the epilogues from the original 2012 editions detailing the circumstances of her life after leaving her husband and forging new beginnings for herself and her young son.

As a member of the strictly religious Satmar sect of Hasidic Judaism, Deborah Feldman grew up under a code of relentlessly enforced customs governing everything from what she could wear and to whom she could speak to what she was allowed to read. Yet in spite of her repressive upbringing, Deborah grew into an independent-minded young woman whose stolen moments reading about the empowered literary characters of Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott helped her to imagine an alternative way of life among the skyscrapers of Manhattan. Trapped as a teenager in a sexually and emotionally dysfunctional marriage to a man she barely knew, the tension between Deborah’s desires and her responsibilities as a good Satmar girl grew more explosive until she gave birth at 19 and realized that, regardless of the obstacles, she would have to forge a path - for herself and her son - to happiness and freedom.

Remarkable and fascinating, this “sensitive and memorable coming-of-age story” (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) is one you won’t be able to put down.

©2012 Deborah Feldman (P)2020 Simon & Schuster Audio
Judaism Women Inspiring Heartfelt

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All stars
Most relevant  
I saw the mini series & really enjoyed it so wanted to read the book. I loved it - full of detail & insight into a previously unknown religious sect for me. I really empathised with the author & could hardly stop listening. Definitely recommend.

Window to another world

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Such a brave intelligent lady. There is hope in this tale for escape from all religions who brainwash from birth.

What an amazing story

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What a courageous woman . What an extraordinary narrative of human rights abuse . Everyone should read this to understand how religious practice is used as an excuse for so much appalling behaviour

An extraordinary story

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i am glad i chose to read the book after watchinhg the Netflix series.
This was a deeper more insightful story which i empathize with more even as i loved the series.
the description and story telling was imaginative

The narrator however lost me a few times.
i could not tell when one thought, sentence ended and the other began.
It didn't distract from the story but it wasn't the best performance

enjoyable and thoughtful

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A really fascinating, well constructed story let down by the narrator who's squeaky voice suited the 12 year old character at the start but became irritating when reading as an adult.

Great novel, annoying narrator

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also very well read. there really was nothing to dislike! Listen then watch on Netflix!

brilliant. insightful, interesting

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I have really enjoyed listening to Unorthodox- such a personal and lasting story of one young woman

excellent

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I loved listening to this book,very real and true,you feel I involved reading it

A beautiful piece of work

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Absolutely gripping and well told. A story I needed to hear this year. I came to the book after watching the 4 part series and they work brilliantly together. I feel moved by this and sad it is over. Thats always a sign that a book will stay with me for a long time. I thoroughly recommend.

Evocative and inspiring

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A captivating listen from beginning to end. I see it as the road to freedom of a 21st century American woman,born and raised in NY. It shows we all live in parallel worlds that coexist, mind opening, will strongly recommend.

fantastic book

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