50 pages 1 hour read

Elizabeth Graver

Kantika

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2023

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Published in 2023, Elizabeth Graver’s Kantika is a multigenerational saga following a Sephardic Jewish family led by Rebecca Cohen as they journey from early 20th-century Istanbul to Barcelona, Havana, and finally New York, addressing themes of displacement, cultural preservation, and women's strength. The source material contains depictions of antisemitism, child loss, infertility, xenophobia, wartime violence, genocide, and ableism.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Elizabeth Graver's Kantika is widely praised for its lyrical prose and rich cultural tapestry, captivating readers with its intricate storytelling. Some critiques note a slow pace and dense historical context that may challenge casual readers. Overall, the novel's emotional depth and detailed depiction of heritage and identity resonate strongly.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Kantika?

Fans of historical fiction with a focus on cultural identity and resilience will appreciate Kantika by Elizabeth Graver. Similar to readers of Julie Orringer's The Flight Portfolio or Isabel Allende's The House of the Spirits, these individuals enjoy rich, multi-generational sagas intertwined with historical events.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Book Details

Themes

Relationships: Family

Society: Immigration

Society: War

Genre

Jewish Literature

Historical Fiction

Topics

History: World

Religion / Spirituality