A Family for Frayda
By Menucha Chana Levin
Published by Hamodia Treasures
Frayda is, for all intents and purposes, a virtual orphan. It’s true that her father passed away recently, but her mother is alive and well, remarried to a wealthy man and living the high life in New York – without Frayda, left behind in Jerusalem.
A Family for Frayda is a beautiful novel of growth and self-awareness. Frayda is every contemporary teenager, dealing with school and social pressure, homework and of course, a diet. And yet, she is an individual, feeling out her place in her inner world even as she searches for a place to belong in the world at large. When things get complex and confusing, will she find the courage to listen to her heart and stay true to herself? Can she move beyond the painful relationships and torturous memories, and create a life of peace and meaning?
A Family for Frayda is an outstanding work of literature. Written entirely through Frayda’s eyes, the reader is drawn by her unassuming personality. As the year brings in the unexpected, we are introduced to Frayda’s family, her classmates, and her hodgepodge of new acquaintances from her honest, perceptive perspective. In telling her story, Frayda allows us to see her weaknesses; in fact, she hardly notices that we are also awed by her strength.
Readers will identify with Frayda throughout her journey of self-discovery, and will cheer her on through every obstacle. Her warmth and resilience will continue to inspire long after the last page has been turned.
Available at Jewish bookstores or from the distributor, www.israelbookshop.com.