Holding My Breath
by Sidura Ludwig
Published by Shaye Areheart Books, a division of Random House
Click on book
cover to order
at Amazon.com
Reviewed by Beth Cummings
Canadian writer Sidura Ludwig has done a wonderful job with her first novel. I loved that it was set in Winnipeg, Manitoba, a city I have visited several times and always enjoyed. Ludwig grew up in Winnipeg and has written short fiction that has appeared in both Canadian and British magazines and anthologies.
This is not an action-packed novel, but rather a character study of a family. The main character, Beth Levy, tells the stories of her family–parents, aunts, and cousins–who live and work together in one of Winnipeg’s Jewish neighborhoods.
Beth’s mother, Goldie, is a rather stereotypical Jewish mother in the early 1950s. She tries to maintain traditions and middle-class values for herself, her sisters and Beth. Beth’s father runs the only Jewish pharmacy on the south end of the city. Goldie’s two sisters, Carrie and Sarah, live with her family. Their mother dies early in the book and these young women are much younger than Goldie and single. Carrie remains single and seems to lead a rather dull life in the perception of her young niece. Yet she is the one who tells Beth the family stories, particularly stories about Phil, Goldie’s brother who died in World War II. The second aunt, Sarah, has a rebellious streak and is as wild as she is lovely. The young Beth both idolizes and romanticizes her.
As Beth grows up, her perceptions of her family members change and thus add layers of complexity to their personalities. Ludwig has created people who seem extraordinarily real. I enjoyed every minute of my time with them.
I’m looking forward to reading more from this author and would recommend the book to reading groups and individuals alike.
Armchair Interviews agrees.
Author’s Web site: http://www.Sidura.com