Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman

This is an extraordinary memoir that is also written in an extraordinary way. 

It reads like a novel but is actually the life story of Deborah Feldman who grew up in the Hasidic community in Brooklyn. 

Hasidism is an ultra-orthodox form of Judaism. They follow a set of strict rules, including social seclusion, based on the preachings of their founder. 

Feldman skilfully shows the practises, rituals and beliefs without preaching. She shows how they affect an individual, particularly a curious spirit like herself. Any deviations, particularly for a woman, are not tolerated and are punished severely. 

Feldman is one of few who has left the religious group without major repercussions. She managed to escape with her son (most people cannot take their children with them and thus very often return to the community). 

It is one of the most interesting well-written memoirs that I have read. 

The Netflix series is inspired by the memoir but it is not an adaptation of it. 

I would strongly recommend both. 

The Writers’ Journal is brimming with beautiful poems, interesting memoirs and engrossing short stories. And I’m lucky enough that my story ‘Gone’ is featured in this edition, titled ‘Live and Learn.’ It is ava
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