DigeeBooks

Spanning decades, an unforgettable novel about reckoning with the past, the true nature of friendship, and the dream of finding home.1944, Poland. Jacob Stein and Zalman Mendelson meet as boys under terrifying circumstances. They survive by miraculously escaping, but their shared past haunts and shapes their lives forever.Years later, Zalman plows a future on a Minnesota farm. In Brooklyn, Jacob has a new life with his wife, Esther. When Zalman travels to New York City to reconnect, Jacobs hopes for the future are becoming a reality. With Zalmans help, they build a house for Jacobs family and for Zalman, who decides to stay. Modest and light filled, inviting and warm with acceptance—for all of them, its a castle to call home.Then an unforeseeable tragedy—and the grief, betrayals, and revelations in its wake—threatens to destroy what was once an unbreakable bond, and Esther finds herself at a crossroads. A Castle in Brooklyn is a moving and heartfelt immigration story about finding love and building a home and family while being haunted by a traumatic past.

In the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, a magnificent castle stands tall amidst the bustling city streets. Within its walls lies a captivating tale of love, loss, and the enduring power of the human spirit. Shirley Russak Wachtel's "A Castle in Brooklyn" invites readers on an unforgettable journey through time, uncovering the hidden stories of those who have called the castle home.

At the center of the story is Annie Polikoff, an elderly woman living in a nursing home, who reminisces about her past life in the castle. As she recounts her memories, readers are transported back to the early 1900s, when the castle was a symbol of grandeur and wealth. We meet Annie's family, Russian Jewish immigrants who built the castle with their own hands, and follow their struggles and triumphs as they navigate the challenges of a new land.

As the years pass, the castle becomes a haven for artists, intellectuals, and dreamers. We witness the rise and fall of fortunes, the unfolding of forbidden love affairs, and the unbreakable bonds forged between unlikely companions. Through Annie's eyes, we witness how the castle becomes a microcosm of Brooklyn itself, a melting pot of cultures, backgrounds, and aspirations.

Wachtel's writing is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. She deftly weaves together historical events, personal narratives, and poignant reflections on life, loss, and the enduring power of love. "A Castle in Brooklyn" is a timeless story that reminds us of the importance of community, family, and the pursuit of our dreams, no matter how grand or humble they may seem. Immerse yourself in this captivating novel and discover the hidden treasures that lie within the walls of a Brooklyn castle.