The Forbidden Book

It’s the eve of her wedding night when Sorel Kalmans—the 17-year-old daughter of a wealthy Jewish merchant who, along with the Hasidic rebbe, rules her small Russian town of Esrog—heeding the advice of a mystical “shadowy reflection” in her mirror, disguises herself as a boy and flees. But Isser Jacobs, the new name she chooses for herself, is also the name of a man who printed illegal political pamphlets and had secret dealings with her father. Accompanied by a mysterious young man and Adela, Isser’s accomplice—both of whom may or may not be trustworthy—Sorel searches for her namesake, along the way uncovering more about what’s going on in her hometown. As the trio delve deeper into their investigations, Sorel also finds herself drawn to Adela. Throughout, Sorel contends with myriad personal challenges surrounding those she left in Esrog, the life she weaves as Isser, and the future she wants for herself, adding sometimes-meandering complications to her and her companions’ plight. Lamb (When the Angels Left the Old Country) packs their swift sophomore effort with adventure, folklore, and Jewish mysticism: Sorel and her companions must not only confront people who wish them ill but also face existential questions regarding angels and the future. Ages 12–up. Agent: Rena Rossner, Deborah Harris Agency. (Oct.)