36 pages • 1 hour read
Deborah FeldmanUnorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots
Nonfiction | Autobiography / Memoir | Adult | Published in 2012A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots by Deborah Feldman is a memoir about her upbringing in the insular Satmar Hasidic Jewish community in Williamsburg, Brooklyn. Raised by her grandparents due to her mother's departure and her father's mental health struggles, Feldman secretly reads English books and questions her community's strict traditions. At 17, she enters an arranged marriage but faces significant marital challenges. After moving to Airmont and having a son, she ultimately leaves the Hasidic community to find her true self. The account involves themes related to restrictive religious practices and challenges within personal relationships.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Deborah Feldman's Unorthodox is widely praised for its courageous and insightful portrayal of her escape from a restrictive Hasidic community. Reviewers appreciate the raw, honest storytelling and emotional depth. However, some criticize it for perceived embellishments and a disjointed narrative. Overall, it provides a compelling look into a cloistered world.
Who Should Read Unorthodox?
Readers who would enjoy Unorthodox by Deborah Feldman are typically drawn to memoirs about self-discovery, cultural rebellion, and personal transformation. Fans of Tara Westover’s Educated and Jeannette Walls’ The Glass Castle will appreciate Feldman’s insight into breaking free from rigid, oppressive environments.