Caledonia

Sherry V. Ostroff’s debut novel combines history, romance, suspense, and Jewish representation. Caledonia encompasses the history of Jews escaping the Spanish Inquisition. A small community establishes themselves in Scotland—of all places! The added intrigue of a modern-day woman—sort of floundering in her world of loss and mystery—suddenly connecting with her 17th century Jewish ancestor, reeled me in. Throw in a couple of Highlanders and I was hooked!

Ostroff has done extensive research for this novel, but imparts the knowledge with great skill and creativity. The historical fiction is based on the true story of the unsuccessful attempt by the Kingdom of Scotland to establish a colony on the isthmus of Panama in the late 1690s. I had never studied or heard of such events; nevertheless, I found Caledonia to be a compelling read. As the story unfolds, Ostroff cleverly weaves a tale of two women, each with her own particular story to tell, but mysteriously linked together by an ancient key that has been stored away for generations. We follow Hannah, the modern-day protagonist, and her predecessor, Anna, as they struggle to find their happiness and their place in the world.

The author paints a highly descriptive picture to emphasize the lengths which one will go, not only to survive, but to thrive. Every decision one makes has the potential to be life altering. The very powerful instinct to survive might only be surpassed by the human need to be remembered…to endure. I find this to be a common thread in Jewish themes. The choices made by Anna’s father in the 17th century, or those made by Hannah’s father in the 21st, had dire consequences and their daughters paid a hefty price. These patriarchs based their actions on personal integrity, with faith that their efforts were for the good. Hannah might not have agreed. Anna might not have agreed. But when these women—separated by over 300 years—are faced with making their own choices, do they respond by rejecting all that is meaningful to them or do they fight the good fight? What would we do in the same circumstance?  That is the essence of a great historical fiction! I leave it to the reader to pick up a copy and decide for themselves. 

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