An Unorthodox Match

A Novel

By: Naomi Ragen

Narrated by: Gabra Zackman

An Unorthodox Match is a powerful and moving novel of faith, love, and acceptance, from author Naomi Ragen, the international best-selling author of The Devil in Jerusalem.

California girl Lola has her life all set up: business degree, handsome fiancé, fast track career, when suddenly, without warning, everything tragically implodes. After years fruitlessly searching for love, marriage, and children, she decides to take the radical step of seeking spirituality and meaning far outside the parameters of modern life in the insular, ultraorthodox enclave of Boro Park, Brooklyn. There, fate brings her to the dysfunctional home of newly-widowed Jacob, a devout Torah scholar, whose life is also in turmoil, and whose small children are aching for the kindness of a womanly touch.

While her mother direly predicts she is ruining her life, enslaving herself to a community that is a misogynistic religious cult, Lola’s heart tells her something far more complicated. But it is the shocking and unexpected messages of her new community itself which will finally force her into a deeper understanding of the real choices she now faces and which will ultimately decide her fate.

©2019 Naomi Ragen (P)2019 Macmillan Audio

loved it...wanted more

I thoroughly enjoyed this audible book, but I wanted more, it ended too early for me!!!!

Wonderful Book!

I can't say enough about this book. Wonderful, very human characters, and I cared about them all so much. It was a look into a culture I know very little of, and I appreciated that as well. The story, performance, and everything about it was superb. I want to read more by this author.

Amazing book

First review I ever write. This book was Powerful, honest, inspiring, truthful yet respectful. Teaching that the most important thing in the end is honesty and love.

Predictable outcome but clever getting there

Well written story with intriguing fragments that are not resolved until the end. Extremely well read. Characters are somewhat stereotyped but the plot is so clever that it prevents the reader from being able to figure out how the story will be resolved. Worth listening to.

It tell to remember One must always think.

Well taking action one must think of the consequences of the action she take it This book is about how people feel and not what of the people that think I

Learning More about Judaism through a Good Story

I’m not Jewish so I was very interested in all the details (the good and the bad) about the various orthodox groups that exist in Judaism. I also found it interesting to be exposed to so many Yiddish expressions, which not everyone would enjoy I’m guessing. The story was very compelling and the learning aspects were nicely woven into the lives of a variety of Jewish characters.

Cannot wait for a sequel!!

I really have to say that Naomi Ragen is one of my favorite authors. I heard her speak recently in Davie, Florida, and was further impressed. I have a single daughter and was hoping the flower shop owner was still available. He sounds adorable!!

Would be better with a different narrator

A very good story of life in the Orthodox "yeshiva" world and how a sincere baal tesuva (religious returnee) tries to fit in. Unfortunately the narrator tires to put on some sort of a Yiddish/ European accent for many of the Orthodox characters. Its not believable and detracts from her otherwise good performance. Likewise her pronunciation of many hebrew, Jewish terms comes off as inauthentic.

What a story

As a reformed Jew it was so interesting to delve into the world of the ultra orthodox.

so good

Although I don't speak a word of Yiddish & I'm a Christian, I loved this book. The story is timeless but the look into the orthodox community made this love story so much better.