Between Two Kingdoms: Summary

Between Two Kingdoms is a historical novel that follows the story of two Jewish siblings living in the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth during the 1650s. The main themes explored in this book are faith, identity, and family. Through their experiences, the two siblings learn how to navigate their religious identity as Jews amidst a world of anti-Semitism. They also grapple with conflicting loyalties between their own family and the authority of their community's leaders. As they face difficult decisions, the two must decide whether to remain loyal to their faith or succumb to the pressures of their peers. Ultimately, they must find a way to balance both worlds while trying to maintain a sense of loyalty to their family and faith.

1. What do you think is the central theme of the book?
2. What are some of the primary messages that author Suleika Jaouad conveys in her writing?
3. How did your own faith or religious beliefs interact with the book's content?
4. What do you think is the importance of family and community in Between Two Kingdoms?
5. Do you think that Jaouad’s approach to religion and spirituality is unique?
6. In what ways does Jaouad challenge traditional religious and spiritual beliefs?
7. How does Jaouad’s personal story of illness inform her exploration of faith and religion?
8. What was your reaction to Jaouad's journey from being a patient to becoming a healer?
9. How did you feel about the way in which Jaouad handled death, grief and healing?
10. What effect did reading Between Two Kingdoms have on your own life, beliefs and attitudes towards faith and spirituality?

• Between Two Kingdoms is a captivating story that provides a clear window into the struggles of human relationships and identity.
• I found the book to be deeply moving, with complex and nuanced characters that drew me in.
• The juxtaposition between the two kingdoms was an effective tool for exploring issues of morality, faith, and choices.
• The vivid descriptions and powerful dialogue made it easy to imagine being in the midst of the events unfolding in the book.
• The use of symbolism throughout the story was particularly noteworthy and helped to bring a deeper level of meaning to the narrative.
• Between Two Kingdoms thoughtfully examines how our beliefs shape our lives, and how our decisions can have long-term consequences.
• I appreciated how the author managed to balance moments of both tragedy and hope in this book, making it a truly enjoyable read.
• I found myself reflecting on how my own beliefs might compare or contrast with those portrayed in this story as I read it.
• It was fascinating to explore how different people have different interpretations of what is right or wrong within the context of a single story.
• Overall, Between Two Kingdoms is an emotionally engaging and thought-provoking novel that is sure to stay with readers long after they finish it!

1. "You don't have to be perfect to be loved."
2. "Love is not something you find. Love is something that finds you."
3. "God's plans are not our plans, and His ways are much higher than ours."
4. "It's okay to be scared. It's brave to keep going anyway."
5. "The only way out of darkness is a little light."

There are currently no adaptations of the book Between Two Kingdoms.

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