Award Winning Novel - Destiny by Design Leah's Journey

Book Blurb:

Leah Abramovitz, a cossetted member of the upper echelons of Odessan society, has high hopes for a brilliant future—that is until Fate takes a hand. When confronted with alarming changes in political and societal mores, the family decide to flee and chart a course that will forever alter their lives. Will her dreams be washed away on the shores of Buenos Aires or will Leah finally achieve the freedom to design her own destiny?

Literary Award Judge notes:

Whilst literary awards became a modern 20^th century concept to raise the standards of literary output, the oldest recorded was that of James Tait Black Memorial Prize of 1919. No doubt Jane Austen would have been overjoyed to receive the accolade of “Award Winning Novelist” had there been such in her lifetime. And when asked what I think about the plethora of on-line literary awards I can freely admit I have accepted the role of judge for several International literary awards, thus I give not a fig who the author is, or who published the book. Hence, whether a book is a romantic adventure, a gripping murder mystery, or a family saga, there are six main pointers I seek from submitted novels:

a) quality of prose. b) believable characters. c) realistic dialogue appropriate to historical/contemporary setting. d) depth of meaning to overall plot. e) historical credit for HRs and HNs. g) entertainment value.

Guest Editorial Review: 

Leah Abramovitz’s story is a novel exuding passion and understanding of life in Odessa (Imperial Russia), and it affords more than a glimpse of the Jewish community and all the Abramovitz family have built for future generations. But, with the coming of “Pogroms” (violent anti-Semitism) the family decide to start a new life in Argentina. As an émigré within a new country, Leah matures from an idealistic romantic teenager into a woman of strong mind and purpose in life.

The narrative, the dialogue, and the characters initially bring to life the emotions of a family in jeopardy amidst impending and ongoing likelihood of persecution in late 19^th and early 20^th century Russia. The strength to close a door on one life and start anew in Beunos Aires for the Abramovitz family is as heartbreaking as it is daunting. And when love blooms in the wilds of Argentina’s pampas lands Leah is faced with a second incidence of harsh reality. Thus fleeting heady romance pales and heartache ensues, but when true love steps forth brandishing a Jane Austen novel, can a would-be suitor truly be a fan of Ms Austen’s works? Well dear readers you must find out for yourselves the answer to that question, and I heartily recommend this delightful and engrossing family novel for the Historical Readers’ Award. Not only is the story steeped in historical facts and the Jewish faith, it radiates love of family across the generations. It is as educational as it is entertaining, which is the last important factor for any award winning novel: in my humble opinion.

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addendum: apparently the Nobel Prize for literature was established in 1901. There were years where no prize was awarded, and in latter years the Nobel prizes have fallen out of favour due to criticism of Political bias in reference to Political Correctness: unlike the Booker or Costa Awards.