Shira Nayman's stories delve into deep emotions while maintaining clarity and avoiding sentimentality. Her writing is characterized by its weight, structure, and elegance, showcasing a generous and insightful perspective. Mary Gordon praises Nayman's ability to evoke strong feelings through her crafted prose, highlighting the impactful nature of her storytelling.
Intergenerational wandering and the complexities of raising children across different countries shape this creative-nonfiction memoir. It weaves together personal stories with historical and literary figures, highlighting the significance of deep friendships and familial connections. The narrative explores how personal identity is intricately linked to the people who influence us and the cultural histories we inherit, offering a rich reflection on belonging and relationships.
From the Australian Outback, where she meets a young Aboriginal man, to racist, rigidly segregated South Africa during World War II, to the midst of a pogrom in Lithuania, and then all the way back to the Babylon of biblical times, Emily has deep encounters with the young women she meets and ultimately, the histories that have mysteriously and yet powerfully shaped her own soul.