Wake Me Most Wickedly by Felicia Grossman

 💖💖💖💖/5

Wake Me Most Wickedly by Felicia Grossman, book two in the Once Upon the East End series, is a reimagining of the story of Snow White, except the main characters, Solomon and Hannah, are Jewish. Different aspects of the Jewish community, during the Regency era, are showcased from the treatment of Ashkenazi Jewish people, to the class system, to the use of Yiddish.

Solomon Weiss was raised by his older brother Frederick, who was only a teen himself when he was forced to care for Solomon. Frederick, now an adult, is an influential man and intends to marry soon. He’s asked Solomon to be on his best behavior and focus on the bank work, perhaps do an errand or two for him. Of course Solomon will do whatever his brother asks. One night, Solomon is attacked in an unsafe neighborhood and Hannah Moses comes to his rescue. Hannah is poor and takes jobs that may not be exactly legal. She doesn’t see herself worthy of love and being older she’s no longer naive. Solomon is drawn to Hannah and can’t seem to stay away. He isn’t willing to leave his yarmulke or prayers behind, nor can he leave Hannah behind. Since Hannah runs a pawn shop is not at all what Frederick has in mind for Solomon.

There is much to enjoy with the manner in which Ms. Grossman integrated the world of the Jewish community within the Regency period, and how she used interwove aspects of the fairy tale.

 

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

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