People of the Book / Geraldine Brooks/ 372 pp

People of the Book by Geraldine Brooks is a fictionalized history of the Sarajevo Haggadah. Hanna Heath, an Australian book restorer, is called by the UN to work on the Haggadah to get it ready for display. The book, used by Jews during the Seder, is rare because it is illustrated. It was saved during the Bosnian War by a Muslim librarian which makes it a symbol of unity between the faiths. The UN hopes the display will draw the people together again. As Hanna uncovers mysteries concerning the book -- an insect wing, stains and hair -- the reader is transported back in time to the people who left their mark on the precious book. A wonderfully written book that I enjoyed immensely!