Review by Bachy Talkie -- Hidden: Nistar by Batya Casper

[Bachy Talkie]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Hidden: Nistar" by Batya Casper.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Hidden: Nistar by Batya Casper is two novellas in one book. Casper’s writing style is thorough and distinct and the book was impeccably edited. I rate Hidden: Nistar a four out of four stars, and would strongly recommend this book to a friend.

The first novella is the story of a three-generation home and the secrets the household hides from the public and each other. The story peels back one layer at a time like an onion. Casper is a master at holding the reader’s attention as she deliberately reveals one delicious tidbit at a time about the characters’ pasts.

The second novella is set during World War II in Manchester England. It is refreshing to read about Jewish characters in this time period that are not in internment camps or actively trying to hide from being interned. Rather this is a narrative focused on the thousands of Jewish refugees that came to England to escape the war.

Casper knows how to tell a story and includes in-depth details in all of her writing. I think that it is probably best that she sticks to novellas in this work because the details may grow exhaustive at a certain point. However, even with her habit of adding auxiliary details Casper still knows what is important to readers and keeps her stories flowing and well-paced.

Casper also included several child characters in both her stories and writes them beautifully. The children are not too cute, too smart, or too grown-up, they ring true. Casper understands how children think, the assumptions they make, the conclusions they jump to. She uses them to add to her stories in a way only a child narrator can.

Hidden: Nistar is most likely intended for a Jewish audience, however, both stories were well developed and well written and can be enjoyed by other audiences in my opinion. I also think the second novella would be very enjoyable for history buffs, or those who enjoy historical novels that don’t revolve around romance. I also would recommend this book to those who are looking for something that isn’t the run of the mill. Casper created two distinctive worlds and stories. Her writing style is imaginative on the word to word level and does not feel reductive.

I read Hidden: Nistar in one sitting and genuinely could not put it down. The worlds she created grabbed my attention whether it was through her portrayal of mystery, misery, or simply her quality writing. I cannot recommend this book enough!

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Hidden: Nistar
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