In China, Oppenheim finds bits and pieces of a journal that his uncle kept in Hebrew, his cousin finds another set of documents from his father, and a third is kept by a rabbi in Shanghai. Slowly, all three bring the bits of Kaplan's life into focus and recriminations and betrayals give way to forgiveness and soon reveal great caring.

Jaffe has the ability to capture the dysfunctional personalities in this family, making them realistic and believable. She also weaves the plot skillfully like a fine mystery with layers of understanding coming through the document translations and the reports of people who knew Kaplan better than his own family.

Frankly, I could not put this book down. These characters were so interesting and each page revealed more and more about each of their experiences with David Kaplan. I was frustrated when the characters were frustrated. I also laughed at their foibles, especially Oppenheim's wife when her son told her he was gay. The poor woman just kept digging herself into a hole in her effort to be accepting!

The remarkable strength of this first novel by Beth Schorr Jaffe gives readers a glimpse of what is to come from this talented writer. I can't wait to see what else flows from her pen.