39 pages • 1 hour read
Cynthia OzickThe Shawl
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1989A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick consists of two interrelated narratives: "The Shawl" and "Rosa." In "The Shawl," Rosa Lublin is sent to a concentration camp with her niece Stella and infant daughter Magda, who survives longer with the help of a shawl. In "Rosa," set 40 years later, Rosa lives in Miami, haunted by memories of Magda, and meets an old man named Simon Persky, leading her to confront her past. This book includes descriptions of the Holocaust and its traumatic effects on survivors.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick is widely praised for its poignant prose and powerful narrative, capturing the harrowing experiences of Holocaust survivors. Critics appreciate Ozick’s skillful storytelling and emotional depth. However, some find the brevity of the work limits character development. Overall, it remains a compelling and moving read.
Who Should Read The Shawl?
A reader who appreciates the profound exploration of the Holocaust's emotional and psychological scars found in The Shawl by Cynthia Ozick would likely be drawn to works such as Night by Elie Wiesel and Schindler's List by Thomas Keneally. Ideal for those who seek harrowing yet poignant narratives of suffering and resilience.