Ayuni: A Novel

Product Description

With distinct nuances from two little-known communities, Ayuni is a powerful story about forbidden love, loss, the complexities of family and community, and the bonds of friendship.
Miri and Ben’s paths should never have crossed. Although they live in the same north London neighbourhood of Stamford Hill, they come from two culturally different communities that rarely interact.
Miri is a sheltered but contemplative young woman from a Chassidic family. Her strict upbringing has prevented her from pursuing a career or being allowed to date. She has never even spoken to a boy other than a close relative. Soon, she will be expected to marry, but she fears being forced into an unsuitable shidduch (traditional, arranged marriage).
When her more adventurous friend invites her for an evening out, she agrees on a whim. It is an experience she will never forget. There, she meets Ben. Kind, sensitive, and hiding his own secret pain, Ben is from the exiled, Middle Eastern Jewish community of Aden. Despite their differences, Ben and Miri are drawn to one another. What her friend only intended as a bit of harmless fun soon develops into something more serious, with far-reaching consequences for them all, and risks tearing Miri’s family apart.

‘A heart-warming story that bridges the divide between an insular community and its neighbours (and will make you hold your breath!) Miri and Ben’s story gave me a window into the Chassidic and Adeni Jewish world.’ Leah Scheier, author of The Last Words We Said

Review

‘A heart-warming story that bridges the divide between an insular community and its neighbours (and will make you hold your breath!) Miri and Ben’s story gave me a window into the Chassidic and Adeni Jewish world.’ Leah Scheier, author of The Last Words We Said

About the Author

Sarah Ansbacher was born in London, UK, and is the author of six books. She wrote three YA novels, and one historical novel, Far From The Place We Called Home, under her maiden name. Passage From Aden: Stories From A Little Musem In Tel Aviv, is her first book for a wider audience. It is based on her experiences working at the Aden Jewish Heritage Museum. Her most recent novel, AYUNI, came out in May 2021. www.sarahansbacher.com