Linda’s Book Obsession Reviews “The Marriage Box” by Corie Adjmi, She Writes Press, May 2023, On Tour With Suzy Approved Book Tours

Corrie Adjmi, the Author of “The Marriage Box,” has written an intriguing and captivating novel. The Genres for this novel are Historical Fiction, Judaica Fiction, and Contemporary Fiction. I appreciate how the author explains the Syrian Jewish religion and culture, its customs, and traditions. The author vividly describes New Orleans and Brooklyn and the foods and homes. The author describes her dramatic characters as complex, complicated, and flawed.

In 1970, Casey Cohen, a teenager, lives with her family in New Orleans. Although Casey comes from a Syrian Jewish background, her religion isn’t as Orthodox as other Syrian Jews. There is leniency towards certain traditions. Casey also becomes involved with a wilder set of friends and gets into trouble. Her parents decide to go back to Brooklyn, where there is an Orthodox Syrian Jewish Community.

This is equivalent to cultural shock for Casey, who has to learn quickly the customs, traditions, and rules. School is totally different, and making friends is a big adjustment. Her parents would like Casey to get married and have babies. Casey misses her friend from New Orleans, and their discussions about college. Her parents would like Casey to go to the “Marriage Box”, where the young single women hope to find a husband. The new friends that Casey meets talk about diamond rings, marriage, expensive clothing and handbags. Most are not interested in extra schooling.

At 18, Casey does meet someone, and is starting to think that this life could be wonderful. Casey also has dreams of going to college. How can these two worlds work together? How can Casey decide what to do.?

I like how the author discusses the importance of self-worth, family, friends, love, and hope. I would highly recommend this informative novel to others.