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Nicole Dweck

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The Debt of Tamar: A Novel Kindle Edition

by Nicole Dweck (Author) Format: Kindle Edition

4.1 410 ratings

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A USA TODAY Best seller!Bestselling author Nicole Dweck brings to life one of history's greatest yet overlooked stories of love and resilience.
In 2002, thirty-two-year-old Selim Osman, the last descendant of Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, flees Istanbul for New York. In a twist of fate he meets Hannah, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and an artist striving to understand a father she barely knows. Unaware the connection they share goes back centuries, the two feel an immediate pull to one another. But as their story intertwines with that of their ancestors, the heroic but ultimately tragic decision that bound two families centuries ago ripples into the future, threatening to tear Hannah and Selim apart.
From a 16th-century harem to a seaside village in the Holy Land, from Nazi-occupied Paris to modern-day Manhattan, Nicole Dweck's The Debt of Tamar weaves a spellbinding tapestry of love, history, and fate that will enchant readers from the very first page.

Editorial Reviews

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"Dweck's novel is dizzyingly good. You will get swept up in it, meaning to read a couple of chapters and instead reading for hours...."" It is not just love that needs to find a resting place in this novel, but also the characters themselves...Dweck's characters are hapless souls - none of them know who they are. And here in lies another poignant element of the tapestry the author has sewn: in their search, the characters encounter each other. And when they meet, the past becomes a little clearer, the journey easier to bear..." readlately.com/?p=175
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"The romance is moving, but perhaps the understated theme of Jews an Muslims intertwined in their commonalities is what really powers this surprising debut novel..."- Meredith Sue Willis, Author.

"A lush novel spanning generations and eras, The Debt of Tamar is ambitious and beautifully crafted by debut author Nicole Dweck...Beyond the enchantment of her story, Dweck proves herself a capable and truly talented writer, piecing together luminous moments of prose that will blossom under her audience's eyes. Her writing, particularly in the contemporary portion of the novel, offers a gently poetic touch that caused me to stop and remark on the way words, though perfectly natural apart, can create something special together..." Literary Inklings

About the Author

NICOLE DWECK holds a BA in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Global Affairs from NYU. When The Debt of Tamar,her debut novel, was self-published, it became a USA Today bestseller and received honorable mention in Writer's Digest's Self-Published Book Awards. She lives in New York City with her husband and their son.

Product details

ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00JO31ZDK
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Thomas Dunne Books (September 8, 2015)
Publication date ‏ : ‎ September 8, 2015
Language ‏ : ‎ English
File size ‏ : ‎ 1.2 MB
Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
Print length ‏ : ‎ 302 pages

Best Sellers Rank: #1,952,192 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- #166 in Jewish American Fiction
- #1,642 in Jewish Historical Fiction
- #1,725 in Jewish Literature (Kindle Store)

Customer Reviews:
4.1 410 ratings

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Nicole Dweck

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Nicole Dweck holds a BA in Journalism and a Master's Degree in Global Affairs from NYU. When The Debt of Tamar, her debut novel, was self-published, it was a USA Today bestseller and received honorable mention in Writer's Digest's Self-Published Book Awards. She lives in New York City with her husband and their son.

Customer reviews

410 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the concept of the tale and how it weaves history with life stories. They found the book very readable and worth reading. The writing style was described as great, descriptive, and well-chosen to keep readers hooked. Readers appreciated the historical content, describing it as rich and perfect. They found the characters well-developed and emotional, showing the author's skill in portraying their emotions. Overall, customers found the story engaging and thrilling, taking them on an exciting journey across centuries.

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Story quality Readability Writing style Historical content Character development Interest Research quality Weave quality

68 customers mention "Story quality"62 positive6 negative

Customers enjoy the story's concept and weaving together of life stories. They find it captivating, with well-developed characters and plotlines. The premise is excellent, and the time periods chosen are rich and perfect. Readers appreciate the accounts of survival, love, and fate.

"...Dweck keeps the complexity of her story so perfectly woven and so rich throughout...." Read more

"...Well written and captivating, this book is highly recommended and a great read." Read more

"...It's a beautifully written book filled with intriguing accounts of survival, love and fate - each inspired by historic events...." Read more

"...from the beginning with Nicole's beautiful, descriptive prose, weaving a tale that I wanted to see to the end...." Read more

63 customers mention "Readability"59 positive4 negative

Customers find the book engaging and enjoyable. They describe it as a masterful debut novel that transports them through time periods. The characters and settings are complex, touching readers' emotions and interweaving into a beautiful tapestry. Readers praise the book for its captivating writing style and emotional depth.

"...to take the reader on a journey into history, into beautiful sceneries and landscapes of gone by eras and most importantly on a journey into human..." Read more

"I truly enjoyed reading The Debt of Tamar and the complexity of its characters and settings...." Read more

"This is an Amazing book! The Debt of Tamar is a truly unique story that travels its readers through three different eras and over four generations...." Read more

"I was enticed from the beginning with Nicole's beautiful, descriptive prose, weaving a tale that I wanted to see to the end...." Read more

44 customers mention "Writing style"31 positive13 negative

Customers appreciate the writing style. They find the prose descriptive and engaging. The words are carefully chosen to draw readers in and keep them hooked. The characterizations are good enough to keep readers reading, and the plot has interesting twists and turns. Readers describe the writing style as comfortable, lyrical, inspiring, historical, and captivating.

"...Each word, like the notes of a perfectly conceived melody, marries the next by creating a familiar surrounding; the reader is hooked and enchanted...." Read more

"...I love how descriptive the author gets and allows the reader to feel and live through the characters...." Read more

"...way Nicole Dweck captured each and every scene, her words perfectly chosen to hook readers and reel them in just enough to make them want more...." Read more

"Interesting, enchanting, well-written. Jarring to read some of the bad editing - "bizarre" instead of "bazaar" - and unfortunately,..." Read more

26 customers mention "Historical content"26 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the historical content of the book. They find it engaging, with well-linked time periods and beautiful scenes from the past. The book takes readers on a journey into history, taking them through three different eras and over four generations. It's an interesting attempt to create a lineage from the conversos/marranos of the Inquisition.

"...to take the reader on a journey into history, into beautiful sceneries and landscapes of gone by eras and most importantly on a journey into human..." Read more

"...The book takes you in a journey through time and history, from the past to the present...." Read more

"...The Debt of Tamar is a truly unique story that travels its readers through three different eras and over four generations...." Read more

"...It is a family saga that begins in the 16th century ,transporting us from Portugal to the Ottoman Empire ,from palestine..." Read more

16 customers mention "Character development"13 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the well-developed characters and settings. They appreciate the author's portrayal of emotions and vivid descriptions.

"I truly enjoyed reading The Debt of Tamar and the complexity of its characters and settings...." Read more

"...The characters were incredibly real and before I knew it I felt like I knew them all my life...." Read more

"This was a story written with terrific imagery. I enjoyed the characters, none of them perfect, all searching for redemption...." Read more

"...The author has done a very good job of portraying real characters and in reading their story, she engages the reader in their lives...." Read more

12 customers mention "Interest"12 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's engaging story. They find it captivating from the start, with suspense and excitement. The modern day part is edgy and leaves readers wanting more.

"...Dweck's novel is one of suspense, thrill and excitement. It's a perfect blend of fiction and history...." Read more

"...is beautifully written and the modern day part is edgy and leaves u wanting more...." Read more

"Amazing book! Got me hooked right from the start. Loved the story, it's a special read and I was happy to learn some history too!!!..." Read more

"...real characters and in reading their story, she engages the reader in their lives. Well written & for my money, a really good story." Read more

8 customers mention "Research quality"8 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-researched and thought-provoking. They say the story is profound, wise, and deeply felt. The characters are well-developed and grow on readers.

"...And a stroke of brilliance it is. It is profound, wise, deeply felt." Read more

"...She must have done a tremendous about of research. I highly recommend this great read." Read more

"...The story stayed w me for days, definitely a thinker! I highly recommend this book also great for book clubs - enjoy!" Read more

"Interesting and very well researched. My only complaint would be the Part I was a overwritten. I almost stopped several times...." Read more

5 customers mention "Weave quality"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's weaving. They find it beautifully crafted and engaging throughout. The weaving through time is also appreciated.

"...is how Nicole Dweck keeps the complexity of her story so perfectly woven and so rich throughout...." Read more

"...Beautifully crafted." Read more

"...Perfectly woven tapestry." Read more

"...It was beautifully crafted and kept my interest throughout" Read more

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Nora G
A magnificent read, an invitation.
Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2013
Verified Purchase

The Debt of Tamar is more than a magnificent read it’s an invitation. It is magnificent for its exquisite writing and an invitation because Nicole Dweck masters the ability of a few writers:
to take the reader on a journey into history, into beautiful sceneries and landscapes of gone by eras and most importantly on a journey into human depth.
Each successive life is an interpretation of the last and the reader gets to witness how the character’s choices affect them and those around them...

Most impressive is how Nicole Dweck keeps the complexity of her story so perfectly woven and so rich throughout. Her descriptions and the words she chooses throughout the manuscript are superb as she manages to create a visual feast for her readers. Each word, like the notes of a perfectly conceived melody, marries the next by creating a familiar surrounding; the reader is hooked and enchanted. It’s a book you will not be able to put down.

The Debt of Tamar approaches history and time in both the internal and external senses, balancing the lives and emotions of the many rich characters with the weight of complex historical times: (16th century Portugal and Turkey, occupied France during WW2, modern-day Israel and the contemporary U.S.).
As the French saying goes: "Pour un coup d'essai, ce fut un coup de maître" which translates into: "Although only a first attempt, it was a stroke of brilliance."
And a stroke of brilliance it is. It is profound, wise, deeply felt.

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victor
Memorable Story
Reviewed in the United States on January 7, 2014
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I truly enjoyed reading The Debt of Tamar and the complexity of its characters and settings. The book takes you in a journey through time and history, from the past to the present. I love how descriptive the author gets and allows the reader to feel and live through the characters.
Well written and captivating, this book is highly recommended and a great read.

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I. Avneri
A must read!
Reviewed in the United States on January 3, 2014
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This is an Amazing book! The Debt of Tamar is a truly unique story that travels its readers through three different eras and over four generations. Starting in mid 16th century Portugal portraying Jews who needed to seek refuge in Turkey under the protection of the Ottoman Empire's sultan all the way through Nazi occupied Paris to newly established Israel.
It then artistically unfolds into segments portraying a story of true love and the power of destiny.
It's a beautifully written book filled with intriguing accounts of survival, love and fate - each inspired by historic events. I loved the way Nicole Dweck captured each and every scene, her words perfectly chosen to hook readers and reel them in just enough to make them want more.

Dweck's novel is one of suspense, thrill and excitement. It's a perfect blend of fiction and history. I read it once and I'm preparing to read it a second time!
Bring it with you to your next vacation :)

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2 people found this helpful

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Denise
Mesmerizing
Reviewed in the United States on January 27, 2014
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I was enticed from the beginning with Nicole's beautiful, descriptive prose, weaving a tale that I wanted to see to the end. Then, when the story jumped to Selim in present-day Istanbul, I was afraid the it was leading in a disappointing direction. I am so thankful that I read past the "romance novel" description of Selim and set aside pre-conceived notions about Nicole's storyline. This was a haunting, beautifully written story! I look forward to the next novel by Nicole Dweck!

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rita shayo
Amazing book
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2014
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The debt of Tamar is a must read book! It is a family saga that begins in the 16th century ,transporting us from Portugal to the Ottoman Empire ,from palestine( before and after the creation of the state of Israel ) to nazi occupied Paris ,ending in present day New York .Using history as a background,Dweck weaves together the destinies of two prominently well known families,intertwining their lives throughout this dramatic and suspenseful novel .Feeling the heavy weight of their past pushing them toward their inevitable destiny , the characters in Dweck's book are so human in their emotions,so fragile in their sorrows , that I cannot help myself to cry often . Dweck controlled the story masterfully.She took me on a great roller coaster ride, high ,low , thrilling.i didn't want it to end .
Rita Shayo

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Amy
worth reading
Reviewed in the United States on March 22, 2014
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Interesting, enchanting, well-written. Jarring to read some of the bad editing - "bizarre" instead of "bazaar" - and unfortunately, confusing in spots and could have been stronger. Still, very much worth reading. I hope she finds a better editor for her next book.

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joseph
Loved this book
Reviewed in the United States on June 11, 2013
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Although I wouldn't often rate a book with 5 stars, I enjoyed this one so much and believe it really does deserve it. I loved reading the different story lines and finding out how they all are intertwined as the book unfolded. It really made me think about the themes of kindness, love, and fate. As a fan of historical fiction, I enjoyed reading the parts that took place in Portugal during the Inquisition and Turkey during the Ottoman Empire. The author's descriptions of these time periods really helped me to visualize what life was like then. She must have done a tremendous about of research. I highly recommend this great read.

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Gatita52
Good premise, weak execution
Reviewed in the United States on May 1, 2014
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It reminded me of a college kid "forced" to write a story around a theme and wanting to get at least a "gentleman's C". The premise was an excellent one, the time periods selected were rich and perfect...this had the possibility of greatness but was implemented as a painful exercise rather than a story-telling. Very disappointing...such greatness COMPLETELY eluded....characters were flat and had faint appeal that was never realized.

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2 people found this helpful

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Top reviews from other countries

Margaret @ JustOneMoreChapter
Stunning Debut!
Reviewed in Canada on March 5, 2014
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I LOVE the cover for this book! If that doesn't shout 'read me you won't regret it', I don't know what does.

Reading this book I had a hard time believing this was Nicole Dweck's debut. She has a writing style like that of a seasoned writer, knowing how much information to give and how much to withhold. I thought the theme of this book was quite original and the sequence of these stories (within the book) flawless. In fact at times it was almost poetic and had me totally mesmerized right to the very end.

Beginning in the year 1542 in Lisbon, Portugal then continuing on to Istanbul, Nazi-occupied Paris and then to Israel and the US (present day), this book moves at a pace that always had me wanting to read just another chapter. The story lines moved smoothly with just the right amount of time spent in each place. Yes there were times that I wanted to hang around a little longer and get to know the characters better before moving on in time and destination.

This book is historical, some might feel more historical details would have been nice, but I loved it the way it is, given the feel for this story I think too much historical details might have detracted from the theme here (just my opinion). There is romance, mingling of religions and family dynamics (whether by blood or not), healing and forgiveness and more.

This book will stay with you long after you are finished and will appeal to those that love historical fiction, duel time period books and beautiful covers.

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Jennifer Ghatan
impeccably crafted and truly imaginative
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 24, 2013
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The Debt of Tamar is a lush novel underlined with magical, emotional and an enchanting atmosphere, shaded with sorrow. It's original storyline is looped together by lyrical & harmonious prose...words flowing gently and smoothly drawing the reader into a very accessible novel that spans generations and eras. Something about Dwek's writing deply captures my interest. I am pulled into the world of her characters and enter into this fascinating mix of history and spiritualism, which transport me to places that are evocative and seductive.

The stories of the main characters are colourful, tragic at times, yet compelling and it is hope and intense curiosity that kept me turning the pages and devouring each and every single one...often rereading the poetic sequences. I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants a beautiful escape within a historical framework. I do wish the ending was approached a bit differently as I felt disappointed and frustrated, looking for a few more pages for the characters to do what I was hoping for, but alas not every story can be predictable and that is also what makes this story so memorable.

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Sharon
An enchanting and compelling read
Reviewed in Canada on August 11, 2018
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As a lover of historical fiction, I found this book
extremely satisfying. The story, characters, time frames
and exquisite writing made this a most enjoyable read.

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A Porter
Okay
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 30, 2013
Verified Purchase
It was okay - a little bit blingy. This had the makings of a really intricate story, but I found it a little too superficial. I wish this system allowed me to only leave a star rating.

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Paula Borovoy
Three Stars
Reviewed in Canada on June 19, 2016
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Nothing special

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5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning Debut!

4.0 out of 5 stars impeccably crafted and truly imaginative

5.0 out of 5 stars An enchanting and compelling read

3.0 out of 5 stars Okay

3.0 out of 5 stars Three Stars

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Stunning Debut!

impeccably crafted and truly imaginative

An enchanting and compelling read

Okay

Three Stars