Little is known about the Jewish Diaspora from the Arab World. This collection of moving stories, describes the hardships and tribulations of families who were uprooted from their homes in Baghdad and left for Israel and the United States. Jews lived in what is called today Iraq since their exile by Nebuchadnezzar to Babylonia in 586 BC. In the 20th century while living with Arab Government’s oppression, anti-Jewish riots, a pogrom that left many Jews dead, and a hostile media, most Jews had to escape Iraq in the 1940-1950’s as their assets were confiscated. The author,who grew up in Baghdad, describes with affection and humor the struggles of these refugees as they lost everything and faced drastic cultural changes while acclimating in Israel and the United States. This book is a tribute to the disappearance of an ancient rich culture. ( )

These short stories offer an interesting look at the life of Iraqi Jews, in Iraq when times were getting tough, in Israel after they were emigrated, and in America after some left Israel. Sometimes it feels like the stories (by an Iraqi Jewish emigre) are showing instead of telling: written to offer an interesting look and explain the author (or her family's) experiences. But the stories generally stand on their own. ( )