“Lav (author of A Wife in Bangkok) paints an intimate picture of Jewish life, smattering the chapters with Yiddish words, rituals, and religious lessons from the Torah that give the narrative both depth and authenticity. There’s also a deep awareness of the historical forces that drive the plot, as the characters’ personal events hold court with the political and economic developments of the time. That all adds up to a myriad of moving parts, but Lav juggles them well, sketching out how each generation processes, and transcends, the problems faced by the previous generation. The progress is incremental, but the results, when they do come, are beautifully rewarding.”—Publishers Weekly

“Lav’s attention to juxtaposing family relationships and transitions with social changes in women’s roles and economics creates a story perfect for book club discussion topics ranging from Jewish heritage, identity, and culture to changing mother/daughter relationships as the decades introduce new challenges to all Americans.”—Midwest Book Review

“Gitel’s Freedom by Iris Mitlin Lav is a vivid account of one girl’s deeply observant Jewish family as they make their way from Belorussia in the early twentieth century. Despite cultural barriers that mitigate against her, Gitel finds the strength that will propel the next generation. This book will engage readers eager to learn of one family’s challenges, heartaches, and joy as they strive to realize the American dream.”—Jean P. Moore, author of Crossing from Shore to Shore

“Gitel’s Freedom immerses the reader in the complex lives of Jewish immigrant families, providing a thought-provoking and detailed examination of what it means to start anew in America, the joys that might be nearby, and the costs that sometimes must be paid.”—Bruce J Berger, author of A Covo Family Saga

“Iris Mitlin Lav’s engaging historical novel is a moving testimony that portrays a vivid picture of three generations of an immigrant Jewish family struggling to find its place in America. Gitel’s Freedom is a deeply felt and well told family saga.” —Florence Reiss Kraut, author of How to Make a Life and Street Corner Dreams

“Gitel’s Freedom is an engaging tale! Especially striking is the depiction of the painful choices faced by the observant Jewish immigrant poor. The common view is that our ancestors gleefully abandoned religious strictures when they came to this country. This book serves as a welcome reminder that the truth may not be so simple.” —Ethan Seidel, Rabbi Emeritus, Tifereth Israel Congregation