"People of the Book" is a historical fiction novel by Geraldine Brooks that intertwines the rich history of a Jewish manuscript known as the Haggadah with the lives of various characters across different time periods. The story begins in the 1990s when a rare book conservator, Hanna Heath, is tasked with restoring this ancient text. Through her work, she discovers clues about its past that reveal the struggles and triumphs of Jewish people throughout history. Each clue leads to a new narrative, exploring themes of faith, survival, and identity.
The narrative weaves between different historical contexts, including the Inquisition, World War II, and the Bosnian War. Each chapter introduces pivotal characters, from a 15th-century Jewish woman fleeing persecution to a Muslim librarian in Sarajevo who protects the book during a brutal conflict. Through these characters' experiences, Brooks highlights the shared humanity across cultures and the impact of historical events on personal lives.