This image is the cover for the book Farewell to Dejla

Farewell to Dejla

“Portrays the frustrations, joys, and cultural ties of Iraqi Jews . . . as they disperse to Israel and the US . . . in beautiful prose.” —Jewish Book Council

Cleverly elucidating the somber diaspora of Iraqi Jews, this collection of stories explores the little-publicized migration of a people escaping oppression, only to be confronted with the difficult realities of new nations and customs. Sadka’s work spans Iraq, Israel and the US with beautiful, laconic prose, magnifying the everyday adversity of immigrants.

These moving, impressive stories are based on historic fact in as much as they deal with the destruction of the world's oldest Jewish community.

“Highly recommended.” —Aron Leibel, Washington Jewish Week

“Poignant and moving, the stories are also inspiring.” —Chicago Jewish Star

“Offers a sensitive treatment of a community’s existential fears and an exquisite probing of the painful and comic aspects of culture clash.” —Rayaan Al Shawaf, Tablet Magazine

Tova Murad Sadka

Tova Murad Sadka grew up in Baghdad and immigrated to Israel in 1951 and then to the U.S. in 1967. She has been a correspondent for the Israeli newspaper Davar and freelance correspondent for other newspapers. A graduate from The Hebrew University, Israel in Jerusalem and from Queens College, NY, in English Writing, she published two historical novels No Way Back and The Star and Baghdad Scimitar. Presently, Tova Murad Sadka lives in Long Island, New York.

Chicago Review Press