The Beauty Queen of Jerusalem: A Novel by Sarit Yishai-Levi Select Hebrew English Russian Editions

Now a Netflix Series,The Beauty Queen of Jerusalemis a dazzling story about mothers and daughters, secrets and betrayals, and a binding curse.

The #1 International Bestseller

Gabriela's mother Luna is the most beautiful woman in all of Jerusalem, though her famed beauty and charm seem to be reserved for everyone but her daughter. Ever since Gabriela can remember, she and Luna have struggled to connect. But when tragedy strikes, Gabriela senses there's more to her mother than painted nails and lips.

Desperate to understand their relationship, Gabriela pieces together the stories of her family's previous generationsfrom Great-Grandmother Mercada the renowned healer, to Grandma Rosa who cleaned houses for the English, to Luna who had the nicest legs in Jerusalem. But as she uncovers shocking secrets, forbidden romances, and the family curse that links the women together, Gabriela must face a past and present far more complex than she ever imagined.

Set against the golden age of Hollywood, the dark days of World War II, and the swinging '70s,The Beauty Queen of Jerusalemfollows generations of unforgettable women as they forge their own paths through times of dramatic change. With great humor and heart, Sarit Yishai-Levi has given us a powerful story of love and forgivenessand the unexpected and enchanting places we find each.

Finalist for the Book Club category of the 2016 National Jewish Book Awards.

"Highly recommended for those who are fascinated by the history of Jerusalem and the Jews that lived and stayed there, as well as for those looking to learn more about the Spaniol community."Booklist(starred review)

"Fans of Gabriel Garcia Marquez will find much to love inThe Beauty Queen of Jerusalem. The narrative is lush and rife with scandalous secrets of a passionately opinionated family..."Jewish Journal

"Exquisitely rich in history and detail.... [A] poignant and intriguing book." Historical Novel Society

"Yishai-Levis novel stands out, and fortunately her writing stands up to scrutiny, too: Shes a journalist whose nose for character makesBeauty Queena winner."LitHub

"Im not aware of another work of fiction that paints such a vivid picture of the traditions, folklore and language of Jerusalems very significant Sephardic community... The novel also offers a compelling history of Jerusalem in the 20th century as experienced by the people most affected by its twists and turns." Jewish Weekly

"Yishai-Levi provides a compelling and meticulously researched historical backdrop to her story.... This romantic and engaging novel has been an Israeli bestseller for more than two years. This English translation will make new readers enamored with these women and men of Jerusalem."Jewish Book Council

"Reads to an American like a Sephardi version ofFiddler on the Roof.... If Yishai-Levi intended her novel to depict how personal hurts can intertwine with history to divide distinctive groups, then shes done a fine job. But her bigger triumph perhaps lies in showing Israels unique challenge: to assemble its balkanized communities into a coherent whole."Haaretz