A Perfect Moment: A Novel

In Brooklyn, during the Age of Disco, Valentine Kessler, a sweet Jewish girl bearing a striking resemblance to the Virgin Mary of Lourdes, possesses a remarkable talent for crushing the dreams and hopes of those who love her. Miriam, her long-suffering mother, betrayed and anguished by her beloved husband, seeks solace through daily games of mah-jongg with The Girls. This group serves as a cross between a Greek Chorus and Brooklyn's version of the Three Wise Men, offering advice, predictions, and care in the form of poppy-seed cake and apple strudels. As Miriam's greatest fear for Valentine comes true, she finds a semblance of comfort in the belief that things couldn't possibly get any worse. However, they do.

An Almost Perfect Moment is a novel that is sagacious, sorrowful, and hilarious all at once. It delves into the complex dynamics between mothers and daughters, star-crossed lovers, doctrines of the divine, and a vibrant Jewish community that once defined Brooklyn.

This P.S. edition includes an additional 16 pages of insights into the book, such as author interviews, recommended reading, and more.

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