Hassidic Montreal: A candid look

"A cross between Stephen Leacock and Erma Bombeck (with a nod to Isaac Bashevis Singer)." is how today's Globe and Mail, in a full-page article in its Focus section, describes Rather Laugh Than Cry: Stories from a Hassidic Household by Malka Zipora, just published by Véhicule. As the author says in her introduction: "I live, metaphorically speaking, with the shades down, for the light in our home comes from within." Fortunately for us, Zipora gingerly pulls the curtains aside.