Katia Ariel's 'The Swift Dark Tide' is a memoir that navigates themes of migration, identity, and belonging. Through vivid storytelling, Ariel recounts her experiences as a young girl who migrates with her family from Ukraine to Australia. The narrative explores the challenges of adapting to a new culture, grappling with the complexities of language and the search for a sense of home. Ariel interweaves personal anecdotes with broader reflections on history, memory, and the immigrant experience. 'The Swift Dark Tide' is a poignant reflection on the human capacity for resilience and the enduring search for connection in an ever-changing world.
Katia Ariel's 'Ferryman' tells the compelling life story of Ephraim Finch, a man deeply embedded in Melbourne's Jewish community, dedicating himself to preparing the deceased for burial. The book unveils Finch's unusual path, from his working-class origins as Geoffrey William to his pivotal role in Jewish mourning rituals. Ariel explores Finch's deep connection with the community, his compassionate approach to death, and the profound impact he has had on countless lives. The narrative captures the cultural and spiritual dimensions of death within Judaism, providing insight into the customs and traditions surrounding mourning and burial. 'Ferryman' delves into the emotional aspects of death and bereavement, portraying Finch's unique ability to bring solace to those grappling with loss and serving as a guide through the complex world of grief.
In 'This Is My God', Herman Wouk presents an accessible and engaging exploration of Judaism, aiming to bridge the gap between religious tradition and modern understanding. Written in a clear and conversational style, Wouk explains the fundamental principles, rituals, and historical context of Jewish faith and practice. The book delves into the core beliefs of Judaism, including monotheism, the Torah, and the significance of Jewish law. It also provides insights into Jewish holidays, customs, and the role of community in Jewish life. Intended for both Jews seeking a deeper understanding of their heritage and non-Jews curious about the religion, 'This Is My God' offers a comprehensive overview of Judaism's enduring wisdom and relevance.
Author Katia Ariel tells the story of Ephraim Finch, a man synonymous with death in the Melbourne Jewish community. He started life as Geoffrey William, the son of a butcher, who would go on to become a master builder before his life became unrecognisable to him.
Several years ago, Melbourne author and book editor, Katia was invited to write Ephraim's biography.
Katia was already familiar with his name.
She had seen the way mourners uttered his name and felt a sense of calm and ease within their sorrow, because they trusted Ephraim as a master of death who would know how to lead them through the world of mourning.
Ephraim started life as Geoffrey William Finch, the son of a butcher in the working class suburb of Ashfield in Sydney in the 1940s.
He learned his love of reading from his pop, who would come home from his job at the abattoir and read Oscar Wilde’s work over a cigar on the porch.
From a young age Ephraim felt an ineffable pull toward monotheism and converted to Judaism, along with his wife, Cas, after the pair met as teenagers at the Wagga Wagga Royal Show.
Eventually he was drawn to his vocation — the sacred and quiet ritual of preparing bodies for burial.
And he became the go-to man in Melbourne, where over his career he has buried more than 10,000 people.
Further information
Ferryman: The life and deathwork of Ephraim Finch is published by Wild Dingo Press.
Katia's first book, a memoir is called The Swift Dark Tide, published by Gazebo Books.
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Conversations' Executive Producer is Nicola Harrison. This episode was produced by Alice Moldovan.
This episode of Conversations touches on death, grief, mourning, burial, Judaism, Jewish, chevra kadisha, Ephraim Finch, Melbourne, Orthodox Judaism, conversion, Jewish conversion, Wagga Wagga, Herman Wouk, deathwork, funerals, epic life stories, origin stories, loss, reflection and biography.
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