This review was written by Eugene Kernes
Book can be found in:
Genre = Novel, History
Genre = Novel, History
Intriguing Connections = Some Kind of Friendship
Short Description
Elaborate Description
Magical realism set at the turn of the 20th century in New York City. Combining Hebrew and Mideastern myths into a beautifully written tale. Blending different character narrations into an immersive story with many philosophical questions.
A Golem, a creature made of clay, is brought to life on a ship heading to NYC when her master dies. A Djinni, a creature made of fire, captured in a lamp in Syria but which over the generations traveled to NYC where he is released. Both find themselves in unfamiliar situations and fortunately find guides who keep the secret of who they are and teach them about life. The Golem and Djinni by chance find each other while out at night. As they can share with each other their secrets without it leading to consequences, they have exploratory night excursions in which their very different personalities clash and benefit from each other.
As the writing comes from different perspectives, slowing down the reading in order to adept to the perspectives but it builds the story. This is more a story for personal reflection into how different people respond to similar situations, rather than a story full of quick successions of action.
Book Details
Edition ISBN: 9780007480166
Pages to Read: 484
Ratings out of 5:
Readability - 5
Content - 4
Overall -5
