The Spell of Time: A Tale of Love in Jerusalem

by Meyer Levin

Science and mysticism collide in this romantic fable from the acclaimed author of Compulsion and The Old Bunch .When Félicité, a young French researcher, travels to Jerusalem to study the secrets of life alongside renowned professor Uriel Buchhalter, she is surprised to find the older man’s heart as engaging as his mind. But their relationship is complicated when American scientist, Joe Schwartz—bitterly jealous of his rival’s personal and professional accomplishments—also vies for Félicité’s love. To plumb Félicité’s true feelings, Joe and Uriel seek the aid of a cabbalist whose mystical solution sets all three on a journey that will change all their lives forever . . .Featuring more than a dozen original black-and-white illustrations by Eli Levin, The Spell of Time is a captivating exploration of the vast spaces between science and faith, and of the tenuous bonds between body and soul.

127 pages, Hardcover

Published January 1, 1974

Reviews

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely semi-autobiographical romance. It was a very enjoyable read that had a touch of mysticism and magic ala Malamud (who came first).

It is set in pre 1948 Israel and what really strikes you is that this is romance of two men, one older and one younger for the same non-Jewish French girl. That is the semi-autobio part as Meyer Levin was 17 years older than his French-Catholic wife Tereska. I am not sure if Malamud and his magic stories predate Levins. both of course are based on Jewish Hasidim and this book has several of Ba'al Shem Tov's stories in it as well. Fast going, well written. The ending was rather botched and too abrupt so that rather killed the pacing.