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The Devil in Jerusalem
An ambulance screams through the Jerusalem’s quiet streets. Inside, a toddler fights for his life, his parents nowhere to be found. With profound shock, an emergency room doctor realizes that the child’s mother—a young American—is already at the hospital, sitting at the bedside of yet another child with traumatic injuries. Devoutly reciting Pslams, she stubbornly refuses to answer any questions, cautioning her children to say nothing.
Brought in to investigate, Jerusalem detective Bina Tzedek-herself a young mother- carefully peels back layer after layer of secrets and lies, following a dark, winding path through Jerusalem’s Old City, kabbalists, mystical ancient texts, and terrifying cult rituals, until she comes face to face with the horrifying truth which has held a young American family captive.
Based on true events, The Devil in Jerusalem from internationally bestselling author Naomi Ragen is an eye-opening look at the dangerous predators lurking around the watering holes of those who come seeking spiritual enlightenment.
Brought in to investigate, Jerusalem detective Bina Tzedek-herself a young mother- carefully peels back layer after layer of secrets and lies, following a dark, winding path through Jerusalem’s Old City, kabbalists, mystical ancient texts, and terrifying cult rituals, until she comes face to face with the horrifying truth which has held a young American family captive.
Based on true events, The Devil in Jerusalem from internationally bestselling author Naomi Ragen is an eye-opening look at the dangerous predators lurking around the watering holes of those who come seeking spiritual enlightenment.
527 pages, Hardcover
First published September 29, 2015
196 people are currently reading
2570 people want to read
About the author
Naomi Ragen
18 books579 followersNaomi Ragen is an American-born novelist and playwright who has lived in Jerusalem since 1971. She has published seven internationally best-selling novels, and is the author of a hit play. Naomi also publishes a regular column that deals with Jewish subjects, especially Israel.
http://us.macmillan.com/author/naomir...
http://us.macmillan.com/author/naomir...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 385 reviews
October 19, 2015
Oh - My - God. This novel is not for the faint of heart. Be warned that it is a very difficult read in terms of subject matter. It incudes descriptions of rape, brutal child abuse, and then some. But it is an important book, too. One that would make you understand how it happens that intelligent, sensitive people fall into the hands of psychopathic, sadistic cult leaders who use them and their families for their own needs, only to leave them completely broken mentally, emotionally, physically and most times - financially. The writing is powerful and sweeping, and I wasn't able to put this book down from the moment I picked it up to the moment I finished it. It gave me nightmares, but I'm glad I've read it.
March 22, 2017
This is one hell of a book.
A woman wakes up on a hospital bed with injuries. She refuses to talk. On the other side , her kids are severely injuries.
She married an orthodox Jewish man in New York. They move to Israel in faith of pursuing God .
EVERYTHING WAS GOING HAPPY AND MERRY , BUT THEN THINGS START FALLING APART . THEY ENDED UP DIVORCING..
Who is this woman?
Where is the bright young wife, so full of love and hope and devotion?
What went wrong?
Why she will not talk to the law , answer the questions, to help herself ,to help her children?
THIS BOOK OPENED MY EYES. THIS BOOK GAVE ME A NEW PERSPECTIVE AND THOUGHTS ABOUT SO MANY ASSHOLES WORLDWIDE BASED ON RELIGIOUS FAITHS PERFORM CULTS (IN ALL FAITHS AND CULTURES) AND DO WRONG AND EVIL STUFF IN LIFE..
READ THIS BOOK FRIENDS AND YOU WILL KEEP THINKING ABOUT THIS BOOK AND HAVE A NEW PERSPECTIVE TOWARDS ALL FAITHS FOLLOWED IN THE WORLD REST OF YOUR LIFE...
A woman wakes up on a hospital bed with injuries. She refuses to talk. On the other side , her kids are severely injuries.
She married an orthodox Jewish man in New York. They move to Israel in faith of pursuing God .
EVERYTHING WAS GOING HAPPY AND MERRY , BUT THEN THINGS START FALLING APART . THEY ENDED UP DIVORCING..
Who is this woman?
Where is the bright young wife, so full of love and hope and devotion?
What went wrong?
Why she will not talk to the law , answer the questions, to help herself ,to help her children?
THIS BOOK OPENED MY EYES. THIS BOOK GAVE ME A NEW PERSPECTIVE AND THOUGHTS ABOUT SO MANY ASSHOLES WORLDWIDE BASED ON RELIGIOUS FAITHS PERFORM CULTS (IN ALL FAITHS AND CULTURES) AND DO WRONG AND EVIL STUFF IN LIFE..
READ THIS BOOK FRIENDS AND YOU WILL KEEP THINKING ABOUT THIS BOOK AND HAVE A NEW PERSPECTIVE TOWARDS ALL FAITHS FOLLOWED IN THE WORLD REST OF YOUR LIFE...
November 19, 2019
This is a very difficult and disturbing read, so be warned. It involves abuse on many levels, but in particular child abuse. It is not always described, but the circumstances carry your imagination to the darkest places. The fact that it is based on true events makes it even more so. Numerous times I questioned myself as to continue or not, but having started the story I wanted to see how it ended.
In a book of this type (dark and disturbing), I try to find some redeeming feature to keep me reading it. Perhaps, because it is based on true events, it was exposing the cruel nature of parts of humankind with which we are not familiar, or cultures and values so very different from our own. We are provided an opportunity to expand our knowledge of the hardships endured by those less fortunate, and to learn something of how to best help address these concerns.
The difficulty with this one is that the main characters, Daniella and Shlomie, did not start out in those places, those cultures, with those hardships. Shlomie, whose given name was Steven, is a middle class New Yorker, and Daniella, is also American born New-Yorker and raised in a wealthy family of jewellers, and she aspired to become a doctor. These two characters get together at a young age and move to Jerusalem, entering an ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect. Quite a turn of events from the innocent and hopeful lives of their younger selves.
The story seems to jump around in an effort to tie the present situation with past events. However, I found much of it to be repetitive, particularly the disturbing parts, and found it did not always add to moving the story forward. All in all, the writing was okay, but certainly not stellar. Perhaps the events coloured my perspective. It is still a worthwhile read, provided you have the stomach for that sort of story. I am still shaking my head.
Although I do not want to give anything away, the author's notes at the end were particular interesting as one of the cult leaders in the story flees the law, to Canada (Montreal in particular), where he is basically chased out after a few years to southern Ontario and then flees further to Central America. I recall this event in the news a few years ago, as a group of adults with fourteen children arrived in Chatham Ontario from Montreal, and then came down to the Windsor area and moved on to Central America. This certainly made the entire story much more real for me, as this took place in my backyard, so to speak.
It still remains for me a difficult book to rate. You can hardly call it a "good read", but I suppose at the very least it instills compassion in us for those who must suffer through such tragic events. I am nonetheless comfortable that I endured to the end, as the group of ultra-Orthodox Jews that moved through our area were reportedly fleeing intervention from the Children's Aid Society, with not too much other detail being provided in the news. This adds a dimension that was otherwise unknown.
In a book of this type (dark and disturbing), I try to find some redeeming feature to keep me reading it. Perhaps, because it is based on true events, it was exposing the cruel nature of parts of humankind with which we are not familiar, or cultures and values so very different from our own. We are provided an opportunity to expand our knowledge of the hardships endured by those less fortunate, and to learn something of how to best help address these concerns.
The difficulty with this one is that the main characters, Daniella and Shlomie, did not start out in those places, those cultures, with those hardships. Shlomie, whose given name was Steven, is a middle class New Yorker, and Daniella, is also American born New-Yorker and raised in a wealthy family of jewellers, and she aspired to become a doctor. These two characters get together at a young age and move to Jerusalem, entering an ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect. Quite a turn of events from the innocent and hopeful lives of their younger selves.
The story seems to jump around in an effort to tie the present situation with past events. However, I found much of it to be repetitive, particularly the disturbing parts, and found it did not always add to moving the story forward. All in all, the writing was okay, but certainly not stellar. Perhaps the events coloured my perspective. It is still a worthwhile read, provided you have the stomach for that sort of story. I am still shaking my head.
Although I do not want to give anything away, the author's notes at the end were particular interesting as one of the cult leaders in the story flees the law, to Canada (Montreal in particular), where he is basically chased out after a few years to southern Ontario and then flees further to Central America. I recall this event in the news a few years ago, as a group of adults with fourteen children arrived in Chatham Ontario from Montreal, and then came down to the Windsor area and moved on to Central America. This certainly made the entire story much more real for me, as this took place in my backyard, so to speak.
It still remains for me a difficult book to rate. You can hardly call it a "good read", but I suppose at the very least it instills compassion in us for those who must suffer through such tragic events. I am nonetheless comfortable that I endured to the end, as the group of ultra-Orthodox Jews that moved through our area were reportedly fleeing intervention from the Children's Aid Society, with not too much other detail being provided in the news. This adds a dimension that was otherwise unknown.
June 21, 2021
This book is a novel based on the court cases of religious cults in the Holy Land where entire families are drawn in and severely emotionally and physically abused by charismatic psychopaths. The worst abuse of all is what happens to the children.
The family in this book may not have actually existed, but Naomi Ragen researched her subject well and brought her characters to life with such realism I had to put the book aside several times to deal with the horror I felt.
If you can handle it, it is worth reading.
The family in this book may not have actually existed, but Naomi Ragen researched her subject well and brought her characters to life with such realism I had to put the book aside several times to deal with the horror I felt.
If you can handle it, it is worth reading.
June 27, 2015
The author Naomi Ragen, an American who has lived in Jesusaleum for 40 years, writes authoritatively about the city. It is evident she understands the language and the culture. I found the background information for the story very interesting and informative, having never traveled to Israel myself.
The 'Devil in Jerusalem' by Naomi Ragen is inspired on a real court case that occurred in Jerusalem...the Elior Chen Trial. "The experiences of the children in this book was based on 300 pages of actual court testimony. [Naomi Ragen]" It is evident in reading this book that Ragen conducted significant research across a wide array of resources including cult rituals, kabbalists and mystical ancient texts. All of this information was new and enlightening to me.
I found the story of Daniella and Shlomie interesting as well. I did have a hard time understanding the character of Daniella, though; hence the rating of a '4' vs a '5'. The loving mother who could so easily turn into such an evil villain and then revert back just didn't work for me. Granted, I have limited insight into cults and their followings so maybe I just didn't empathize with the character enough. The story started a bit slow but moved quickly towards the end. The child abuse described in the book was horrific. I have no doubt that the author used real examples and probably could have added more. I believe part of the author's goal for writing this book was to alert readers of the seriousness of cults that exist today. Most of us readers are completely unaware of the scope of this tragedy.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and found it informative and very interesting. I plan to read other books by Ragen as she has now captured my interest.
The 'Devil in Jerusalem' by Naomi Ragen is inspired on a real court case that occurred in Jerusalem...the Elior Chen Trial. "The experiences of the children in this book was based on 300 pages of actual court testimony. [Naomi Ragen]" It is evident in reading this book that Ragen conducted significant research across a wide array of resources including cult rituals, kabbalists and mystical ancient texts. All of this information was new and enlightening to me.
I found the story of Daniella and Shlomie interesting as well. I did have a hard time understanding the character of Daniella, though; hence the rating of a '4' vs a '5'. The loving mother who could so easily turn into such an evil villain and then revert back just didn't work for me. Granted, I have limited insight into cults and their followings so maybe I just didn't empathize with the character enough. The story started a bit slow but moved quickly towards the end. The child abuse described in the book was horrific. I have no doubt that the author used real examples and probably could have added more. I believe part of the author's goal for writing this book was to alert readers of the seriousness of cults that exist today. Most of us readers are completely unaware of the scope of this tragedy.
All in all, I enjoyed the book and found it informative and very interesting. I plan to read other books by Ragen as she has now captured my interest.
March 22, 2017
From the first page of the novel, it is readily apparent that Ragen is a talented wordsmith (or plagarist. See http://www.jpost.com/National-News/Co... ) weaving a tale of intrigue that draws in the reader faster than you can say "Jerusalem."
But as someone who grew up in the culture Ragan is describing, it is apparent that Ragan has only researched the cultural context so far - this is a culture that she wants the reader to believe she knows from the inside, when in fact she is only an observer at best, and, based on everything she's written, an observer with a lack of actual knowledge and a big old bone to pick.
Ragan has built her name as a Jewish feminist writer, giving the "insider scoop" on the darker side of the religious communities in Jerusalem. As a religious Jewish feminist living in Jerusalem, I can say it's [expletive deleted.] Of course there are problems with the religious communities in Jerusalem (there are so many, and not a monolithic single ONE) just as there are problems, and nut-jobs, in any community you will find around the world. But Ragan is trying, in ways both obvious and insidiously subtle, to infect her reader with her own bigoted biases, thinking herself a hero exposing some imagined dangerous underbelly. Even within the first chapter, her lack of knowledge of the culture she is describing jumps out from the page to anyone who is in-the-know. The summercamp that she imagines as chaste when a good percentage of the campers was, in reality, hooking-up left and right, the bathing-suit and swim cap worn by Daniella as she met Mark, the swim counselor (The swim-area was fenced off and strictly non-co-ed. Girls in swimsuits would NEVER have been allowed in front of boys, and as staff such an encounter was not only unthinkable but would have been cause for immediate termination - and no one would be caught dead in a swim-cap, in front of the opposite sex or otherwise.)
I don't believe in supporting the work of author's whose values are in direct contradiction to mine, especially those who are out to slander, but as this book fell into my lap, and as I was sure I wouldn't be poisoned by her hateful attitude (like a black reader perusing a racist novel) Iread this book for the enjoyable (if slanderous and potentially plagiarized) tale to keep my enemies closer.
But if you're not entirely immune, I wouldn't recommend it.
But as someone who grew up in the culture Ragan is describing, it is apparent that Ragan has only researched the cultural context so far - this is a culture that she wants the reader to believe she knows from the inside, when in fact she is only an observer at best, and, based on everything she's written, an observer with a lack of actual knowledge and a big old bone to pick.
Ragan has built her name as a Jewish feminist writer, giving the "insider scoop" on the darker side of the religious communities in Jerusalem. As a religious Jewish feminist living in Jerusalem, I can say it's [expletive deleted.] Of course there are problems with the religious communities in Jerusalem (there are so many, and not a monolithic single ONE) just as there are problems, and nut-jobs, in any community you will find around the world. But Ragan is trying, in ways both obvious and insidiously subtle, to infect her reader with her own bigoted biases, thinking herself a hero exposing some imagined dangerous underbelly. Even within the first chapter, her lack of knowledge of the culture she is describing jumps out from the page to anyone who is in-the-know. The summercamp that she imagines as chaste when a good percentage of the campers was, in reality, hooking-up left and right, the bathing-suit and swim cap worn by Daniella as she met Mark, the swim counselor (The swim-area was fenced off and strictly non-co-ed. Girls in swimsuits would NEVER have been allowed in front of boys, and as staff such an encounter was not only unthinkable but would have been cause for immediate termination - and no one would be caught dead in a swim-cap, in front of the opposite sex or otherwise.)
I don't believe in supporting the work of author's whose values are in direct contradiction to mine, especially those who are out to slander, but as this book fell into my lap, and as I was sure I wouldn't be poisoned by her hateful attitude (like a black reader perusing a racist novel) Iread this book for the enjoyable (if slanderous and potentially plagiarized) tale to keep my enemies closer.
But if you're not entirely immune, I wouldn't recommend it.
October 26, 2015
This is a very difficult book to read, because of its subject matter--the physical, emotional, mental, and sexual abuse by false "messiahs" within the Ultra Orthodox community in Israel. It tells the story of a young American couple that makes aliyah, wanting a more spiritual, uncomplicated life, and how, after having seven children, and getting progressively brainwashed by worse and worse fake prophets, they ultimately lose control of their minds, their lives and the well-being of their children. It's hard to imagine how this could happen, but Naomi Ragen writes well, and lays out a compelling story inspired by similar true cases that occurred.
May 4, 2016
I use to be a huge fan of Ragen,but her earlier novels were better in my opinion. I felt that this was not anything captivating, it was just really boring to read through all the poor characterization and loopholes. The gap between what she use to be and now is confusing, she use to be so good with characterization, but this one was really boring. I simply did not care about the story at all, neither did I care to continue reading through the poor quality. I may have to take a break from reading any more novels by Ragen, lately she has been disappointing me.
It is sad cause I am a huge fan of the author, but I could not even muster the strength to give it two stars.
It is sad cause I am a huge fan of the author, but I could not even muster the strength to give it two stars.
December 5, 2020
This was an extremely painful and difficult read. Very disturbing. I read it in a day, just to be able to get through it and put it away. I own the book, and I have no idea what to do with it. I almost want to burn the book to purify - but I would never burn a book. I feel like I don't want to give it away, because I don't want anyone else to read it. Could I possibly throw it away? Like in the recycling bin, so its gets changed for use and purpose? I certainly don't want it in my house or out in the world.
Naomi Ragen is an excellent writer and I love her books and her sharp incisive look at the darker side of what can happen in Orthodox communities. This one was hard though. And it has a current parallel for us. Maybe I start there. I really hate to give spoilers, so I won't. Plus I am in the process of purifying. Let me just say this. The book was written/published in 2015. But anyone who has kept their eyes open in the last five years has had to ask themselves an important question. How could it be that one person with a mental illness would be able to get others to see their version of reality? Actually believe they are doing higher good, and not see that they are doing harm. To do harm in the name of God or higher good, and somehow come to believe that is holy. When the evidence is clearly in front of you that it is one man's madness and needs that have clouded the more salient and higher good. That is disturbing enough. But child abuse and neglect and deliberate harm? Let me tell you, its going to be a long weekend to clear that out.
Again, its painful when you see the beauty of your religion tarnished by one very bad apple. And Naomi Ragen does that stellarly well. I am actually opposed to the idea of considering orthodox judaism as a cult. But in this case, when one is brainwashed not to no the difference between right and wrong, madness and reality, and serving a man's vicious psychological needs, over caring for your children, then Cult is absolutely spot on. And to subvert what is actually a beautiful religion in the name of that - well it leaves me unsettled.
Three starts for the writing and well crafted story. I cannot give more or less, because the topic was just so charged and disturbing. Don't read it though. Even if you love this author. It will not add to your life.
For those who care about such things - The Devil in Jerusalem happened to be my Trim the TBR book. It happened to fit International. I happen to own it, so it gets to leave my troubling pile, and it was in the top 100 oldest books on my TBR list. It also means that except for the newest one, I have read every single one of this author's works. And greatly enjoyed them I might add. So it ticked off a lot of boxes challenges wise. But.... my goal is to help it safely and gently leave this house and find its way somewhere for good. Possibly recycle?
Naomi Ragen is an excellent writer and I love her books and her sharp incisive look at the darker side of what can happen in Orthodox communities. This one was hard though. And it has a current parallel for us. Maybe I start there. I really hate to give spoilers, so I won't. Plus I am in the process of purifying. Let me just say this. The book was written/published in 2015. But anyone who has kept their eyes open in the last five years has had to ask themselves an important question. How could it be that one person with a mental illness would be able to get others to see their version of reality? Actually believe they are doing higher good, and not see that they are doing harm. To do harm in the name of God or higher good, and somehow come to believe that is holy. When the evidence is clearly in front of you that it is one man's madness and needs that have clouded the more salient and higher good. That is disturbing enough. But child abuse and neglect and deliberate harm? Let me tell you, its going to be a long weekend to clear that out.
Again, its painful when you see the beauty of your religion tarnished by one very bad apple. And Naomi Ragen does that stellarly well. I am actually opposed to the idea of considering orthodox judaism as a cult. But in this case, when one is brainwashed not to no the difference between right and wrong, madness and reality, and serving a man's vicious psychological needs, over caring for your children, then Cult is absolutely spot on. And to subvert what is actually a beautiful religion in the name of that - well it leaves me unsettled.
Three starts for the writing and well crafted story. I cannot give more or less, because the topic was just so charged and disturbing. Don't read it though. Even if you love this author. It will not add to your life.
For those who care about such things - The Devil in Jerusalem happened to be my Trim the TBR book. It happened to fit International. I happen to own it, so it gets to leave my troubling pile, and it was in the top 100 oldest books on my TBR list. It also means that except for the newest one, I have read every single one of this author's works. And greatly enjoyed them I might add. So it ticked off a lot of boxes challenges wise. But.... my goal is to help it safely and gently leave this house and find its way somewhere for good. Possibly recycle?
March 20, 2016
Understand that my star rating should read "really moved by" rather than "really liked it." Every page is filled with details of horrific child abuse, brain washing, and loss of rational thought because of participation in a religious cult. As much as I deplored the particulars I couldn't put down this book. Ragen based the plot of this novel on an Israeli journalist's 2008 exposé about abuse by a psychopath Israeli rabbi and master of practical kabbalah and his cult member followers who rained sadistic abuse on its victims, most of whom were innocent children. In "Devil in Jerusalem" the psychology of cult victims is explored and how people seeking spiritual guidance can very naïvely end up in evil cults that are led by psychopaths. On every page I asked myself, "how could the mother, the father, etc. fall for this garbage and what has made them lose all reason?"
This novel is so depressing, yet so chillingly compelling.
This novel is so depressing, yet so chillingly compelling.
June 2, 2018
I was fascinated and intrigued by this story about a cult in Jerusalem based on true events.
October 25, 2019
Tense story in a world I know little about. Quick read. Looking forward to trying one of her other novels. 🇮🇱
January 26, 2016
I picked this up on a whim from the library this weekend. The premise of a religious cult, and a mother who is so entrenched that she can not protect her own children from evil, both horrified and intrigued me.
Religion in it's more darker incarnations, has always made me curious, mostly about the ways in which it catches people in its clutches and despite ghastly practices and conditions that sane people would never consider, garners such loyalty and fervency in its followers.
The story was written well enough, and I didn't have a real issue with anything other than the tragically horrible things that were perpetrated against these innocent children in the pursuit of holiness. It was violence from evil itself, and there wasn't a sliver of hope, or goodness, to be found. It simply escalated from sad, to depressing, to unbelievable to pure horribleness.
I wish I'd never read it because of the images of the abuse that are now stuck in my head. It has made me angry and oh so heartbroken for all the children who are actually living this tragedy, in the name of religion, in the world today, because we all know they are out there.
Religion in it's more darker incarnations, has always made me curious, mostly about the ways in which it catches people in its clutches and despite ghastly practices and conditions that sane people would never consider, garners such loyalty and fervency in its followers.
The story was written well enough, and I didn't have a real issue with anything other than the tragically horrible things that were perpetrated against these innocent children in the pursuit of holiness. It was violence from evil itself, and there wasn't a sliver of hope, or goodness, to be found. It simply escalated from sad, to depressing, to unbelievable to pure horribleness.
I wish I'd never read it because of the images of the abuse that are now stuck in my head. It has made me angry and oh so heartbroken for all the children who are actually living this tragedy, in the name of religion, in the world today, because we all know they are out there.
December 7, 2015
Just up front and this may be as far as you need to read: when the other reviews warn you about graphic child abuse, believe them. This is graphic. I cried. I felt nauseated. If you want to get beyond that, it wasn't very well written. Ragen plays fast and loose with point of view and attempts to create tension by switching perspective every other chapter. At first it's Daniella, then it's Bina. And back and forth. Climax, denouement and resolution are minimal. All in all, it reads like torture porn. Not recommended even in the slightest.
November 16, 2015
I won this novel in a goodreads drawing.
This is pretty much an example of a book opposed to cults. There were thousands of these written in the 70s, when cults were all the rage. Ragen doesn't add much of anything new except for the Israeli locale.
It's not bad, but cliched.
This is pretty much an example of a book opposed to cults. There were thousands of these written in the 70s, when cults were all the rage. Ragen doesn't add much of anything new except for the Israeli locale.
It's not bad, but cliched.
February 6, 2016
My first book of the year. I love this author. This was a disturbing book though but I recommend it.
April 23, 2016
Hated it! Repetitive, disturbing, boring, and useless!
November 1, 2023
In Naomi Ragen's "The Devil in Jerusalem," the author delves into the compelling and significant subject of religious cults. The narrative explores the intriguing notion of how seemingly intelligent individuals can become entangled in such groups. However, the book encounters a number of shortcomings.
One noticeable issue is Ragen's attempt to fashion a detective story within the plot, which unfortunately falls short. The book lacks a well-structured plot, suspense, and well-developed characters. This detracts from the overall reading experience, as the story fails to engage readers effectively.
Additionally, the book features characters who frequently quote other sources, such as books and articles. While this may indicate that the author conducted research, it tends to disrupt the flow of the narrative. The heavy reliance on external sources feels more like an attempt to share research findings with the reader rather than seamlessly incorporating them into the story. In storytelling, it's often advised to "show, don't tell," and this aspect of the book seems to miss that mark. It leaves the impression that the book aims to be more of a light research work on cults rather than a compelling work of fiction, causing it to fall short in both respects.
On a positive note, Ragen demonstrates skill as a wordsmith, keeping readers engaged enough to persist through the book, albeit with a growing sense of discomfort. While the book may not fully deliver on its potential, Ragen's writing abilities do shine through.
In summary, "The Devil in Jerusalem" explores an important subject but falters in its attempt to create a captivating detective story. The heavy reliance on external sources disrupts the narrative, and the book's execution falls short, resulting in a two-star rating out of five.
One noticeable issue is Ragen's attempt to fashion a detective story within the plot, which unfortunately falls short. The book lacks a well-structured plot, suspense, and well-developed characters. This detracts from the overall reading experience, as the story fails to engage readers effectively.
Additionally, the book features characters who frequently quote other sources, such as books and articles. While this may indicate that the author conducted research, it tends to disrupt the flow of the narrative. The heavy reliance on external sources feels more like an attempt to share research findings with the reader rather than seamlessly incorporating them into the story. In storytelling, it's often advised to "show, don't tell," and this aspect of the book seems to miss that mark. It leaves the impression that the book aims to be more of a light research work on cults rather than a compelling work of fiction, causing it to fall short in both respects.
On a positive note, Ragen demonstrates skill as a wordsmith, keeping readers engaged enough to persist through the book, albeit with a growing sense of discomfort. While the book may not fully deliver on its potential, Ragen's writing abilities do shine through.
In summary, "The Devil in Jerusalem" explores an important subject but falters in its attempt to create a captivating detective story. The heavy reliance on external sources disrupts the narrative, and the book's execution falls short, resulting in a two-star rating out of five.
January 19, 2024
This is the first time I have finished reading a book in under 24 hours in a very long time. The story sucked me in right away and I literally couldn’t put it down. The story is well researched and written, the characters all too real. The tale is twisted and turns dark, and is not for the faint hearted. I have been fascinated by cults for many years, and this book intrigued me because it focuses on cults in Jewish Orthodoxy, which I had never read about before. The author did an incredible job giving voices to each character. It is a heartbreaking work but I think, a very important piece of commentary on an overlooked problem in the Jewish community.
January 31, 2020
This was such a hard book to read- but so important. Regan tragically and beautifully articulates how easy it is to be brainwashed into following “religious leaders”. I hope the families this book was based on and any other families involved in cults like these find peace and security in the real world.
January 4, 2019
This page turning psychological crime thriller become much more sinister and horrific than I thought. Based on true incidents, Naomi Ragen demonstrates how truly good people can make serious mistakes with their own lives and the lives of their children. An excellent and scary read.
May 14, 2019
A hard to read story but a great story. The pain that this family endured is beyond comprehension but unfortunately based on truth. A must read....
January 27, 2021
This book is difficult to read at stages. It kept my interest but not sure I would recommend it. The book describes how religious cults are created and the extreme danger of getting caught up in one. I am a Christian with strong faith & this book shows the importance of reading & following The Bible!
December 28, 2015
I have been a fan of Naomi Ragen for many years, since I read Jephte's Daughter in the 1990s. She writes about Jewish issues and family life, set in America and Israel. I had the privilege of seeing her at the 92nd Street Y in New York City about two years ago when her previous book, The Sisters Weiss, was released. Although she is extremely observant and identifies as Orthodox, she is passionate about the role of women within the Jewish community and her outspoken views have earned her as many enemies as she has fans and supporters. She is American born, but has been living in Israel for at least forty years.
Of all her books, this is probably the most difficult, yet important one to read. Although it is a novel, it is based on true events, and her notes at the end will explain her research. The book examines the life of Daniella Goodman, a young girl who is searching for meaning within her privileged life as the daughter of a wealthy heiress to a jewelry fortune. As she grows up in Pittsburgh, attending the best schools, and trying to succeed at University of Pennsylvania's premed program, she realizes that this fast paced life is not for her. She meets Shlomie Goodman, and finds in him someone who shares her spiritual hopes and questions, and ultimately they marry and move to Israel. Eventually, she becomes dissatisfied with Shlomie's lack of ambition and his desire to only study rather than help raise their many children. He becomes involved with a man who proclaims to be the Messiah, and from this involvement, their lives begin to spiral out of control, with their innocent children paying the price for their parents' inability to take charge of their lives.
The novel deals with many difficult issues and at times, it is heartbreaking to read of the emotional and physical abuse suffered by many of the individual characters. It is important to note that the characters of the book are fictitious, but the events described are based on certain situations which actually occurred both in Israel and in the world. Basically the story describes how one couple become so involved with a cult leader that they end up immersed in his theories and manipulative teachings and behaviors that they are unable to protect their own children from the abuse of him and his followers. Think Jim Jones and Jonestown of the 1970s, and some Israeli examples noted by the author at the end of the book. Although this book is riveting and heartbreaking, it is important that the readers be made aware that cults exist everywhere. A very intense and high profile book based on current issues.
Of all her books, this is probably the most difficult, yet important one to read. Although it is a novel, it is based on true events, and her notes at the end will explain her research. The book examines the life of Daniella Goodman, a young girl who is searching for meaning within her privileged life as the daughter of a wealthy heiress to a jewelry fortune. As she grows up in Pittsburgh, attending the best schools, and trying to succeed at University of Pennsylvania's premed program, she realizes that this fast paced life is not for her. She meets Shlomie Goodman, and finds in him someone who shares her spiritual hopes and questions, and ultimately they marry and move to Israel. Eventually, she becomes dissatisfied with Shlomie's lack of ambition and his desire to only study rather than help raise their many children. He becomes involved with a man who proclaims to be the Messiah, and from this involvement, their lives begin to spiral out of control, with their innocent children paying the price for their parents' inability to take charge of their lives.
The novel deals with many difficult issues and at times, it is heartbreaking to read of the emotional and physical abuse suffered by many of the individual characters. It is important to note that the characters of the book are fictitious, but the events described are based on certain situations which actually occurred both in Israel and in the world. Basically the story describes how one couple become so involved with a cult leader that they end up immersed in his theories and manipulative teachings and behaviors that they are unable to protect their own children from the abuse of him and his followers. Think Jim Jones and Jonestown of the 1970s, and some Israeli examples noted by the author at the end of the book. Although this book is riveting and heartbreaking, it is important that the readers be made aware that cults exist everywhere. A very intense and high profile book based on current issues.
November 8, 2017
I'm torn at what to rate this book. It falls for me somewhere between a 3 and 4 stars. I'm going to err on the higher side since I have a feeling the more I reflect on the book the more it may resonate with me.
If I had to sum up what my number one reaction upon finishing the book it would be that I'm mostly feeling let down. I have been wanting to read this book since seeing it on the "New Arrival" rack at Barnes and Noble quite a while ago. Maybe that longing and putting it off only grew the anticipation in my mind to a point that could not be achieved. I'm not sure, maybe I'm overthinking it and the book simply was not as well written as it should have been. Like I said...I'm torn!
The book centers around some very disturbing scenes and the storyline should not be easy to read at times. However, I never found myself overly affected because one can watch the nightly news and see and hear much worse. I think that was part of my issue with the book. It simply did not MAKE me feel anything. By that I mean the writing itself did not delve into anything beyond the surface that in turn would create a visceral feeling while reading it. I thought the writing was pretty dry and lacked emotion. However, the one character who showed some emotion was the Orthodox female police detective and I found hers to be contrived and not very believable.
Also I was very interested to learn that the author, Naomi Ragen, appears to have a quite an anti-fan base. It appears there are many who accuse her of Orthodox Jewish bashing. I find that very interesting. I did not see any signs of that in this book. Admittedly, I am not Jewish and therefore certainly not Orthodox but I'm still stumped as to what has these people up in arms. I have no thoughts after reading this that these sorts of evil deeds only happen to or within Jewish Orthodoxy. I assure you that people are aware this awful kind of story could have been set ANYWHERE, within ANY religion, or outside of any religion. Sadly, these sadistic creatures prey on people of all walks of life.
I'll definitely try another book by Naomi Ragen. I hope this one was just a bit "off" and the others will be great.
If I had to sum up what my number one reaction upon finishing the book it would be that I'm mostly feeling let down. I have been wanting to read this book since seeing it on the "New Arrival" rack at Barnes and Noble quite a while ago. Maybe that longing and putting it off only grew the anticipation in my mind to a point that could not be achieved. I'm not sure, maybe I'm overthinking it and the book simply was not as well written as it should have been. Like I said...I'm torn!
The book centers around some very disturbing scenes and the storyline should not be easy to read at times. However, I never found myself overly affected because one can watch the nightly news and see and hear much worse. I think that was part of my issue with the book. It simply did not MAKE me feel anything. By that I mean the writing itself did not delve into anything beyond the surface that in turn would create a visceral feeling while reading it. I thought the writing was pretty dry and lacked emotion. However, the one character who showed some emotion was the Orthodox female police detective and I found hers to be contrived and not very believable.
Also I was very interested to learn that the author, Naomi Ragen, appears to have a quite an anti-fan base. It appears there are many who accuse her of Orthodox Jewish bashing. I find that very interesting. I did not see any signs of that in this book. Admittedly, I am not Jewish and therefore certainly not Orthodox but I'm still stumped as to what has these people up in arms. I have no thoughts after reading this that these sorts of evil deeds only happen to or within Jewish Orthodoxy. I assure you that people are aware this awful kind of story could have been set ANYWHERE, within ANY religion, or outside of any religion. Sadly, these sadistic creatures prey on people of all walks of life.
I'll definitely try another book by Naomi Ragen. I hope this one was just a bit "off" and the others will be great.
March 17, 2024
3.5
This was an intriguing read that kept me interested, despite the topic of child abuse.
However, my whole opinion of the book changed when I read that it was a work of fiction.
This was an intriguing read that kept me interested, despite the topic of child abuse.
However, my whole opinion of the book changed when I read that it was a work of fiction.
February 14, 2016
It is sort of like beating your head against the wall....I keep reading Naomi Ragen's books because I want to like them...because of the cultural material. I keep hoping that each one will be better written than the previous one. I want them to be great literature...not the 'beach bag' reading that they seem to be. However, it just isn't so.
In this one the story is interesting...and based on true (and very sad) real events. I just wish she wouldn't end so many of the chapters with forewarning of 'if you think this is bad, it isn't as bad as it is going to be!" I find that type of foretelling so unnecessary and distracting.
In this one the story is interesting...and based on true (and very sad) real events. I just wish she wouldn't end so many of the chapters with forewarning of 'if you think this is bad, it isn't as bad as it is going to be!" I find that type of foretelling so unnecessary and distracting.
April 21, 2016
I picked this book of off the new book shelf in the library because I usually like her books. I didn't even read the synopsis. Well I must tell you this is a horrific book based on true events. I finished it because it deserved to be read, but I did not enjoy a single moment. I actually had to put it aside because I was reading it at night, and indeed I had nightmares. A religious cult leader manipulates a religious mother into a terrible belief system that has ramifications for her husband and children. As I did not particularly even like her from the beginning, this entire book was difficult for me. So let this be a warning!!
December 1, 2015
Never really wanted to read a Naomi Ragen novel but the cover pulled me in. It was a horrible story and difficult to read so I skimmed the later third. Disgusting - torture of children and miserable characters. This is not a book one wants to read. Glad I skimmed it to finish and can toss it aside.
October 30, 2015
I haven't liked Naomi Ragen's latest books, but this one was very good in that it delved into cults. It was really horrific and unbelievable that this could really be based on a true story in Israel.
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