Play Book Tag discussion

There are so many things that can be said about this book that I don't even know where to start. The writing in itself was beautiful, the characters interesting, and the plot kept me curious. It's not many times that a book can make the hair on my body stand, but this book did just that when I first encountered the golem. The way she sees the world is so much like mine (well, I don't hear the wishes and fears of others like her, but somehow people manage to affect me nonetheless, and I try to avoid the company of anyone who is sad because I become depressed). Of course, as the story progressed, there appeared some differences between the two of us (unlike her, I love reading, and I prefer to work with my brain rather than my hands), but our essence remained the same.

In comparison, I liked Ahmed less, but I can't deny that he was an interesting character in his own right, and I enjoyed the antithesis between him and the golem, the way their contradictory discussions sparked so many ideas.

A beautiful thing about this book is that it opens the possibility for so many discussions about religion and faith, about home and the feeling of belonging, about the true nature of people, and whether we are predisposed to act in certain ways.

However, in light of my new interest in how diverse people are from a neurological point of view, the book seemed to me like an ode to neurodiversity and what it means to be different than most people.

I recommend this book. Whether you want to read something beautifully written or enjoy fantasy or historical fiction or simply books that spark discussions, this is a good fit. The fantasy element is low, so even someone who doesn't normally read this genre might enjoy it.

I have been thinking about reading this book. I find your comment about the fantasy element being low encouraging. I used to read fantasy quite often, but that was more than a few years ago. Thanks for the great review.

Teodora, thanks for this wonderful review. You make me want to read the book all over again! I like your take on this book as an ode to neurodiversity and differences. I didn't think of it like that, but it makes sense. The Golem's awakening and the development of her thought processes was fascinating. Isn't it amazing when a fantasy character can give you insight into yourself or human nature? Being sensitive to the feelings of others is important for empathy (and the world needs more empathy), but as you've found, you have to protect yourself too. I wonder why negative emotions are often more contagious than positive ones.

I think you're right that the contradictory ideas of the Golem and the Jinni made the dialogue really interesting. Their friendship is really dynamic. It gets even more interesting in the second book. I read a blog by the author - she's writing a third book too. I think I'm going to want to read everything she writes.

DianeMP wrote: "I have been thinking about reading this book. I find your comment about the fantasy element being low encouraging. I used to read fantasy quite often, but that was more than a few years ago. Thanks..."

I think you'll like it Diane. The book feels very realistic and grounded. Some fantasy books feel random and superficial, or they follow a set pattern, but this is so much better. There is a lot of real humanity here. It's also great historical fiction, with a strong sense of place. She brings us deep into New York City in 1900, with the different neighborhoods of immigrants. As the characters walked around, I felt like I was there.

I don't really read fantasy but I loved this, Diane.

A a favorite of mine-thanks for the wonderful review!

I also sing the praises of the book. It would be a good candidate for our new PBT Top Fiction List.

I remember reading that the author's parents are Jewish Holocaust survivors and that her husband is of Muslim Syrian descent, which might explain her interest in her characters' backgrounds.

I had a list off 10-15 books that I thought were contenders for the top 100 Fiction and the Golem and the Jinni was on it. The only problem I had, was that I thought its sequel the Hidden Palace was as equally extraordinary. I didn't know what to do with a series. Beartown was also on my list but fit that category. Maybe we have a top 50 or 100 series.... So the outlander and Harry Potter people and cozy mystery people would be happy as well.

Amy wrote: "I had a list off 10-15 books that I thought were contenders for the top 100 Fiction and the Golem and the Jinni was on it. The only problem I had, was that I thought its sequel the Hidden Palace wa..."

Amy, that's a good idea. I'd be very interested to see what our members nominate for this list.

Great review, Teodora. I didn't like so much as many others... For me, it was good, but not great. 3***

I loved this one, and its sequel too!

Amy wrote: "I had a list off 10-15 books that I thought were contenders for the top 100 Fiction and the Golem and the Jinni was on it. The only problem I had, was that I thought its sequel the Hidden Palace wa..."

I think the first book in one of those series would have a much better chance in the voting. I really hope this one is nominated. I loved Beartown too.

I think I also gave 3 stars, because I found the parts with the Jinni in the desert didn’t add anything for me. I liked the evocation of old New York, and the whole idea that even supernatural beings may go through the immigrant experience. A few years back, I was at a college reunion, where authors from the various classes could sell and sign their books, and I found out Helene Wecker is an alum of my college. Of course she was many years after me.

Amy wrote: "I had a list off 10-15 books that I thought were contenders for the top 100 Fiction and the Golem and the Jinni was on it. The only problem I had, was that I thought its sequel the Hidden Palace wa..."

Wow I forgot this was a series I’ll have to go back and finish it. I read so many first in a series and never get onto the second!