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Trade Paperback
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9780063036574
Overview
Overview
A marvelous and absorbing debut novel, a combination of vivid historical fiction and magical fable, about two supernatural creatures in turn-of-the-century immigrant New York.
An immigrant tale that combines elements of Jewish and Arab folk mythology, Helene Wecker's sparkling debut novel tells the story of two supernatural creatures who arrive separately in New York in 1899.
Chala, is a golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life to by a conjurer who dabbles in dark Kabbalistic magic. When her master--the husband who commissioned her--dies at sea on the voyage from Poland, she is unmoored and adrift as the ship arrives in New York harbor.
Ahmad is a jinni, a being of fire, born of the ancient deserts of Syria. Trapped in an old copper flask by a Bedouin wizard centuries ago, he is released accidentally by a tinsmith in a Manhattan shop. Though he is no longer imprisoned, Ahmad is not entirely free. An iron band around his wrist binds him to the physical world.
Overwhelmed by the incessant longing and fears of the humans around her, the cautious and tentative Chava fears losing control. Baptized by the tinsmith who makes him his apprentice, the capricious and carefree Ahmad chafes at monotony and human dullness. Like their immigrant neighbors, golem and jinni struggle to make their way in this strange new place, masking the supernatural origins that could destroy them.
Surrounding them is a colorful cast of supporting characters: the caf owner Maryam Faddoul, a pillar of wisdom and support for her Syrian neighbors; the solitary Ice Cream Saleh, a damaged man cursed by tragedy; the kind and caring Rabbi Meyer and his beleaguered nephew Michael, whose Sheltering House receives newly arrived Jewish immigrants; the adventurous young socialite Sophia Winston; and the mysterious Joseph Schall, a dangerous man driven by ferocious ambition and esoteric wisdom.
When Chala and Ahmad accidentally meet, they form a tenuous bond that challenges their opposing natures--a friendship that is shattered when the golem's violent nature overtakes her. But a powerful threat will emerge to bring Chala and Ahmad together again, challenging their existence and forcing them to make a fateful choice.
Marvelous and compulsively readable, The Golem and the Jinni weaves strands of Yiddish and Middle Eastern literature, historical fiction and magical fable in a wondrously inventive tale that is mesmerizing and unforgettable.
- Format: TradePaperback
- Author: Wecker, Helene
- ISBN: 9780063036574
- Condition: Used
- Dimensions: 7.10 x 1.50
- Number Of Pages: 544
- Publication Year: 2020
Customer Reviews
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5 ★
86%
4 ★
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7 Ratings
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An immigrant tale of fantastic origins...
Emily K. - 1 month agoAs a lover of history and fantasy, I found this tale of an immigrant gollum and an enslaved jinni learning to find their way in New York at the turn of the century to be enchanting and captivating. With a climax that left me on the edge of my seat and a sequel just as riveting, Helene Wecker has most assuredly made it onto my short list of original authors.
HPB Staff Review -
Perfect for fans of the Night Circus!
Beverly T. - 2 years 6 months agoThe Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker is set in the heart of turn-of-the-century New York City. Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay with one purpose, to serve her master. Ahmad is a jinni, a desert fire spirit released from a copper flask with little memory as to how he was taken from his Syrian home. These two creatures of legend meet and become unlikely friends. They may become something more if fate and darker forces will allow it... A rich, complex and utterly human tale The Golem and the Jinni is perfect for fans of the Night Circus and speculative fiction. Pick up this enchanting work today!
HPB Staff Review -
Loved it. Going to suggest to my book club.
Diane Z. - 5 years 11 months agoExcellent. Holds your interest from the very first page. The Golem.
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Excellent read!
Mandy L. - 6 years 1 month agoThis book was an excellent read: eloquently written and wonderful character development. You feel transported to 19th century New York and to a world of golems and jinn.
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Engrossing story, highly readable.
Eva O. - 6 years 1 month agoForemost, this novel tells an engrossing story that is highly readable. Its two main character arise from folklore and meet in the late-nineteenth century immigrant communities of lower Manhattan. Nonhuman entities in human form whose very nature lend them widely separated perspectives on “how to be” in the world, they must both negotiate their current circumstance. The novel can be read simply for enjoyment of the tale told but also for its reflection on issues of free will, choice, and fate.