In The Golem and the Jinni, a chance meeting between mythical beings takes readers on a dazzling journey through cultures in turn-of-the-century New York.
Chava is a golem, a creature made of clay, brought to life to by a disgraced rabbi who dabbles in dark Kabbalistic magic and dies at sea on the voyage from Poland. Chava is unmoored and adrift as the ship arrives in New York harbor in 1899.
… York harbor in 1899.
Ahmad is a jinni, a being of fire born in the ancient Syrian desert, trapped in an old copper flask, and released in New York City, though still not entirely free
Ahmad and Chava become unlikely friends and soul mates with a mystical connection. Marvelous and compulsively readable, Helene Wecker’s debut novel The Golem and the Jinni weaves strands of Yiddish and Middle Eastern literature, historical fiction and magical fable, into a wondrously inventive and unforgettable tale.
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Oh, did I enjoy this. Following the stories of all the characters (including secondary) was like watching threads weave together. A slow, beautifully written book. It asked a lot of philosophical questions regarding free will and consequences.
Very unique story and I liked the writing style. First time I have read this author but really enjoyed. Read so long ago cannot remember much but I remember i enjoyed it.
A friend recommended The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker to me a few weeks ago and after reading the description, I was more than a little intrigued. Though it took some time for me to get into it, once I was in there was no turning back. It’s a novel comprised of pairings that don’t seem like they would make much sense initially but which …
Unique and incredible. Highly recommended!
I’ve seen golems portrayed on episodes of X Files, Sleepy Hollow, and Supernatural. The creation has always been portrayed as a harsh protector of whoever it was created for.
As for jinn in stories, movies and television…alternately evil life-suckers on Supernatural or giddy wish-givers in animated ‘Aladdin’.
Here in this portrayal, both are …
Brilliant and imaginative. The setting is 19th century New York, and the story involves two unusual immigrants: one is a golem, a clay woman out of the Polish and jewish folklore, and the other is a jinni, a creature of air and fire from the desert. Together they navigate the new world in which they find themselves, and the characters that …
This book is diffidently different than my normal read, yet I enjoyed it. The genie is trapped for many years and finally set free. He finally escapes those who he had to serve. The golem was made by a man so he would have a wife. He died and she ended up with a different person to serve. She kept secret what she was. The genie knew what she was …
The beginning of this supernatural book hooked me with Djinnis, Golems, and corrupt Rabbis. The characters are amazing and well rounded. The Golem, Chava, comes to life aboard an ocean liner as her master voices the Kabbalah command. Ahmad, the Djinni, ends up in New York, as a well-meaning tinsmith frees him. Both main characters are outsiders to …
Unlike anything I’ve read before. Stretched my mind. A bit too long though.
great unusual story
Loved this beautiful fantasy. For a real treat, try the audiobook. It is narrated by George Guidall and is amazing!
Never would have thought a jinni and a golem could meet. Imaginative and captivating
This is a beautifully written fantasy book with depth and intricately-drawn characters. I couldn’t put it down; it held me fast throughout. Highly recommended.
Wonderful read. So different an idea, and I was sorry to come to the end of the story, I have been recommending this one to friends like crazy.
It’s been a while since I read it, but I loved it. I like anything that takes place in old New York & anything this unexpected & whimsical.
A very unusual relationship develops as the two main characters are gradually drawn together in this marvelous fantasy story set in historical New York City. I would love to read a sequel to this novel!
I loved that different backgrounds can be forgotten and people can grow and change to become their better selves. Also, I love the historical context of this book.
I loved the idea of this book, but the plot didn’t hold my attention, and I never got attached to the characters. The story is dark upon dark, with a fatalistic feel. I skipped pages frequently, and the story still dragged.
This was a really unique story. I loved it. The characters were interesting. I liked the folklore aspect of it.
Excellent historical fantasy that explores the intersection of immigrants in New York City. The characters (and their clear personal goals) were the real highlight of this book.