The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker #BookReview

Book: The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker
Genre: Novel
Publisher: HarperCollins
Publication date: 2013
Pages: 484

Source: Library

Summary: A Golem and a Jinni arrive, separately, in New York City, alone and friendless. Each finds a sponsor of the appropriate culture. The Golem, a placid female-formed creature who aims to please, is taken in by a retired Rabbi. The Jinni poses as an apprentice to a tinsmith in Little Syria.

Hiding their supernatural characteristics, both the Golem and the Jinni struggle to find a place within the immigrant communities of New York at the turn of the twentieth century.

Thoughts: What fun to read a supernatural story that doesn’t feature vampires and werewolves! I read a few Jewish folktales in college and the Golem fits right in with that tradition. The Jinni feels like a creature woven into a tale by Scheherazade.

As much as I enjoyed this glimpse of story-telling in slightly familiar traditions, I was equally intrigued by the realistic portrayal of immigrant life in Gilded Age New York.

Appeal: Readers who appreciated rich details in history and folklore will enjoy this book.

Challenges: The Golem and the Jinni is my first chunkster of 2015. I’m hoping to read at least four this year.

Have you read this book? What did you think?

Comments

The Golem and the Jinni by Helene Wecker #BookReview — 8 Comments

Heather on February 19, 2015 at 9:04 am said:

I just got this one. I’m going to read it soon.

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Molly on February 19, 2015 at 9:21 am said:

I know we shouldn’t judge a book by its cover but… I LOVE this one. And your review is fantastic.

As a transplant New Yorker who is wanting to read more historical fiction (with a touch of fantasy…) this sounds perfect!

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Marie on February 19, 2015 at 10:20 am said:

Nice review. I read and LOVED! this book last year. It’s one of my favourites.

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Tracy (@Cornerfolds) on February 19, 2015 at 12:17 pm said:

I listened to this on audiobook a couple years ago and really enjoyed it! It was so detailed and I just loved the story! Great review

Tracy @ Cornerfolds

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Andi (@estellasrevenge) on February 19, 2015 at 3:20 pm said:

I really can’t believe I’ve let this one languish on my TBR for as long as I have. Must read!

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Haralee on February 19, 2015 at 3:37 pm said:

I am requesting this book now. Looking froward to it!

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Belle Wong on February 19, 2015 at 11:28 pm said:

This one has been on my TBR for ages – I really must get to it soon!

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Kimberly @ Love YA Books on February 20, 2015 at 1:14 pm said:

I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!

I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it – it’s on my ‘favorites’ shelf now (5/5 stars).

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