HRH's review
The Chosen
by Chaim Potok
HRH's review
The Chosen by Chaim Potok
HRH's review
rating:
recommended for: people who liked A Separate Peace
The Chosen tells the story of two Jewish boys, one modern and one hasidic, living in Brooklyn during the 40s and 50s. Told through Reuven's eyes, the boys become friends when Danny attempts to murder Reuven in a baseball game. The story is about deep friendship, father-son relationships, learning, religion, and what it means to be American and Jewish.
I really, really enjoyed the book. It reminded me in many way of A Separate Peace by John Knowles. It is positive and uplifting while achieving poignancy without being cheesy. It helped me better understand the problems in modern Israel and Judaism in general.
My favorite parts are probably when Reuven is speaking with his father, who is brilliant character. He never gives Reuven answers or reasons but directs him how to act and Reuven just does it. That is ultimate trust and submission. And it works out. Reuven's relationship with his father is about as close to ideal as one could get.
There is definitely an agenda going on. I...more
I really, really enjoyed the book. It reminded me in many way of A Separate Peace by John Knowles. It is positive and uplifting while achieving poignancy without being cheesy. It helped me better understand the problems in modern Israel and Judaism in general.
My favorite parts are probably when Reuven is speaking with his father, who is brilliant character. He never gives Reuven answers or reasons but directs him how to act and Reuven just does it. That is ultimate trust and submission. And it works out. Reuven's relationship with his father is about as close to ideal as one could get.
There is definitely an agenda going on. I...more
