Chiam Potok has an incredible ability to hold two polarities in suspension, without endorsing or denouncing either side. This makes his novels rich with thematic tension. In this novel the tension is between art and religion. The calling to be an artist requires sacrifice and discipline. All other concerns and allegiances must be subsumed in the greater goal of producing honest, powerful art. At the same time, the life of a religious man requires sacrifice of self and strict obedience to a set of values. A Jew is expected to honor parents, assume a sense of responsibility towards his religious community, and dedicate his life to God.

Asher Lev is a protégé, a young Jewish artist whose gift, manifest since early childhood, cannot be denied, although his father, his community, and he himself fear it and at times try to squelch it. Neither can Asher turn his back on his religious faith, the faith of his childhood, the faith of his parents. Potok depicts that faith with respect, even reverence. It is held up as immensely compassionate and beautifully evocative. The leader of the Jewish community is wise and far-seeing. Asher’s parents are sincere believers whose lives are dedicated to the service of God and their fellowmen. Asher loves his parents and honors his leader, yet he has to follow his own path, develop his own artistic gifts, seek a mentor and an audience outside his religious community. In doing so he hurts those he loves most. This is a powerful, moving, thought-provoking book for anyone who loves art and loves God and has ever felt torn between the demands of both.